When You Wake Up and See a Gray Hair — Should You Pluck It?

When you wake up in the morning and get ready for your day, you might suddenly notice a gray hair and rush to pull it out. But did you know that plucking white hair can damage your hair follicles?

What Doctors Say About Plucking White Hair

Dr. Arjun Dubati, an American dermatologist, warns:

"Plucking hair damages hair follicles, causing inflammation, possible infection, or even permanent hair loss."

He adds: "Sometimes the plucked hair grows back at an abnormal angle, leading to more ingrown hairs."

Dr. Victoria Kazlouskaya, also a dermatologist, told Parade magazine:

"Hair might regrow occasionally, but frequent plucking can cause serious follicle damage, resulting in permanent harm."

How Should You Remove White Hair?

According to dermatologists cited by the French magazine Top Santé, there are healthier ways to get rid of gray hairs than plucking:

• Permanent hair dyes (requiring root touch-ups every 3–5 weeks).

• Semi-permanent dyes, which are less damaging and give a more natural look but don’t last long.

• Natural plant-based dyes like henna, which cover gray hair gradually and gently, without chemicals such as ammonia.

Nowadays, ammonia-free commercial dyes are also widely available.

Why Does Hair Turn Gray?

Hair color comes from a mix of two types of melanin produced by pigment cells (melanocytes) in hair follicles: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Over time, these pigment cells wear down and die, causing hair to turn gray and then white.

If gray hair appears very early, unrelated to aging, genetics might be the cause. Chronic stress or copper deficiency can also lead to early graying.

If you notice premature graying, it’s best to consult a doctor promptly.

Foods That Help Delay Gray Hair

What you eat can either promote or reduce inflammation in your body. According to EatingWell, an anti-inflammatory diet may help protect the pigment cells responsible for hair color.

• Diets high in added sugars, processed foods, and saturated fats increase inflammation.

• Plant-based diets, low in added sugars and animal proteins high in fat, have anti-inflammatory effects.

Experts recommend eating more antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, which neutralize free radicals that harm pigment cells. Some of the best options are:

• Black, blue, and red berries

• Dark green leafy vegetables

• Red grapes

• Fresh herbs and spices

Foods and Drinks to Limit (Inflammation Promoters):

• Sugar-sweetened beverages like sodas

• All types of sweets and desserts

• Commercial baked goods

• Processed, fatty meats such as sausages and salami

Important Vitamins and Minerals to Prevent Early Gray Hair

Deficiency in certain vitamins and minerals may accelerate graying. Ensure you get enough of:

• Vitamin D3

• Vitamin B12

Other essential nutrients for hair health include:

• Vitamin E

• Vitamin A

• Zinc

• Iron

• Copper

• Selenium

• Magnesium

Food Sources for These Nutrients:

Nutrient	Food Sources
Vitamin D3	Trout, salmon, mushrooms, milk, eggs
Vitamin B12	Beef liver, shellfish, tuna, nutritional yeast, salmon
Vitamin E	Sunflower seeds and oil, almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, spinach
Vitamin A	Beef liver, sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, cantaloupe, ricotta
Zinc	Oysters, grilled beef, crab, lobster, cooked beans
Iron	Beef, dark leafy greens, fortified cereals, shellfish, white beans, dark chocolate, lentils
Copper	Beef liver, shellfish, unsweetened chocolate, potatoes, shiitake mushrooms
Selenium	Brazil nuts, tuna, halibut, sardines, shrimp
Magnesium	Pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, almonds, cashews, spinach