Why Is There a White Patch of Hair Growing From One Spot on My Scalp?

A small group of hairs that suddenly looks white or grows in white from one area of the scalp can be surprising, especially when the rest of your hair has its usual color. One possible explanation is poliosis, a term for a localized patch of white hair caused by reduced or absent pigment in those hair shafts.

Poliosis is a visible sign rather than a diagnosis by itself. It can occur on otherwise normal-looking skin, and it can also be associated with changes affecting pigment, hair follicles, or the surrounding scalp. A dermatologist can examine the area and help determine whether the color change is isolated or part of another condition.

Quick answer

• A localized cluster of white hairs is sometimes called poliosis.
• The hairs look white because they contain little or no melanin, the pigment that normally gives hair its color.
• Possible associations include vitiligo, alopecia areata, certain inherited pigment patterns, previous inflammation or injury, and some medications.
• Hair that regrows after a patch of alopecia areata can sometimes initially appear white or lighter than the surrounding hair.
• A new or unexplained patch is worth showing to a dermatologist, particularly if there is hair loss, a change in the underlying skin, or other new scalp symptoms.

What is a localized white patch of hair?

When a defined group of hairs grows without its usual pigment, dermatologists may describe the finding as poliosis. It can affect scalp hair as well as eyebrows, eyelashes, facial hair, or other areas.

The important distinction is that poliosis describes what the hair looks like. It does not tell you why it happened. The skin beneath the white hairs may look completely normal, or there may be a lighter patch of skin or another visible change that helps point toward a cause.

What can cause white hair to grow from one spot?

There are several possible explanations, and the appearance alone usually is not enough to determine the cause.

• Localized pigment change: Sometimes the pigment-producing cells associated with a group of hair follicles produce less melanin, creating a sharply defined area of white hair.
• Vitiligo: Loss of pigment in the skin can sometimes involve the hairs growing from that area as well. The skin beneath or around the white hairs may appear lighter.
• Alopecia areata: This condition can cause smooth patches of hair loss. When hair begins growing again, the new hairs may initially be white or blond before their usual color returns in some people.
• Previous inflammation or injury: Changes affecting the scalp or hair follicles can occasionally alter pigmentation in regrowing hair.
• Inherited pigment patterns: Some people have localized white hair from childhood because of an inherited difference in pigmentation.
• Medication-related changes: Certain topical or systemic medications have been associated with localized hair color changes.
• External color changes: Hair bleach, dye, chemical exposure, or residue on the hair can sometimes create the appearance of a localized white patch without changing how the hair is produced at the follicle.

What can you check at home?

A few simple observations can give your dermatologist useful context without trying to diagnose the patch yourself.

• Look at the roots to see whether the hairs are actually growing in white or only appear lighter farther down the shaft.
• Check whether the skin underneath looks lighter, red, scaly, irritated, or otherwise different from the surrounding scalp.
• Notice whether the area has normal hair density or whether there has been thinning or a previous bald patch.
• Think about whether the area was recently exposed to bleach, hair color, topical medication, irritation, or an injury.
• Take a clear photo in consistent lighting so you can tell whether the size or appearance changes over time.

Avoid aggressively plucking, scraping, or repeatedly treating the area with strong products while you are trying to understand what is happening.

How can a dermatologist evaluate the area?

A dermatologist can examine the hair shafts, scalp, and surrounding skin to look for patterns that are difficult to assess at home. Depending on what the area looks like, the evaluation may include a closer examination of the scalp and hair follicles and questions about hair loss, skin pigment changes, medications, previous inflammation, and when the patch first appeared.

If another hair or pigment condition is suspected, your dermatologist can decide whether any additional testing is appropriate. Treatment, when needed, depends on the underlying cause rather than on the white color alone.

When should you see a dermatologist?

It is reasonable to have a new, unexplained patch evaluated, especially when you cannot connect it to normal graying or a cosmetic product. Consider scheduling an examination if:

• The white patch appeared recently or is becoming larger.
• You also notice a smooth bald patch, increased shedding, or thinning in the same area.
• The underlying skin is becoming lighter or changing color.
• The scalp is itchy, painful, inflamed, scaly, or otherwise symptomatic.
• Additional white patches are appearing elsewhere in the hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, or skin.
• The change followed a medication or treatment and you are unsure whether it is related.

These features do not necessarily indicate a serious problem, but they can provide useful clues about whether the hair color change is isolated or associated with another scalp or pigment condition.

FAQ

What is poliosis?

Poliosis is the term for a localized group of white hairs. It results from reduced or absent melanin in the affected hair shafts and is considered a clinical sign rather than a specific diagnosis.

Can hair turn white in just one small area?

Yes. Hair pigment can change in a localized group of follicles rather than across the entire scalp. A dermatologist can help determine whether the patch represents poliosis, normal pigment variation, regrowth after hair loss, or another cause.

Can alopecia areata cause white hair?

It can be associated with white hair. In some people with alopecia areata, hair that begins to regrow after a patch of hair loss may initially appear white or blond and finer than the surrounding hair. The course varies from person to person.

Does white hair in one spot mean I have vitiligo?

Not necessarily. Vitiligo is one possible association, particularly when the skin beneath the white hair has also lost pigment, but there are several other explanations for localized white hair. An examination is needed to distinguish among them.

Can a white patch of hair regain its color?

That depends on the cause. In some situations, including certain cases associated with hair regrowth or medication-related pigment changes, hair may regain pigment. In other cases, the white hairs may remain stable.

This article is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. For diagnosis and personalized treatment, please book an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist.

Sources & further reading

• DermNet – Poliosis
• American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) – Hair loss types: Alopecia areata overview