Yanking out a stubborn white hair might feel like a quick fix—but it could cost you that hair follicle forever. Yes, plucking gray strands carries the very real risk that nothing will ever grow back from that root. Instead of seeing those silver threads as enemies, think of them as proof you still have hair to color. Ready to find out exactly why plucking can cause permanent damage—and what safer, smarter options you have instead? Keep reading.
Hair Growth Phases Explained
Hair naturally cycles through three distinct phases[1]:
- Anagen (Active Growth Phase): Hair is actively growing, deeply rooted, and healthiest during this period.
- Catagen (Transition Phase): Hair growth slows, the follicle shrinks, and the hair prepares to enter its resting phase. Catagen hair roots become elongated and taper toward the end, enclosed by a transparent root sheath.
- Telogen (Resting Phase): Hair is no longer actively growing, and the root adopts a distinctive club shape. This hair is ready to fall out naturally.
Recognizing Different Hair Roots
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Anagen and Catagen Hair Roots:
Anagen roots are typically elongated, with a clear sheath covering, indicating active hair growth. Catagen roots also appear slender and elongated with a clear sheath, signifying a transitional phase as they prepare for natural shedding.
Pic.1 Catagen Hair Root
- Telogen Hair Roots: Club-shaped without any sheath. These hairs are naturally ready to fall out.
Pic.3 Telogen Hair Root
When brushing your hair, the hairs that naturally fall out are usually telogen hairs. These club-shaped roots are healthy and indicate normal hair cycling.
Why Pulling Hair Matters
Removing hairs during the anagen phase can disrupt their natural growth cycle, potentially causing follicles to prematurely enter the catagen or telogen phases. Over time, repeated pulling can damage follicles, slowing down regrowth or even permanently stopping new hair production.
Most importantly, pulling out hairs at the hairline can noticeably thin the hair in that area, emphasizing aging even more than the presence of white hairs themselves. Consider that only about 10-15% of your hairs are in the telogen phase at any given time. This means when you pluck ten hairs, statistically, approximately nine of them could be in the anagen or catagen phases, potentially damaging your hair growth permanently.
A Better Alternative: Natural Hair Coloring
Instead of risking permanent damage to your follicles by plucking white hairs, consider dyeing them. Coloring your hair can effectively mask white hairs while maintaining hair density and youthful appearance. If you're concerned about sensitivity and irritation from chemicals, opt for a completely natural, additive-free hair dye made from organic herbs. This gentle solution nourishes your scalp and hair without harsh chemicals.
Final Thoughts
Understanding your hair's structure and growth phases can help you make healthier choices. Embrace natural hair coloring methods to maintain your hair's density and health, keeping your look vibrant and youthful without the risks associated with pulling hairs.
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References:
1. Laura AlonsoElaine Fuchs; The hair cycle. J Cell Sci 1 February 2006; 119 (3): 391–393. doi: https://doi.org/10.1242/jcs.02793
