Ever wondered why your hair turns gray as you age? A team of researchers says it has identified the root cause as trapped stem cells — and that means new tips for naturally fending off grays from your mane could be coming soon.

It all starts with a type of stem cell called melanocytes, also known as McSCs, says the study, which was published in the journal Nature this week.

The research team from NYU Grossman School of Medicine was already familiar with melanocytes. They're the main mechanism that produces the pigment melanin, bringing color to your skin and eyes.

That melanin is key to hair color. McSCs hang around in your hair follicles, where they receive a protein signal that tells them when to become mature cells. Mature cells release pigment and, voilà, you get your hair color.

But over the course of this study, the researchers learned that McSCs actually move between microscopic compartments in your hair follicle. Each compartment might give the MsSC a slightly different protein signal, which allows the cell to oscillate between different levels of maturity. That's largely unlike how other stem cells operate — that is, maturing until they die.

The unique maturity level of MsSCs gets more complicated the older you get. As your hair grows and sheds in cycles, the more McSCs get stuck in one particular compartment called the hair follicle bulge.

The follicle bulge isn't giving those McSCs the signal to mature, and it's not sending the McSCs back to a compartment that would. The jammed cells allow the hair to keep growing, but the hair isn't given its dose of pigmentation. As a result, you go gray.

To prove this concept, the research team produced salt-and-pepper-colored mice by physically plucking strands of their hair again and again over the course of two years.

They found the number of McSCs lodged in the follicle bulge increased from 15 percent to nearly 50 percent. But in the younger hairs, which weren't plucked, the McSCs continued to move around the different compartments, picking up protein signals and producing a consistently rich brown pigment.

To be clear, the McSCs aren't the sole factor in determining when your gray grows in. Dr. Jenna Lester, a dermatologist and professor at the University of California, San Francisco, told NPR's Short Wave podcast that there's a multitude of factors beyond aging that play a role.

"Some people think sun exposure can damage their melanocytes more or less," she said. "And hormones also play into it as well." Then there's stress, genetics and certain medical conditions, which can all strip hair of its richer hues.

Overall, 74% of people between the ages of 45 and 65 years of age have at least a few silver strands, according to research from the National Institutes of Health.

If you're in that camp and resenting it, this new study could be a reason to rejoice: The researchers say that moving the McSCs to their proper location could prevent graying.

​And anyone scoffing at the vanity of stressing over silver strands can also rejoice: The researchers also say studies like this are putting us one step closer to curing cancer. (Seriously.)

"We are interested in how stem cells residing in our body are regulated to properly maintain our body and how they can reform the tissues when they are lost by injuries," said Mayumi Ito, a professor at NYU Langone Health and a senior investigator on the study.

"When the stem cell regulation goes awry, we will have multiple health problems including cancers," she told NPR. "The melanocyte stem cell system is advantageous to understand this broad issue in medical science, as the malfunction of the system is so visible."

Natural Remedies for Dandruff: How to use Peppermint Oil for Itchy, Flaky Scalp and Hair Loss

Peppermint is the one herb that most people know of, but they do not necessarily know about how it can benefit your hair health and that it’s one of the best natural remedies for dandruff, dry and itchy scalp, as well as hair loss.

Intrigued? Let me tell you why.

The peppermint plant grows quite easily. If you have it growing in your garden you’ll know it’s such a low input plant, just a bit of water and it just grows and grows, and can take over the surrounding plants. And then it’s time to step in and cut it back before it takes over your garden. But does peppermint work the same way for hair growth? We’re going to find out here.

Peppermint is known to be a strong herbal player, with multiple healing and restorative powers. It’s used for its ability to soothe itchy and inflamed skin and has analgesic action, so it works to reduce headache, muscle pain as well as joint pain. Plus, it helps in relieving cough, cold, sore throat, sinusitis, and bronchitis.

The same healing properties benefit our scalp and helps with hair growth too.

If you are experiencing dandruff, or itchy, dry, and flaky scalp, these are signs that something is wrong with your scalp health. It could be due to the use of harsh products containing chemicals, which can strip it of its natural oils. It could also be another microorganism or fungus troubling your scalp. 

Normally, your body is able to get rid of unhealthy microbes. If it is not, it may be a sign of inflammation in the body, presenting physically caused by an unhealthy diet, poor quality sleep, and stress. Have a read of my other blog post listed at the end of this one, How to Reduce Inflammation in the Body

Peppermint oil has Cleansing, Cooling Effects

That’s because of its antiseptic and astringent action. It helps to cleanse the accumulated build-up from the scalp and unclog the hair follicles. Together with this, peppermint stimulates the cold receptor on the skin, causing the sensation of coolness, tingling, and slight numbness.

So if you have been itching constantly and have a red, angry scalp, peppermint oil will soothe and bring you relief.

Peppermint Oil is one of the Best Natural Remedies for Dandruff

Fungal and bacterial overgrowth is often the cause of your scalp producing excessive flakes. Peppermint oil is an effective anti-microbial, fighting bacteria as well as fungi. 

That’s great news for your hair too. Constant itching and inflammation are disturbing for your hair roots, however, a clean and refreshed scalp provides the best environment for your hair to grow and thrive.

What about Hair Loss – How Does Peppermint Help?

Yes, peppermint oil promotes a healthy scalp. But peppermint also has a direct role in improving hair growth. The herb’s stimulating properties boost blood flow and circulation to the scalp. This, in turn, sends more oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles, so it grows strong and healthy hair. 

How to use Peppermint oil: natural remedies for dandruff and hair loss

The popular way of using peppermint on hair is by using its essential oil. If you like head massages, you will enjoy the tingling sensation and refreshing fragrance of peppermint oil.. 

Hair Oil Blend

Peppermint essential oil is readily available from most health stores or online. It’s best to mix a few drops with a carrier oil such as coconut oil and massage onto your scalp. 

Apply the oil blend directly to the scalp, with your fingertips, massage into your scalp, and work it through the roots to the tips of the hair. You can also use a wooden or bamboo comb to massage your scalp. Leave it on for an hour or ideally overnight for it to work longer. Wash with a natural shampoo, like the Nettle Shampoo bar.
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I use peppermint oil in the Nettle Hair Oil blend, together with nettle-infused oil, known for the hair-boosting properties, as well as castor oil, argan oil, jojoba, and rosemary.

Nettle Hair Oil – with Peppermint, Rosemary, Argan, Castor, Jojoba and Nettle-infused Olive oil

Herbal Hair Rinse
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Another way of using peppermint is in the form of herbal hair rinse. There are a number of herbal teas that make great natural remedies for dandruff and hair loss. Simply brew peppermint tea as if you were going to drink it, once cooled, strain and it’s ready to use. 

After shampooing, slowly pour the peppermint tea rinse over your wet hair. Massage it into your scalp for 4-5 minutes. Towel dry, then style as normal.

I’ve written another blog with a number of different herbal hair rinses you may enjoy 5 Herbal Hair Rinses for Natural Hair Growth, Shine, and Conditioning.

Are there any side effects of using peppermint essential oil?

It’s generally safe to use. But if you have never used it, I always suggest you do a patch test on the wrist. You will feel a cool, tingly sensation as the oil sits on your skin. If it starts to burn or hurt, wash it out.

Never apply peppermint oil straight to your scalp. Always dilute it with a carrier oil like liquid (fractionated) coconut oil.
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If you are pregnant, taking any medication or have a medical condition, check with a health care provider before using essential oil.

Buying Peppermint Oil

There are several varieties of peppermint oils, and the right one to buy should be listed by it’s botanical name Mentha piperita. You can buy the peppermint oil online here.

What do you know now?

I explained how peppermint oil is one of the best natural remedies for dandruff, dry, flaky scalp. It’s great for relieving the itch and promote new hair growth. Because it’s anti-microbial, it fights inflammation and fungus often found on the scalp. 

The cooling sensation stimulates blood flow and circulation to the area, which feeds the follicles, growing stronger, thicker hair. And lastly, it smells great and tingles on the skin.