Is Hair Plucking Harmful? Skin Issues and Myths

What problems can arise from hair plucking?

Dear Doctor: I often remove my body hair by plucking, and I no longer feel pain due to the frequency of this practice.
However, the hair usually grows back quickly.
What problems could arise from frequent plucking? I've heard that this could harm my kidneys; is this true?

jj, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/06/27

Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology

If done frequently, most people do not experience any issues; occasionally, some individuals may develop folliculitis.
However, there is no connection between this and kidney failure.
Wishing you peace and safety.

Reply Date: 2004/06/27

More Info

Plucking hair is a common practice for many individuals seeking to manage unwanted body hair. However, it is essential to understand the potential consequences and myths surrounding this practice, particularly in relation to skin health and overall well-being.

Firstly, frequent hair plucking can lead to several skin issues. When hair is plucked, it can cause trauma to the hair follicle and surrounding skin. This trauma may result in inflammation, redness, and irritation. Over time, repeated plucking can lead to a condition known as folliculitis, which is an infection of the hair follicles. Folliculitis can manifest as red, pus-filled bumps that can be itchy and painful. In some cases, if the skin is not properly cared for after plucking, it can lead to scarring or hyperpigmentation, particularly in individuals with darker skin tones.

Moreover, frequent plucking may also affect hair growth patterns. While it is a common belief that plucking hair will cause it to grow back thicker or darker, this is a myth. However, repeated trauma to the hair follicle can lead to changes in hair growth. In some cases, the hair may grow back finer or may not grow back at all if the follicle is damaged significantly. This can lead to areas of sparse hair growth or even permanent hair loss in the plucked areas.

Regarding the myth that plucking hair can "damage the kidneys" or cause other internal health issues, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. The kidneys are not affected by hair removal practices such as plucking. This belief may stem from traditional or cultural beliefs, but from a medical standpoint, plucking hair does not have any direct impact on kidney function or overall health.

It is also important to consider hygiene when plucking hair. Using unclean tools or not properly sanitizing the skin before and after the procedure can increase the risk of infections. It is advisable to use clean tweezers and to disinfect the area before and after plucking to minimize the risk of complications.

If you find that you are frequently plucking hair and are experiencing adverse effects such as persistent irritation, ingrown hairs, or changes in hair growth, it may be beneficial to consult with a dermatologist. They can provide guidance on safer hair removal methods and recommend treatments for any skin issues that may arise from plucking.

In conclusion, while plucking hair is a common practice, it is essential to be aware of the potential skin issues it can cause, such as irritation, folliculitis, and changes in hair growth patterns. The myth that it can damage the kidneys is unfounded. Maintaining proper hygiene and seeking professional advice if issues arise can help ensure that your hair removal practices do not lead to unwanted complications.

Similar Q&A

Does Plucking White Hair Cause Baldness? Myths and Facts Explained

Hello, Doctor: 1. Does plucking white hair lead to baldness? 2. Is there a different risk of baldness depending on the location from which the white hair is plucked? 3. Do the hair follicles from which white hair is plucked stop growing hair? Thank you for your answers!

Dr. Zheng Lizhen reply Dermatology
Hello, 1. If it's just a single gray hair, it doesn't matter. However, excessive plucking, whether it's gray or black hair, can potentially lead to hair loss. 2. No, it won't. 3. As long as the hair follicles are not severely damaged, hair will continue to...

Can Home Hair Removal Devices Be Safe for Keratosis Pilaris?

I have keratosis pilaris, and the instructions for the home hair removal device state that it should not be used on uneven skin tones. Since keratosis pilaris presents as small bumps, will using the hair removal device cause any adverse effects?

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
Which type of hair removal device?

Addressing Post-Waxing Pore Issues: Causes and Solutions

Hello doctor, I have had a habit of hair removal in the pubic area, and I usually do it by plucking. However, a month ago after plucking, I noticed that some of the hair follicles appeared white, but they are not raised like bumps; they are flat and hair is not growing back in th...

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
The information you provided is too limited, and without actually seeing the lesion, it cannot be confirmed. If it is causing significant distress, it is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Is Perming Hair Harmful to Hair Quality and Scalp Health?

Hello, doctor! I'm not sure if this question is for a dermatologist, but I would like to ask if perming hair (like a corn silk perm) causes significant damage to hair quality? Does it also harm the scalp?

Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology
Hello: The purpose of perming hair is to change its curliness or straightness, which inevitably causes some degree of damage to the hair, requiring the stylist to exercise proper technique. Fortunately, hair continuously regenerates, so as long as perming is not done too frequent...