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Gray Hair, Hangnails, Blackheads: 4 Beauty Habits You Should Rethink Right Now

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We all deal with minor beauty concerns—gray hairs, blackheads, and hangnails—that might feel harmless but can lead to bigger problems if not appropriately addressed. Here’s why you should think twice before taking matters into your own hands and the safer alternatives.

An image to aid understanding of the article. Gray hair. / Parkin Srihawong-shutterstock.com
An image to aid understanding of the article. Gray hair. / Parkin Srihawong-shutterstock.com

1. Gray Hairs: Don’t Pluck, Just Trim

That pesky gray strand might beg to be plucked, but resist the urge. Gray hair results from pigment cells in hair follicles “retiring,” often influenced by genetics, stress, or nutrient deficiencies. Plucking weakens the follicle and can lead to thinning or even bald spots.

Better Solution: Trim the strand close to the scalp if it bothers you, or embrace it as part of your unique style. Consider a gentle hair dye or highlights to blend them naturally for more coverage.

An image to aid understanding of the article. Hangnails. / zulfachri zulkifli-shutterstock.com
An image to aid understanding of the article. Hangnails. / zulfachri zulkifli-shutterstock.com

2. Hangnails: Avoid the Aggressive Yank

Hangnails might seem trivial, but removing them incorrectly can expose your skin to bacteria, risking painful infections like paronychia. This condition can cause redness, swelling, and even pus around the nail.

Safer Option: Use sanitized nail clippers or scissors to trim the hangnail gently. Follow up with disinfection and moisturizing to soothe the area and protect your skin.

An image to aid understanding of the article. Blackheads. / umaruchan4678-shutterstock.com
An image to aid understanding of the article. Blackheads. / umaruchan4678-shutterstock.com

3. Blackheads: Skip the Squeeze

While blackheads can feel like an unwelcome guest on your skin, squeezing them out is a bad idea, this habit can irritate pores, push bacteria deeper into the skin, and cause inflammation.

What to Do Instead: Use skincare products with salicylic acid or retinoids to control oil production and exfoliate dead skin. Consult a professional for extractions or laser treatments for stubborn cases to avoid long-term damage.

An image to aid understanding of the article. Ear cleaning. / topperspix-shutterstock.com
An image to aid understanding of the article. Ear cleaning. / topperspix-shutterstock.com

4. Ear Cleaning: Step Away from the Cotton Swabs

Earwax often gets a bad rap, but it plays a crucial role in protecting your ears. Produced naturally in the ear canal, wax traps dust and debris and then exits naturally through jaw movements like chewing or talking. Overcleaning, especially with cotton swabs, can irritate sensitive skin and push wax deeper, causing blockages or injury.

Easier Approach: Use a damp cloth or a cotton swab to clean only the outer ear. If excess wax or discomfort persists, see a healthcare provider for a professional cleaning.

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