In Jainism, ahimsa (non-violence) is the central guiding principle. Killing or causing harm to any living being, no matter how small, creates karmic bondage. Hair mites are tiny living beings, so deliberately plucking hair to kill them involves violence to a living creature. Therefore, from a pure Jain dharma perspective, such an act would be considered non-ideal because it involves unnecessary harm to life.

What Jainism teaches in practice

• The ideal is to minimize violence to all beings, using the lightest possible touch and the fewest possible lives harmed.
• When health or hygiene requires action, Jains are encouraged to seek non-violent, humane methods first (for example, cleanliness, gentle cleansing, natural remedies) and to avoid cruelty.
• If some harm inevitably occurs in the course of preserving health, one approaches it with awareness and, in the spiritual sense, with reflection, repentance (pratikraman), and a resolve to reduce harm in the future.
• There are differences in interpretation between Digambar and Śvetāmbara traditions on many ritual details, but the core commitment to ahimsa remains the same.

Practical takeaway

• If you’re dealing with an infestation or mite problem, consider non-violent and hygiene-focused approaches first, and consult medical or veterinary guidance as needed.
• Seek the least harmful methods available, and reflect on the karmic implications of deliberate violence, aiming to minimize harm in all aspects of daily life.

If you’d like, I can share more about how ahimsa is applied in everyday situations (with references specific to Digambar and Śvetāmbara viewpoints) or point to classic Jain texts that discuss non-violence in practice.