Grey hairs on the beard or scalp trigger a lot of anxiety — and a lot of unscientific solutions based on unverified advice. Should you pluck them out? Does plucking one grey hair trigger more? Is there a permanent fix?
In this article based on his educational video, Dr. John Watts — dermatologist, trichologist and one of the best hair transplant surgeons in Hyderabad, with over 2,000 hair transplant surgeries performed — answers a viewer's query on exactly this.
Arjun Abbabaram asked: "Sir, I have about 40 grey hairs on my beard. Should I pluck them out? Is it the correct solution? Please advise a permanent solution to this problem."
Why hair turns grey
Dr. Watts explains that the appearance of grey hair is primarily due to reduced melanin levels in specific areas. This reduction can be influenced by a deficiency of antioxidants or by early signs of ageing.
Plucking out grey hairs — or simply ignoring them — are both ineffective solutions. The greying is happening at the pigment level, not at the level of individual strands.
What treatment can and cannot do
"To prevent further greying, it is advisable to seek medical intervention. While younger individuals may respond better to treatment, those above 40 years may or may not experience significant changes as greying hair naturally accompanies the ageing process," Dr. Watts explained.
He is honest about the limits: medical treatments for greying hair may yield only partial results. But they can help stop further greying and encourage the growth of new black hair.
Get tested before you treat
Responding to Arjun's query, Dr. Watts advised consulting a dermatologist and undergoing tests for serum ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and serum calcium deficiencies to identify the appropriate treatment options.
He also flagged a factor many people overlook: stress. Stress should be avoided, as it can contribute to hair loss on top of the greying.
The bottom line
There is no instant permanent cure for grey hair, and plucking is not a solution. But greying can often be slowed or partially reversed — especially in younger people — once the underlying deficiencies are identified and treated. And do not over-worry: excessive stress about grey hair can itself worsen things by triggering stress-induced hair loss. Seek medical advice, get the right tests done and manage the process scientifically.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Should I pluck out my grey hairs?
No. Dr. John Watts explains that plucking grey hairs or ignoring them are both ineffective, because greying happens due to reduced melanin levels, not at the level of individual strands.
What causes premature grey hair?
Grey hair appears primarily due to reduced melanin levels, which can be influenced by antioxidant deficiency or early signs of ageing.
Can treatment reverse grey hair?
Medical treatments may yield only partial results, but they can help stop further greying and encourage new black hair growth. Younger individuals tend to respond better than those above 40.
Which tests should I get for premature greying?
Dr. Watts advises tests for serum ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and serum calcium deficiencies to identify the right treatment.
