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| - Last Updated on January 13, 2025 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that aloe vera gel, coffee and tea can darken grey hair permanently. We did the fact check to term this claim as false.
The Claim
A viral Instagram claim suggests that applying a mixture of aloe vera gel, coffee powder, and black tea to grey hair can permanently darken it in just one use.
Fact Check
Can this mixture of aloe vera gel, coffee, and black tea permanently reverse grey hair?
No, this mixture cannot reverse grey hair permanently. Greying of hair occurs due to a loss of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair colour. Factors such as ageing, genetics, stress and sometimes medical conditions cause this process. While coffee and black tea can stain hair due to their natural pigments, these effects are temporary and wash out with shampoo or over time. Aloe vera, although a popular natural remedy, has no properties that can restore melanin production in hair follicles.
Scientific evidence does not support the claim that any topical mixture, including the one mentioned, can permanently reverse grey hair. Greying is a biological process, and no external application can alter it permanently, especially with just one application.
We reached out to Dr Rashi Soni, Co-founder and Consulting Dermatologist at Rashi Hospital in Mumbai, for her take home remedy to permanently reverse grey hair. She states, “No, this mixture of aloe vera gel, coffee, and black tea cannot permanently reverse grey hair. While aloe vera is great for soothing and hydrating the scalp, it doesn’t have any properties that can change hair colour. Coffee and black tea may temporarily darken hair due to their natural pigments, but this effect is not permanent and will wash out over time. Grey hair happens when the pigment-producing cells in your hair follicles stop working, and unfortunately, no natural remedy can reverse this process permanently.”
Does coffee or black tea have long-lasting effects on hair colour?
Not really. Coffee and black tea can temporarily darken hair. Coffee contains tannins and natural pigments that can coat the hair shaft, giving a slight brownish tint. Similarly, black tea has a staining effect due to its high tannin content. However, these effects are superficial and fade after a few washes. They do not penetrate the hair shaft deeply enough to cause permanent colour changes.
Additionally, the intensity of the colour depends on the hair’s porosity and the frequency of application. Grey hair, which is often less porous, may not hold these stains effectively.
Can aloe vera enhance the colouring effect of coffee and tea?
No, aloe vera does not enhance hair colouring effects. Aloe vera is popular for its moisturising and soothing properties. It is often used in hair care for its ability to hydrate the scalp and condition hair strands. However, it does not contain any pigments or compounds that can influence hair colour. Its inclusion in this mixture likely serves as a base to make the application easier but does not contribute to darkening grey hair.
Moreover, there’s some evidence that aloe vera is good for digestion; however, it’s still important to be cautious about the side effects of aloe vera juice consumption.
What are the proven methods to manage grey hair?
Permanent solutions usually involve professional products or medical treatments. If you want to cover grey hair effectively, options include:
- Hair dyes: Both permanent and semi-permanent dyes are formulated to penetrate the hair shaft and provide lasting colour.
- Henna: A natural dye derived from the henna plant can impart a reddish-brown tint to hair.
- Medical treatments: In rare cases, premature greying caused by nutritional deficiencies or thyroid issues may be reversible with appropriate treatment.
We spoke with Dr Ekansh Shekhar, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Trichologist, and Aesthetic Medicine Consultant in Lucknow, for his expert opinion on ways to address grey hair. He says, “Managing grey hair comes down to a few practical options. Hair dyes are the most popular choice, with permanent, semi-permanent, and ammonia-free options available depending on your needs. If you prefer a natural approach, henna can give a reddish-brown tint, though it may not completely cover greys. For quick fixes, root touch-up sprays and powders work well to hide greys between dye sessions. Since greying is mostly genetic, eating a balanced diet with enough vitamin B12, iron, and zinc can help keep your hair healthy. Some professional treatments, like microneedling or special serums, can improve hair quality, but they won’t stop greying. Embracing your grey hair is also a wonderful option, with many people now celebrating their silver strands through good care and styling. If you’re unsure about what’s best for you, a dermatologist can guide you.”
THIP Media Take
The claim that aloe vera gel, coffee and tea can darken grey hair permanently after one application is false. While these ingredients may temporarily stain hair, they do not reverse the greying process or provide permanent colour. It’s important to consult a dermatologist or trichologist for personalised advice.
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