Gray hair can inspire reverence or ridicule, according to one’s perspective.

For some, gray hair is a sign of experience, of wisdom, a status inviting respect. Others view gray (at least on their own heads) as a symbol of a losing battle with youth.

Many people may cringe at the first gray hairs, but see it as an inevitable sign of getting older. They make the decision to let the process continue, or to start coloring their hair, something that requires a long-term commitment.

Recent scientific publications speak to the cause of graying, and perhaps of its benefits.

According to the June issue of New Science magazine, the processes that produce gray hair could actually protect people from cancer.

The magazine reports that melanocyte cells produce the pigments coloring hair. They are assisted by stem cells in hair, which goes gray when the number of stem cells declines.

Researchers reported the reduced number of stem cells in mice that went gray resulted in fewer step cells with damaged DNA, that could lead to cancer-causing mutations.

How stressed were those lab mice? People frequently attribute their graying hair to stress, be it brought on by an impossible boss or problems with the kids.

An article in Scientific American reported that there may be some basis to these beliefs. According to the article, men first see their first gray hairs around age 30, and women at about age 35. But touches of silver can show up as soon as high school, or as late as the 50s.

David Fisher, professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, said in the article that the gradual depletion of the melanocyte cells leads to the loss of pigment. While this may result from many factors, stress hormones may impact the survival of these cells. However, no conclusive link has been found between stress and gray hair.

Friends frequently tell Anna Elliott she has lovely gray hair.

“My mother grayed young, I grayed young,” she said. “I never colored it up. I just let it go gray. Just the beauty operator put a little rinse on it. I really do get a lot of complements about it.”

Gray hair runs in her family.

“That’s the way with my son, too. Of course, my daughter gets color on hers. As soon as she sees a little gray she goes to the beauty shop,” Elliott said.

Anita Hammond, sitting across the table from Elliott as they awaited lunch at the Tahlequah Senior Citizens Center, also has a lush head of gray hair.