It has always been a given that at some point in our lives, our hair will eventually start to go grey. However, since scientists have discovered why we go grey there may be hope to prevent it happening.

A team of European scientists found that going grey is caused by a large build up of hydrogen peroxide due to wear and tear of the hair follicles.

The hydrogen peroxide, which is used to colour hair blonde, blocks the normal synthesis of melanin. Melanin is the natural pigment responsible for its color.

The researchers discovered that the hydrogen peroxide build-up was caused from the reduction of an enzyme called catalase which breaks hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. The boffins also found that hair follicles could not repair the damage caused by the hydrogen peroxide due to low levels of the enzymes which would normally correct the damage.