Silver hair turning black in patches

[Kiselsk]

I am 52 years old and was diagnosed with celiac disease about 6 months ago.  I have been all silver for 2 years, I chopped all my hair off to reach that goal.  I noticed a week ago that I have some black hair growing in my bangs and some patches on the sides. Just yesterday I saw larger areas of black hair in the back.  This only started after I stopped eating gluten and only use gluten free shampoo. I've been looking online but can't find any information.  Does anyone know information about what is happening and if it has to do with gluten or not. Seeing if anyone else has had this happen. Thank you.

[knitty kitty]

Hi!  Welcome to the forum!

Found some scientific research that says some grey hair is caused by low ferritin (iron), vitamin B12, folate, and copper.  Deficiencies of other vitamins and minerals might play a part, too.

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Celiac Disease causes malabsorption which results in malnutrition, vitamin and mineral deficiency or insufficiency.  

Since you've been gluten free, your intestines are healing and are able to absorb more of those nutrients you need to feel better and grow hair.  Even so, you may want to discuss with your doctor (or a dietician) about checking for nutritional deficiencies or insufficiencies.  Celiacs are often low in iron, Vitamin D, the eight B vitamins, magnesium. And Celiacs may have thyroid problems, too, which also can affect hair growth.  

Hope this helps!  Keep us posted on your progress!

 

[healthysquirrel]

Interesting. Did anything else change in your diet kiselsk? Are you ingesting black strap molasses by any chance ? 

[Kiselsk]

Nothing else has changed and I don't ingest black strap molasses since I'm also a diabetic. I've been a diabetic since 2011, that's not something new.

[GFinDC]

I agree, it's probably related to improved nutrition.  I.E. better absorption of nutrients.  My hair didn't turn brown after going gluten-free but my finger nails and toe nails started growing faster.  I also used to have a series of little bumps in a line on some nails.  Those are gone too.

[lyfan]

Supposedly silver/white hair is the result of hydrogen peroxide, produced in excess in the hair follicles and literally bleaching out your normal hair color. I haven't heard specifics but dietary or metabolic changes that elevate the peroxide level are supposed to be the cause of the hair going colorless as we age.

Something you are doing has "fixed" this, at least in patches. Or, you forgot to tip the tooth fairy and she's having fun with your hair.