What is the technical term for gray hair?

The technical term for gray hair is canities. This term specifically refers to the condition of hair turning gray or white due to the reduction of melanin production in the hair follicles. As people age, the melanocytes (the cells that produce pigment) gradually decrease in number, leading to the loss of color in hair.

Melanosis refers to an abnormal increase in melanin, which is not related to the graying of hair. Hypertrichosis is a condition characterized by excessive hair growth, and hypotrichosis refers to an abnormal reduction in hair growth. Neither of these conditions directly addresses the pigmentation changes that lead to gray hair. Understanding these terms provides valuable insight into the biological processes affecting hair color and can assist in esthetic practices concerning hair treatments and aging.