Will Plucking a Gray Hair Make More Grow Back? We Asked an Expert

Gray hair is medically known as canities and is caused by "the progressive loss of melanin, or pigment production, by melanocytes within the hair follicle." Dr. Benett explains, "As melanocytes decrease in number or function, newly growing hair contains less pigment, resulting in gray, silver, or white hair."

"In Asians, including Filipinos, the first white hairs commonly develop in the late thirties to early forties," she says. Some people, however, may experience premature graying as early as their teenage years or twenties.

According to Dr. Benett, genetics is the biggest factor in determining when gray hair appears. While heredity is the most common cause, unusually early graying may also be linked to nutritional deficiencies or underlying medical conditions. In some cases, it may be worth seeking medical evaluation to rule out potential health concerns.

Reduced melanin production is the primary cause of gray hair. While genetics remains the strongest influence on when it appears, several factors may contribute to earlier or faster graying.

According to Dr. Benett, one factor is the aging of pigment-producing stem cells. Another is oxidative stress, which refers to an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Nutritional deficiencies may also play a role, particularly deficiencies in vitamin B12, iron, ferritin, copper, and vitamin D.

Lifestyle and health factors have also been linked to premature graying. Smoking and chronic stress are associated with earlier hair whitening, while medical conditions such as thyroid disease and vitiligo may contribute as well.

While understanding these factors may help explain why gray hair appears, Dr. Benett notes that "in most cases, white hair is still considered a natural part of aging."

In the Philippines, many people turn to hair dye to conceal gray hair. While effective, frequent use of hair coloring products—particularly permanent dyes and bleaching agents—may lead to hair and scalp concerns. According to Dr. Benett, these can include dryness, brittleness, increased breakage, and scalp irritation.

She adds that repeated chemical processing can weaken the hair shaft over time, making hair appear thinner or more damaged. "While hair coloring can effectively conceal white hair, it is important to use quality products, follow proper hair care practices, and seek professional guidance when needed to minimize damage and maintain overall hair health," she says.

As for preventing gray hair altogether, Dr. Benett notes that there is no guaranteed way to stop the natural aging process. However, maintaining overall health may help address some of the factors associated with premature graying. "The best approach is to maintain overall health," she says.

• Avoid smoking.

• Establish a balanced diet.

• Correct nutritional deficiencies when present.

• Manage stress.

• Get adequate sleep.

• Treat underlying medical conditions, if any.

Dr. Benett shares that, at present, “there is no proven way to completely prevent or reverse age-related white hair.”

There is recent research, however, showing that gray hair “may not always be completely irreversible.” She continues, “A 2025 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology reported visible hair repigmentation in some patients treated with exosome therapy, suggesting that certain pigment-producing cells within the hair follicle may still be capable of being reactivated.”

Still, it remains that there are currently no treatments approved by the Food and Drug Administration or FDA that can do so.

The measures listed above may help address factors associated with premature graying, but as Dr. Benett points out, "genetics remains the strongest determinant."

In other words, gray hair is often less a matter of if than when—and that's perfectly okay. For most people, it remains a natural part of aging, one that reflects the passage of time rather than something that needs to be feared.