Is Pulling Out a Gray Hair Really That Bad?

Spotting your first gray hairs can feel like a milestone and not always one to celebrate. It might be tempting to pluck those silvery strands for a quick fix, but is pulling out gray hair harmless, or are you setting yourself up for trouble? Here’s the truth about what happens when you yank out those unwelcome grays.

What Happens When You Pluck a Gray Hair?

1. It Will Grow Back Gray

Plucking a gray hair won’t reverse the clock. When hair follicles lose their pigment-producing cells (melanocytes), the hair they regenerate will always grow back gray. According to Dr. Jeffrey Hsu, MD, FAAD, co-director of Oak Dermatology in Chicago, once a follicle produces gray hair, it can’t naturally regain its original color, no matter how healthy your diet or lifestyle.

And for those who fear that plucking one gray hair causes two to grow in its place—rest assured, this is just a myth. Each hair follicle operates independently, with its own genetic programming. Pulling one gray hair has no impact on surrounding follicles, says Dr. Rohit Kakar, MD, FAAD, of Orchard Lake Dermatology & Cosmetics.

2. You Risk Follicle Damage

Although plucking won’t multiply your grays, it can still cause damage. Repeatedly pulling out hair can injure the follicle, potentially leading to:

• Infections from trauma to the follicle.

• Scarring that can permanently alter the scalp’s texture.

• Hair loss if the follicle is damaged enough to stop producing hair altogether.

Over time, frequent plucking of multiple hairs can even result in bald patches making your gray hairs the least of your worries.

Is There a Safe Way to Remove Gray Hairs?

If the sight of grays is driving you mad, you might want to reach for scissors instead of tweezers. Snipping the gray hair close to the scalp is the safest way to remove it without damaging the follicle, says Dr. Hsu. While this won’t prevent the hair from growing back gray, it avoids the long-term risks of scarring or permanent hair loss associated with plucking.

When to Consider Other Options

If gray hairs are becoming a consistent concern, hair coloring might be a better solution than plucking or snipping. From semi-permanent dyes to natural coloring options, there are plenty of ways to manage your grays without risking follicle health. Speak to a professional stylist for tips on how to safely color your hair while keeping it healthy.

So, How Bad Is It Really to Pull Out a Gray Hair?

Plucking a gray hair occasionally isn’t likely to cause major harm. However, making it a habit can lead to issues like scarring, infection, and even permanent hair loss. If grays are bothering you, it’s better to snip them or explore hair color options than risk damaging your scalp over time.

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