What You Should Know if You’re Starting to Go Gray 
By Leonardo Rocco

More and more people are choosing to show off their gray hair with pride, without dyeing it or hiding what, for many, represents maturity, elegance, and authenticity. But with that decision—or even when you just start noticing your first white hairs in the mirror—come doubts, prejudices, and many myths that are repeated without foundation.
Do gray hairs appear due to stress? If I pluck one, will seven more grow? Are they thicker? Should they be cared for differently?

In this article, we bust myths about gray hair and I share my personal recommendations to care for, enhance, and show it off at 100%.

Myth 1: “If you pluck one gray hair, seven more will grow”

False.
This is perhaps the most popular myth. In reality, each hair follicle produces only one hair. If you pluck a gray hair, another may grow in the same spot, but they don’t multiply. What can happen is that, if you’re already going gray, other gray hairs will appear—whether or not you pluck them.

My advice: don’t pluck them. You’re irritating the scalp and weakening the follicle. It’s better to cut it at the root or cover it with subtle techniques like camouflage.

Myth 2: “Gray hair appears due to stress”

Partially true.
Aging is the main factor, but stress can accelerate the process by affecting the stem cells that regenerate melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color. Several recent scientific studies support this theory.

What science says:
A Harvard University study published in Nature (2020) showed that acute stress can directly affect the stem cells in the hair follicle responsible for regenerating melanin.

Stress releases large amounts of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that causes these stem cells to deplete early. As a result, follicles stop producing pigment... and gray hairs appear.

Important: This doesn’t happen overnight. You won’t wake up with gray hair after one hard week at work. But prolonged periods of extreme stress can accelerate a genetically predetermined process.

So, does stress cause “premature” gray hair?
Yes, it can contribute. People who are genetically predisposed to go gray at 45 may start seeing gray at 35 if they lead a chronically stressful life without rest or self-care. Other factors like poor diet, lack of sleep, smoking, and vitamin B—especially B12—deficiency also play a role.

Myth 3: “Gray hair is genetic and can’t be avoided”

True.
Your DNA plays a big role. If your parents went gray early, you probably will too. But you can delay it with good hair nutrition, antioxidant products, and a healthy lifestyle.

Myth 4: “White hair is thicker and more unruly”

Partially true.
When hair loses melanin, it often loses natural moisture too, becoming more porous, dry, and rough—making it seem thicker or frizzier. It's not stronger—on the contrary, it usually needs more care and nourishment.

My routine for this type of hair includes:
“At the salon we use Rocco Donna Professional's Violet Toning Shampoo, which helps keep gray hair bright and free of yellow tones. I pair it with the Ultra-Nourishing Mask with the exotic oil complex Roccoil, which deeply rehydrates and softens the hair fiber. This makes white hair look radiant, healthy, and manageable.”

Our Ultra-Nourishing Mask with exotic Roccoil deeply hydrates and revives even the driest white strands.
✨ Add it to your weekly routine and feel the difference from the first use.
👉 [Shop the Ultra-Nourishing Mask now]

Myth 5: “Gray hair doesn’t need special care”

False.
Lacking pigment, white hair is more sensitive to pollution, sunlight, pool chlorine, and product residues. It also tends to turn yellowish or dull.

Basic care tips:

• Use sulfate-free shampoos with violet pigments 1–2 times a week.
  
  

• Apply nourishing masks or oils at least every 10 days.
  
  

• Avoid excessive heat without thermal protection.
  
  

Myth 6: “If I shave my head, gray hair won’t come back”

False.
Hair color is determined by pigment-producing cells in the follicle, not hair length. Cutting won’t stop the graying process.

Myth 7: “I can keep using the same products as before”

False.
White hair needs specific products—from violet shampoos to neutralize yellow tones, to nourishing oils that restore softness and shine.

“I always recommend alternating a violet shampoo with a nourishing one and applying the macadamia oil mask from Rocco Donna Professional once a week. That way you maintain a cool tone and hydration.

Discover our Violet Toning Shampoo - your perfect product for radiant silver hair.

Myth 8: “Gray hair only appears in older people”

False.
More and more young people—even in their 20s or 30s—are getting gray hair due to genetics, stress, or vitamin deficiencies. It’s not uncommon to see teens with localized white streaks.

Average age for first gray hairs:

• Around 30 in people of Caucasian descent
• Around 40 in people of Asian descent
• Around 45 in people of African descent
  
  

Premature graying occurs when:

• Before age 20 in white individuals
• Before 25 in Asians
• Before 30 in African descendants
  
  

And it's happening more often due to many factors.

Why do young people get gray hair?

“In my salon, I’m seeing more and more young clients worried about gray streaks at age 25 or 30. I always tell them they’re not alone: it’s normal and increasingly common.”

Common causes:

• Genetics: the strongest factor
• Chronic stress: depletes melanin-regenerating stem cells early.
• Nutrient deficiencies: especially B12, iron, copper, and zinc.
• Smoking: releases free radicals that damage pigment cells.
• Medical conditions: autoimmune diseases, hormonal imbalances, or thyroid problems.
  
  

Myth 9: “There are miracle products that eliminate gray hair”

False.
No shampoo, cream, or supplement can reverse already formed gray hair. Some claim to delay it, but results are not scientifically conclusive. Best approach: care for or blend them with color techniques.

Myth 10: “Gray hair is weak”

Partially true.
White hair can feel thicker but isn't necessarily stronger. In fact, it may become more fragile and brittle without proper hydration and heat protection.

Myth 11: “The sun doesn’t affect gray hair”

False.
Sunlight hits pigment-free hair directly. Grays oxidize more easily, taking on unwanted yellow or copper tones.

“I always recommend a hair sunscreen or wearing hats in summer. And to fix oxidized tones, nothing beats the cool-tone treatment we use at Rocco Donna.”

Myth 12: “Gray hair makes you look older”

False.
What ages you isn’t the gray hair itself, but its overall condition and styling. A modern cut, a good base color (even white!), and the right products can make you look fresher, more elegant, and more empowered than any poorly maintained dark dye.

Myth 13: “White hair is only for men or only for women”

False.
Gray hair has no gender. Today, both men and women proudly show off their white hair with style using cuts, partial color, and texture. What matters is that it reflects your personality.

Myth 14: “You can dye just some of your gray hairs”

True.
Techniques like gray hair camouflage or blending allow you to keep part of your natural hair and soften the grays without full coverage. Ideal for a gradual transition or a modern, low-maintenance look.

Myth 15: “Gray hair can be a symbol of power”

Absolutely true.
More and more people are letting their gray show as a statement of style and freedom. In fashion, TV, and social media, white hair is no longer hidden—it’s celebrated.

“My clients often say: ‘Rocco, I let my gray grow out and I feel more like myself than ever.’ All that hair needs is shine, shape, and an intentional cut. Done! It’s a new phase to enjoy.”

Myth 16: “Gray hair can be a very modern and elegant style”

Totally true.
Now more than ever, we see models, celebrities, and everyday people of all ages proudly rocking their gray. It's no longer linked to neglect or aging, but to confidence and authenticity.

“Many of my clients ask to enhance their natural grays with platinum highlights or cool-toned balayage for added light and movement. It’s a super sophisticated look!”

What if I don’t want to show my gray?

That’s perfectly fine too. It’s not about imposing, it’s about choosing. For those not ready for the white or gray look, I recommend soft options like semi-permanent color or gray camouflage that respects your natural base and eases the transition.

“For those seeking subtle and modern coverage, we use Rocco Donna’s ammonia-free smart color, which nourishes hair while enhancing its beauty.”

Conclusion

Having gray hair is not a problem to be hidden—it’s a natural stage we can embrace, care for, and wear with pride. Whether you choose to cover it or flaunt it, what matters is that your hair reflects how you feel about yourself.

Because—as I always say—hair isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s identity, it’s attitude, and it’s power!