Scientists led by researchers at the New York University Grossman School of Medicine argue that they discovered the mechanism behind hair graying. This discovery could lead to the development of treatments that reverse or stop the process.

The scientists focused on mouse skin cells that are also found in humans, called melanocyte stem cells (McSC). They found that the stem cells become “trapped” as the hair “ages” and loses its ability to mature and maintain its color.

“The newly discovered mechanisms raise the possibility that the same locus of melanocyte stem cells exists in humans,” Ki Shan, the study’s lead researcher and a postdoctoral researcher at NYU Langone Health, told the Guardian.

“If this is true, it suggests a potential pathway to reverse or prevent hair graying by helping the blocked cells move back between the growing compartments of the hair follicle,” Sun added.

“Loss of the chameleon-like function of melanocyte stem cells may be responsible for graying and loss of hair color,” added the study’s lead researcher, Mayumi Ito.