Saturday evening I explained a summary of the results of a learned study I had been reading to my bride. The study, published by The American Societies of Experimental Biology announced that scientists have developed a "cure" for gray hair. According to scientists "people who are going gray develop massive oxidative stress via an accumulation of hydrogen peroxide in the hair follicle, which causes hair to bleach itself from the inside out." More importantly they have created a potion when applied topically will reverse the effects of the hydrogen peroxide buildup. As an added benefit the same potion reverses the effects of Vitiligo, a condition which causes skin to depigment.
"For generations, numerous remedies have been concocted to hide gray hair," said Gerald Weissmann, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal, "but now, for the first time, an actual treatment that gets to the root of the problem has been developed. While this is exciting news, what's even more exciting is that this also works for vitiligo. This condition, while technically cosmetic, can have serious socio-emotional effects of people. Developing an effective treatment for this condition has the potential to radically improve many people's lives."
All in all wonderful news, unless you own Clairol stock, and so lives my problem.
Mrs. T responded to my report by saying that certainly she knew of "someone" who would gladly sign up for a low cost, simple, lasting cure for graying hair, and she postulated that many women would happily throw over their hair dying regime and take the cure. While not interested for myself, I certainly understand the advantages offered.
"But" I asked, "how many 40 yo women truly want to find out what color their hair really is?" and so my trouble began.
Toad