Dear Editor,
White hairs have proven refractory to any kind of photoepilation technology because of the absence of melanin chromophore in the hair follicle. Many treatment protocols have been tried, but none of them have been effective treatment. We, herein, present a case report of a 40-year-old woman with white hair successfully removed via follicular unit extraction (FUE).
A 40-year-old woman presented for laser hair reduction of excessive hairs on sideburns. On examination, the patient had both black and white hairs with hyperpigmentation present over the sideburns due to repeated hair dye application [Figure 1]. She was started on diode laser for black hair and FUE was planned 2 weeks later for the removal of white hair.
Baseline photograph of the white hair present over both sideburns
Informed consent was obtained. Under aseptic conditions, all hairs were cut to a length of 1–2 mm. Under local anaesthesia and proper magnification, a motorised, sharp-walled, 0.8 mm, serrated punch was used for scoring of follicles [Figure 2]. The follicles were extracted via forceps and inspected for any transection [Figure 3]. Dressing was done for 24 h and a topical antibiotic cream was given for 5 days.
Immediately after follicular unit extraction
A total of 116 hairs on the right side and 45 hairs on the left side were removed in three sessions at an interval of 4 weeks each [Figure 4]. The transection rate of follicle was kept below 5%. There was no regrowth, visible scarring or pigmentary anomaly present in the treated area after 5 months of the first session.
Photograph after three sessions
The present scenario shows an innovative method to eliminate white hair. Because of the absence of any chromophore, photoepilation is not effective in this kind of hair. Many light- and heat-based therapies have been tried for white hair removal such as use of radiofrequency,[1] laser after colouring[2] or use of melanin-encapsulated liposomes[3] before laser therapy. However, none of them have proven to be an effective therapy with results varying 17%–54%.
Till date, electrolysis is considered to be the treatment of choice.[4] There are chances of folliculitis, post-inflammation hyperpigmentation and scarring if electrolysis current is applied at too high a level. Further, since only dermal papilla is destroyed in electrolysis procedure, there are chances of regrowth from upper portions of the follicle (bulge region). Electrolysis can sometimes take up to twenty sessions for complete removal of the hair.
With FUE, provided the transection rate is kept below 10%, a complete follicle is removed leading to permanent removal of the hair in 2–3 sessions conserving both time and finance as compared to other procedures routinely used. With punch size of 0.8 mm, there are very minimal chances of any visible scarring or pigmentary anomaly. However, pigmentation cannot be ruled out completely in dark-skinned individuals. With experience, one can extract up to 2000 follicles in an hour which is much faster than any other option available for white hairs. In our opinion, FUE can become an effective, safe and fast way for removal of the white hair.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
REFERENCES
1. Sadick NS, Laughlin SA. Effective epilation of white and blond hair using combined radiofrequency and optical energy. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2004;6:27–31. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
2. Alijanpoor R, Poorsattar BejehMir A, Mokmeli S. Successful white hair removal with combined coloring and intense pulsed light (IPL): A randomized clinical trial. Photomed Laser Surg. 2011;29:773–9. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
3. Sand M, Bechara FG, Sand D, Altmeyer P, Hoffmann K. A randomized, controlled, double-blind study evaluating melanin-encapsulated liposomes as a chromophore for laser hair removal of blond, white, and gray hair. Ann Plast Surg. 2007;58:551–4. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
4. Richards RN, Meharg GE. Electrolysis: Observations from 13 years and 140,000 hours of experience. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1995;33:662–6. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
FAQs
When your strand turns gray or white, the pigment cells in that follicle have already died. 1 "In other words, plucking a gray hair will only get you a new gray hair in its place," says Gillen, so any plucking is pretty much pointless. You're simply delaying the inevitable.
What is the best hair removal system for white hair? ›
If you're looking for a hair removal treatment for light blonde, red, or white hair, consider using an epilator. It removes hair from the root, regardless of the shade, gradually thinning out any hair that does grow back. With an epilator, you can enjoy visible hair reduction for up to 4 weeks.
Does IPL hair removal work on white hair? ›
Traditional IPL/Laser machines are only able to use the melanin (the colour) in the hair to absorb the pulsed light, which in turn destroys the follicle. But this method is not suitable for any light hair colours white, grey and red hair as they are missing that melanin.
Does electrolysis work on white hair? ›
Electrolysis does not depend on the pigment of the hair (unlike lasers) and permanently removes of the hair irrespective of the colour of the hair (grey, blond or white) or the color of the skin (dark, tan, white or brown).
What is the white part when you pull out hair? ›
What is the White Bulb at End of Hair? The white bulb at the end of your hair is essentially a bundle of protein, known as keratin. The role of the white bulb is to help the hair follicle root to the scalp, which then allows the hair to grow until it is shed.
Can white hair turn black again permanently? ›
Can White Hair Turn Black Again? Genetic or age related greying of hair cannot be reversed. However, greying related to diet, pollution, bleaching and stress can be slowed down with a balanced diet and a good hair care regimen. Know your hair to figure out hair care that suits your hair.
What is the permanent solution for white hair? ›
The ability to reverse or prevent white hair depends on the cause. If the cause is genetics, there isn't anything you can do to prevent or permanently reverse the color change.
Why doesn't laser remove white hair? ›
White hairs have proven refractory to any kind of photoepilation technology because of the absence of melanin chromophore in the hair follicle.
Is it safe to remove white hair? ›
So while the myth that if you pluck one gray hair ten of its siblings will pop up in its place has been dispelled, you still may want to refrain from plucking. In addition to swelling and scarring, plucking hair straight from the root could also contribute to irreversible premature hair loss in the area.
Which laser removes white hair? ›
Are There Specific Laser Types Effective for White Hair Removal?
| Laser Type | Effectiveness for White Hair Removal |
|---|
| Long-pulsed Alexandrite | Effective for treating fair hair with average clearance rate of 10% |
| Optical and Radiofrequency Combination | Potential effectiveness in removing white hair |
2 more rowsDr. Kraleti explains that your hair turns gray or white when the pigment cells in the follicle surrounding the hair die. “When you pluck a hair a new one will grow in its place and because the pigment cells are no longer producing pigment, this new hair will also be white.”
What is super hair removal? ›
Super Hair Removal (SHR) uses low energy light via rapid pulses to safely traumatise the stem cells of any unwanted hair, helping prevent any regrowth. Compared to older, traditional hair removal treatments that use Laser and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), Super Hair Removal (SHR) is faster, gentler and more effective.
How to get rid of white pubic hair? ›
There is no treatment for white pubic hair caused by aging, and it is not possible to prevent it.
Does electrolysis destroy the hair follicle? ›
Yes, electrolysis safely and permanently removes hair from all skin tones. It is the only FDA-approved permanent hair removal treatment. Because electrolysis permanently destroys the growth cells in the hair follicles, the hair will not grow back.
How many sessions of electrolysis are needed? ›
The total number of sessions needed to remove hair permanently from a particular area will vary from person to person. On average, it takes around 12 months to complete 8 to 12 electrolysis sessions. However, the duration may range from 8 months up to 2 years in certain cases.
Should I pull out my first white hair? ›
Whatever you do, don't tweeze your gray strays
By plucking hair, you can also cause damage to the hair follicle, to the point where it won't be able to grow any more hairs.
Are white hairs unhealthy? ›
These hair follicles contain a pigment called melanin that determines what hair color you have, which can vary based on ethnicity and genetics. Over time, your hair begins to lose that pigment and starts to turn gray or white. So gray hair isn't bad; it's a normal part of the aging process.
Is white hair caused by stress? ›
A new study shows that stress really can give you gray hair. Researchers found that the body's fight-or-flight response plays a key role in turning hair gray. Your hair color is determined by pigment-producing cells called melanocytes.
Can white hair fall out? ›
Your gray hair may be the result of some imbalance of hormones due to diet, stress, age, or lifestyle. These imbalances can cause gray hair to fall as your hair follicles are producing at a reduced capacity.
