In an article from About.com, Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph D., from Yorkshire, United Kingdom states that she is unaware of any modern reports of hair turning white or grey over night. Although history does have a record of 2 prisoners, Thomas More (1535) and Marie Antoinette (1793), where their hair turned white overnight before their execution.

Dr. Helmenstine says that hair can change color in a matter of several weeks or months. This is usually due to a hormone change such as pregnancy or chemotherapy.

In order for hair to turn grey or white it has to lose melanin, a natural pigment that gives hair it’s color. The melanin can become colorless by bleaching the hair, or by exposure to radiation.

Another factor to consider is fear. Yes, fear can change the color of your hair, but not overnight. Fear has a strong impact on the amount of melanin you produce. Over time, continuous fear could turn your hair premature gray. Also, stress, certain drugs, and medical conditions can cause a sudden loss of hair.
Source(s):
http://chemistry.about.com/od/chemistryfaqs/f/whiteovernight.htm


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