Why Chinese culture fears plucking white hair and traditional remedies

When individuals are troubled by their greying hair, some may find plucking it to be the easiest solution. However, many Chinese people hesitate to do so for a specific reason.A prevalent folk belief suggests that plucking one white hair will lead to three more white strands growing in its place. Some even go as far as claiming that 10 white hairs will sprout after plucking just one.Medical experts have clarified that this notion is purely a superstition. Yang Dingquan, a trichologist at the China-japan-friendship-hospital" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="139550" data-entity-type="organization">China-Japan Friendship Hospital, explained that the colour of hair is determined by the melanin produced in the hair follicles and transferred to the growing hair.Typically, when a hair is plucked from its follicle, only one new hair will grow back in that location.A widespread Chinese folk belief suggests that plucking a single white hair will result in three more growing in its place. Photo: ShutterstockRemoving a white hair does not stimulate the production of melanin in the hair follicle, which means the new hair is likely to remain white.However, experts caution that plucking hairs can potentially damage the hair follicles, resulting in no hair growth from that spot.Various folk remedies are believed to help maintain the black colour of hair.For instance, consuming black foods such as black sesame seeds, black beans, and black seaweed is thought to support the retention of black hair and even reverse white hair back to black.A popular theory in traditional Chinese food therapy posits that to heal or nourish a body part or internal organ, one should consume foods that share visual similarity or colour with that specific part.This belief explains the fondness some Chinese have for eating animal organs, hoping to nourish the corresponding human equivalents. A well-known example is luzhu, a street food in Beijing made with pork intestines, lungs, and fried tofu.Various folk remedies are thought to help maintain hair’s black colour, including the consumption of black foods such as black sesame seeds, black beans, and black seaweed, all believed to support the retention of black hair. Photo: ShutterstockPeople also consume walnuts to enhance brain function, cashew nuts to support kidney health, and tomatoes to protect the heart.Further ReadingIn fact, this “you are what you eat” theory is sometimes believed to have scientific backing.The effects of black sesame on hair are also acknowledged in the China" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="139551" data-entity-type="organization">Pharmacopoeia of China, the official compendium of drugs compiled by the Ministry of Health.Traditional Chinese medicine holds that hair represents “the surplus of blood and the essence of the kidneys,” and black sesame is known to nourish the kidneys and replenish blood.Another “magic” ingredient frequently featured in s for hair-darkening shampoos is fleece flower root.Within Chinese, this ingredient is called he shou wu, which translates to “He’s black hair.”Using hair dye to cover grey strands is a popular and effective method for refreshing one’s look and achieving a more youthful appearance. Photo: ShutterstockLegend has it that this ingredient was discovered by a peasant surnamed He, who found his hair turned completely black after consuming it in his 50s.On China’s e-commerce platforms, he shou wu is marketed as a remedy to prevent hair loss and maintain black hair.However, experts advise that people should only buy processed he shou wu, as the raw ingredient can be toxic.