Is there a scientific reason why pulling out more white hair makes more hair?

Civilian Views

If you pull out one white hair, ten will grow. The more you pull out, the more white hair will grow.

Expert Correction

The hair follicles surrounding the hair are actually formed when the embryo is formed. Although not necessarily one hair grows for each hair follicle, the number of hairs is regular. Every hair has a destined growth cycle. When a hair falls out, a new one will grow in its place. If you pull out a white hair, you will only shorten the life of that hair. Therefore, the saying “the more you pull, the more you get” is not true.

People often say that a newborn's hair will be thicker and more abundant if its head is shaved, but this is not scientifically true. The growth of black hair is mainly formed by melanocytes in the hair roots. As we age, the pigment cells at the root of the hair follicles stop or reduce the production of melanin, resulting in the formation of gray hair. Although forcibly pulling out white hair will not make it grow more, it will damage the hair roots. Especially if you pull out too much, it may cause folliculitis.

Civilian Views

When there are more white hair, many people will choose to dye it black or other colors.

Expert Correction

It’s better to let nature take its course. Although there is no definitive conclusion on whether hair dyes are carcinogenic, dyes are chemicals after all, and they do pose hidden dangers such as allergies. In addition, the scalp is closest to the brain, and frequent contact with chemicals can cause damage to other organs. People with low immunity should especially avoid dyeing their hair.

The best way is to see a doctor immediately, find out the cause of gray hair, and then prescribe the right medicine. If the body is deficient in trace elements, you can eat some foods that are beneficial to hair growth, such as black sesame, Polygonum multiflorum, potatoes, taro, etc., which can stimulate the hair roots and supplement the nutrients of the hair roots. If your hair turns gray due to stress, you need to relax and let your hair grow back black.