It may sound counter-intuitive, but new research shows that pulling out hair in a specific pattern and amount can actually stimulate new hair growth.

The study, by a team of researchers from the University of Southern California, found that when the approach was tested in mice, it triggered a surge of hair regrowth and the replacement of the plucked hairs, according to Chinatopix.com.

The process could lead to potential new ways for treating alopecia, a leading cause of hair loss among men, said USC researcher Cheng-Ming Chuong.

The study was published in the journal Cell.