Why You Should Never Pluck Your Gray Hairs

While most of us understand that going gray is in our future — and very much a natural part of aging — that doesn’t mean we all like and embrace it. But for those who aren’t keen on graying anytime soon, there’s still the nagging feeling to pluck those wiry babies from the root every time you see one or two spring up.

Why Does Hair Gray?

Let’s start with the most basic understanding of what causes gray hair before we get into the rules on plucking. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, gray hair results from a reduction in melanin in the hair which occurs as we age. The truth is, once your graying process begins, there is no way to stop the grays from coming in for good, according to the Mayo Clinic.

It’s also important to note that your genes also play a role in your gray hair journey too. The Cleveland Clinic states that it’s because your genes help control melanin production.

Why Plucking Gray Hairs Is A Major Don’t

When you start pulling out a stray gray or two from your hairline it may not seem like a big deal at first, but if you keep plucking at hair follicles you could do some serious damage. According to Mayoral, “sometimes the follicle becomes infected and leads to pustule formation [when you continue to pluck at it]. Repeated plucking can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and actually make the problem obvious to others.”

In addition to swelling and scarring, plucking hair straight from the root could also contribute to irreversible premature hair loss in the area. 

Source: L'Oréal