Have you ever eaten something that gave you the strange feeling of having hair in your mouth? It’s a peculiar but surprisingly familiar sensation. Certain foods can create a fuzzy, prickly, or fibrous feeling on your tongue, gums, or the roof of your mouth—so much so that people often describe it as feeling like “growing hair” inside their mouth. But what actually causes this sensation? And is it anything to be concerned about?

In this article, we’ll break down the science behind that odd mouth-feel, clear up common misconceptions, and explain why some foods trigger this reaction — even though no real hair is involved.

Quick Fact: No, You’re Not Actually Growing Hair in Your Mouth
Let’s clear up one myth right away — food cannot cause hair to grow in your mouth. The soft tissues in your mouth, known as the oral mucosa, don’t contain active hair follicles. So, no matter what you eat, you won’t start sprouting hair from your tongue or cheeks.

That said, some foods contain fibers, enzymes, or textures that can stimulate your nerves in a way that feels like hair — even though it’s not.

1. Kiwi (Especially With Skin)
Kiwi’s fuzzy brown skin can feel like real hair if eaten unpeeled, with tiny fibers getting stuck on your tongue or between your teeth. Even without the skin, the enzyme actinidin can irritate your mouth and cause a scratchy, tingling sensation.

2. Pineapple
Fresh pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that breaks down proteins. This enzyme can start dissolving the protective lining of your mouth, especially your tongue, leading to a rough or “fuzzy” feeling — often mistaken for hair.

3. Peaches and Apricots (With Skin)
The soft fuzz on peach and apricot skins can easily cling to your lips and mouth when bitten into. For some, this texture can feel like lingering strands, even after swallowing.

4. Rambutan and Lychee Shell Fragments
These tropical fruits are usually peeled by hand, but if bits of the spiky outer shell remain, they can end up in your mouth and feel like fibrous or hair-like particles when chewed.

5. Corn Silk or Celery Strings
Corn silk left on fresh corn can behave like fine threads in the mouth. Likewise, celery’s natural stringy fibers can get caught in your teeth or wrap around your tongue, mimicking the texture of hair.