Gene responsible for greying hair identified

The first gene specifically responsible for greying hair has been identified by scientists at University College London.

Researchers analysed a population of more than 6,000 people with varied ancestry across Latin America to identify new genes associated with hair colour, greying, density and shape.

The gene, IRF4, was previously known to play a role in determining hair colour, but this is the first time it has been associated with the greying of hair. It has been shown to help regulate production and storage of melanin, the pigment that determines hair, skin and eye colour.

This research provides confirmation that greying hair has a genetic component and is not purely caused by environmental factors.

Study lead author Dr Kaustubh Adhikari of University College London's cell and developmental biology unit said: "We already know several genes involved in balding and hair colour, but this is the first time a gene for greying has been identified in humans."

Genes were also identified with links to hair curliness, beard thickness, eyebrow thickness and monobrow prevalence.