Does plucking one grey hair really cause more to grow? Dermatologist debunks the myth

We’ve all experienced that moment—standing in front of the mirror, spotting a shiny silver strand, and feeling tempted to pull it out. But just as your fingers reach for it, the familiar warning echoes: “Don’t pull it out, or ten more will grow back!”

This age-old belief has been passed down for generations, leaving many confused. Is plucking one grey hair really a shortcut to more? A video shared on Instagram by dermatologist Dr. Shivangi Rana finally clears the air.

Do Grey Hair Multiply If You Pluck Them?

To answer the most common concern—no, plucking one grey hair does not cause more to appear. Dr. Rana directly debunks this myth: “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 explains that each hair follicle works independently and can produce only one hair at a time. There is no biological reason for nearby follicles to suddenly turn grey just because you pulled out one strand.

The Real Problem: The Hidden Danger of Plucking

Even though plucking doesn’t trigger more greys, it’s still not a harmless habit. Repeatedly yanking out hair can damage the follicle permanently. As Dr. Rana cautions: “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.”

So while you won’t grow more grey hair from plucking, you might end up with less hair overall—something most people definitely want to avoid.

What Causes Premature Greying?

Premature greying has become increasingly common, affecting many people in their teens and 20s. Factors like genetics, diet, lifestyle habits, environmental exposure, and health issues all play a role.

To manage early greying, Dr. Rana suggests exploring targeted treatments: “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.”

If You're Over 25: Embrace or Cover—Your Choice

After 25, Dr. Rana says grey hair is simply a natural part of aging, and there’s no ‘right’ way to deal with it.

“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.”

Whether you choose hair color, gentle root touch-ups, or proudly flaunting your greys, it’s entirely up to you.

[With TOI inputs]

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.