How hair color affects lifespan: New scientific data

What scientists have discovered about hair color and longevity

Researchers from Harvard Medical School conducted a series of analyses involving over 20,000 participants. They found that certain genes responsible for hair pigmentation are also associated with health risks.

For example, people with red hair are more likely to have mutations in the MC1R gene. This gene is linked not only to hair color but also to UV sensitivity, the risk of melanoma, and other diseases that can impact lifespan.

And gray hair is not necessarily a sign of old age. People with dark hair may go gray later than those with lighter hair, but this has nothing to do with lifespan.

Blondes and longevity – is there a connection

Some studies, including a report from the Institute on Aging at the University of Minnesota, suggest that people with light hair tend to show lower levels of inflammation in older age. But hair color alone is not decisive – the genetic context determines everything.

Hair color as a marker, not a cause

Scientists emphasize: hair color in itself does not affect lifespan. It is more of a marker indicating certain genetic characteristics.

For instance, graying before the age of 30 may be linked to micronutrient deficiencies or thyroid problems, which can indirectly affect health.

Studies that caused confusion

Several studies conducted in the USA and Europe observed that dark-haired women had a slightly higher average lifespan than blondes. However, after further analysis that accounted for other factors (diet, social status, stress), the connection with hair color disappeared.

In Japan, 90% of the population has dark hair, and the average life expectancy is one of the highest in the world. But the determining factors are not hair color, but lifestyle, habits, genetics, and quality healthcare.

What influences longevity

Hair color is associated with certain genes, but dozens of other genetic and behavioral factors influence lifespan:

• lifestyle
• nutrition
• genetic diseases
• access to healthcare
• stress levels
• environment

Geneticists advise against drawing conclusions based on your hair color and instead emphasize the main factors of longevity: physical activity, balanced nutrition, stable sleep, and stress management.

Earlier, we wrote that scientists found out what matters more for longevity – genes or lifestyle.

Sources: Harvard Medical School, Journal of Aging Research, Mayo Clinic, National Institutes of Health, American Academy of Dermatology.

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