We’ve all been there – staring in the mirror, carefully reaching for the silver strand glistening under the bathroom light, trying to pluck it. But then the age-old warning echoes in our ears: “Don’t pull it out, or ten more will grow back!”This cautionary tale, passed down through generations, still makes many wonder – is it really worth pulling one hair only to encounter ten others later? But is it really true? Does pulling one grey hair make more grow? In a video shared on Instagram, Dr Shivangi Rana, a dermatologist, finally sets the record straight on what really happens when you pluck that pesky grey hair.
Do grey hairs multiply if you pluck them?
Let’s address the elephant in the room first. Does pulling a grey hair cause more to appear? Dr Rana reveals that this claim is absolutely false. “It is a common misconception that if you pull out one white hair, you’ll end up getting ten more. That’s a misconception. That does not happen,” she said.Each hair follicle operates independently, so it can produce only one hair at a time. Also, there is simply no biological mechanism that would trigger surrounding follicles to suddenly produce grey hairs just because you pulled one.
The hidden danger
Does that mean you are in the clear and can pluck as much grey hair as your heart desires? Not really. Plucking one grey hair won’t unleash hell; however, it may still cause more harm than good. “When you pull the hair out, it causes trauma to the hair follicle. As a result, the hair that you’re pulling out may just never come back. And that’s why this is not advised,” the doctor said. So, while you won’t get more grey hairs from plucking, you might end up with fewer hairs overall. That’s not exactly an ideal trade-off, don’t you think?
How to prevent premature greying
Premature greying is a common concern many youngsters face. Many factors, such as genetics, environment, diet, and health, influence premature greying. Dr Rana suggests considering targeted serums along with antioxidants and medications to deal with this condition. “If you’re younger than 25 years and your hair has already started greying, here are some serums you can try. You’ll also require some antioxidants and some medications, for which you should probably consult a dermat.”But if you are over 25, the dermatologist suggests embracing it or covering them. “If you’re more than 25 years of age, you can either embrace your whites or you can cover them. This is not a moral choice. There is no right or wrong.”The bottom line? Leave those grey hairs alone if you’re tempted to pluck. Your follicles will thank you for it. Treat the cause, not the symptom.
Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment, or before changing your diet or supplement regimen.
