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Astronaut Sunita Williams’ striking gray hair caught public attention upon her return to Earth after a nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Williams, who previously sparked health concerns due to noticeable weight loss during her mission, now sports a dramatically different look.
While some speculated on social media about the lack of hair dye in space, experts suggest a more complex explanation. Although no definitive studies link space travel directly to graying hair, NASA acknowledges that extended periods in orbit can cause “significant physiological changes.” The agency has even launched a research initiative to better understand these effects, suggesting that the accelerated aging experienced in space could lead to rapid changes like overnight beard growth or accelerated graying.
A 2016 National Institute of Health study found that spaceflight alters gene expression in human hair follicles. In some astronauts, genes regulating hair growth became disrupted, potentially affecting hair follicle cell proliferation.
While this research suggested men might be more susceptible to hair loss in space, the changes in Williams’ hair color raise new questions. Another study in 2015 showed that mice living on the ISS experienced skin thinning and hair follicle cycle disruptions.
Williams, 59, and fellow astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore, 62, arrived at the ISS in June aboard the Boeing Starliner. Technical issues prevented their return on the Starliner, extending their stay until the SpaceX Crew-9 mission in March.
This extended mission exposed them to the challenging environment of space for nine months. While initial concerns focused on weight loss, Williams’ return has highlighted the broader impact of space travel on the human body.
Interestingly, upon her arrival at the ISS, Williams’ long hair earned her the nickname “woman with the wild hair” from then-President Donald Trump. Her family eagerly awaits her return and planned celebrations.