Hair loss is a multifactorial condition requiring personalized diagnosis and treatment based on the underlying cause - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
January 11, 2024
Numerous videos (here, here, here) endorsing herbal hair oils are circulating extensively on social media. These videos claim that the use of such herbal hair oils can significantly enhance hair growth by reducing hair fall, controlling dandruff, and preventing the greying of hair. Some videos even assert that these products deliver 100% results within a short time. Let’s examine the validity of these claims.
Claim: Herbal hair oils can significantly enhance hair growth by reducing hair fall.
Fact: While some studies suggest natural oils can nourish hair, these were conducted on healthy individuals, implying that oils alone won’t solely boost hair growth. Hair loss is multifactorial, requiring treatments tailored to the specific cause. A balanced diet, hygiene, and proper hair care are also vital for hair growth. Hence, the claim made in the post is MISLEADING.
Firstly, we visited the website selling these products. According to the site, the primary ingredients used in these products include Bringaraj, Brahmi, Hibiscus, Jatamansi, Cuscus, Fenugreek, and small onions, among others. The site also claims that the products have Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Certification.
We verified this by checking the GMP website to see if the company offering these products is indeed GMP Certified. However, no such company was listed in the GMP Database. We then sought out research on the ingredients mentioned in these herbal products. We found that while some ingredients have primary research backing their efficacy, others have limited research, and some are known to potentially cause side effects if used without proper medical advice.
According to Harvard Medical School, hair loss can range from mild hair thinning to total baldness. Hair can fall out for various reasons, including drug side effects, prolonged illness, hormonal changes, symptoms of medical illness, genetic factors, and ageing. While some of these causes are temporary and treatable, others are permanent and may not be treatable with medications alone. Regardless, the treatment should be based on the underlying condition causing the hair loss.
Some studies (here and here) suggest that applying different kinds of natural oils to the hair can improve hair health by providing nourishment and moisturization. However, these studies were conducted on healthy individuals without any severe hair-related issues.
Moreover, while hair growth is influenced by various factors like nutrition and genetics, merely applying hair oils or combinations of oils will not solely promote hair growth. A balanced diet, good hygiene, and a proper hair care routine are also crucial for hair growth. Since hair fall treatment is based on the underlying cause, which varies from person to person, it is best advised to consult a medical professional as some of the ingredients in these products may have side effects on certain individuals.
In conclusion, while some hair oils may enhance hair health, applying hair oil alone will not significantly reduce hair fall. Treatment should be based on the underlying causes.