Will plucking white hairs cause more to grow?

Under normal circumstances, the appearance of white hair is primarily associated with the decline or reduction in function of melanocytes within hair follicles; therefore, plucking white hairs does not cause them to increase in number. A detailed explanation follows:

From the perspective of hair follicle physiology, each hair shaft corresponds to an individual, independent hair follicle, and the melanocytes within the follicle determine hair color. When melanocyte function weakens or ceases melanin production, hair turns white. Plucking white hairs affects only the already-grown hair shafts and does not directly alter the number or function of melanocytes within the follicles, nor does it affect the pigment-producing capacity of neighboring follicles. Thus, simply plucking white hairs does not trigger adjacent follicles to produce additional white hairs.

However, frequent plucking of white hairs may pose health risks—including damage to hair follicles, infection, or even permanent hair loss. To address premature graying more effectively, scientifically sound approaches include maintaining a balanced diet, supplementing nutrients such as vitamin B complex, copper, and iron; reducing psychological stress; and treating underlying medical conditions—such as vitiligo or thyroid dysfunction—that may contribute to premature graying.

Accordingly, white hairs do not multiply as a result of plucking; however, the act of plucking itself carries health risks and is therefore not recommended. If an unusually rapid or excessive increase in white hairs occurs, prompt medical evaluation is advised to identify any underlying causes.