Why You Should Never Pluck Your Gray Hairs, According to a Derm

If you’ve ever peered into the mirror and wondered to yourself, “Should I pluck my silver hairs?”, you’re far from alone. Though going gray is a natural part of aging, it can be difficult to accept when those first grays begin to crop up. If you’re not yet willing to embrace your silver strands and transition to gray, the idea of pulling them out from the root can be tempting, to say the least.

But according to Miami-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Flor A. Mayoral, plucking gray hairs isn’t the solution you think it may be. Keep reading to learn why—and discover what you can do to disguise those grays until you’re ready to wear them proudly.

Why Does Hair Turn 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 (AAD), the amount of melanin (pigment) in the hair follicles naturally decreases with age. As it does, the hairs that grow from those follicles begin to lose their color until they eventually become gray, silver, or white. Once this process begins, there’s no reversing it.

Usually, people begin to spot their first grays during their 30s or 40s, though some may see silver strands sprouting earlier. In some cases, graying can also be caused by stress or certain medical conditions. If you’re suddenly seeing a lot of gray hair (and suspect normal aging isn’t the reason why), it can’t hurt to schedule a visit with your doctor.

Should I Pluck My Silver Hairs?

No, most experts agree that pulling out gray hair is an impulse best avoided. Though plucking white hairs may seem like a quick and easy solution to your haircare woes, repeated plucking can damage the hair follicle and potentially cause the hair to thin. If you’re not thrilled about sporting silver strands, your best option is to dye your hair—we’ll share a look at some of our favorite formulas for covering grays momentarily.

Why Is It Bad To Pluck Gray Hairs?

There’s an oft-repeated myth that pulling out one gray hair causes ten more to grow in its place. That’s not true—but it’s still not a good idea to pluck your grays. While yanking out a stray gray or two may not seem like a big deal, over time, it can become one.

“Repeated plucking can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and actually make the problem more obvious to others,” Mayoral says. Even in the absence of hyperpigmentation, plucking grays can damage the hair follicle and damage its ability to produce hair.

“It’s obvious from the permanent hair loss that results after plucking the eyebrows in a specific shape for several years that the hair [eventually] stops growing back,” Mayoral says. Similarly, repeatedly pulling on the hair that grows from your scalp can lead to bald spots or a receding hairline. “Structurally, gray hair is no different than normal hair,” Mayoral concludes—meaning that if you continue to pluck your grays, you’ll likely start seeing a sparser hairline over time. Even if you don’t, plucking isn’t a permanent solution—if the hair does grow back, it’ll still be gray.

Our Best Gray Coverage Hair Dyes

By this point, it should be clear that the answer to the question “Is it okay to pull out gray hairs?” is a resounding no. But that doesn’t mean you have to go gray if you’re not ready to. If rocking your grays just isn’t an option for you right now, here are a few at-home hair dyes you can use to cover up those stubborn silvery strands.

L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Crème Permanent Triple Care Hair Color

Dyeing your hair at home is easier than you might expect, but if you’re new to the process, we suggest starting with a creme hair dye. This is one of our favorites—the no-drip formula evenly wraps each hair fiber for flawless, even coverage from root to tip. For an in-depth how-to, check out our article How To Use Creme Hair Color Dye at Home.

L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Universal Nudes

If you’d rather use an ammonia-free hair dye, this formula is a must-try. The at-home color kit delivers rich, vibrant, permanent color while remaining gentle on the hair and scalp. Plus, the caring formula helps protect hair as it colors, and it’s suitable for all hair types and textures. Choose from 10 natural-looking shades, including classic blondes, cozy brunettes, and fiery reds.

L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color

Even permanent hair color needs to be touched up to maintain its vibrancy, but you can extend the time between touch-ups by opting for this at-home hair color kit. The translucent gel formula delivers up to nine weeks of luminous, fade-defying color, seamlessly covering grays for a beautiful at-home transformation. Plus, it comes in more than 50 shades, from lightest blonde to deep, inky black.

L’Oréal Paris Colorsonic Permanent Hair Color Cartridge

If you don’t have an hour to commit to perfecting your hair color application, don’t stress—just reach for this color cartridge instead. Choose from one of the 20 shades and pop the multi-use cartridge into the L’Oréal Paris Colorsonic Hair Color Device (sold separately). The device automatically mixes your color, parts your hair, and applies the dye evenly from root to tip. You’ll enjoy long-lasting color with 100% gray coverage, sans the stress of having to play hairstylist in front of your bathroom mirror.

L’Oréal Paris Magic Root Permanent 10 Minute Root Coloring Kit

This quick-fix kit is perfect for the person who’s just starting to see gray coming in closer to the scalp. Use the soft brush tip applicator to apply the dye onto new growth—in as little as 10 minutes, you’ll get even root coverage with results lasting for up to four weeks. The collection includes over a dozen shades designed to match nearly any hair color (even salon color). If you’re unsure which shade to choose, you can use the L’Oréal Paris Hair Color Concierge to consult with an expert.

L’Oréal Paris Magic Root Touch-Up

If you don’t have time to touch up your roots but still want to hide those grays, a root cover-up is your best bet. This water-resistant option applies easily and dries quickly without leaving behind any sticky residue. Just spritz the color onto new growth, brush your hair to blend, and go on with your day. You’ll enjoy seamless gray coverage that lasts until your next shampoo.

Next Up: How To Dye Hair at Home in 8 Easy Steps

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris