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| - Last Updated on September 13, 2024 by Nivedita
Quick Take
A social media post claims that a mixture of mustard oil, fenugreek, amla, and henna powders can turn hair jet black. We did the fact check to term this as False.
The Claim
An Instagram post claims that heating mustard oil with fenugreek, amla, and henna powders and applying it will turn hair jet black. The remedy is said to prevent greying, even at 100 years old.
Fact Check
Can mustard oil, fenugreek, amla, and henna powders turn hair jet black?
Not really. Mustard oil is a common ingredient in traditional hair care due to its rich natural fats content, especially omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. Both of these can improve scalp health. Fenugreek, amla, and henna are also popular in hair care routines, often for nourishment and strengthening purposes. However, they lack the ability to change hair colour to jet black permanently. We found no such evidence.
Henna can deposit a reddish-orange tint to hair, not black. Even if mixed with other natural ingredients, the resulting colour cannot be compared to the effect of chemical hair dyes. Amla is rich in vitamin C, and popular for promoting hair growth and may slightly reduce premature greying. Some people also suggest almonds for reversing grey hair. However, these remedies don’t guarantee a change in natural hair pigment, and they cannot stop greying indefinitely.
A social media post claimed that eating 2tsp soaked fenugreek seed every morning in an empty stomach helps cure piles.
We got valuable insights from Dr Ekansh Shekhar, a Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Trichologist and Aesthetic Medicine Consultant, Lucknow. He adds, “Grey hair is a natural consequence of ageing, caused by a reduction in melanin production in the hair follicles. Melanin, the pigment responsible for hair colour, decreases over time due to a mix of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. While many natural remedies like mustard oil, fenugreek, amla, and henna are popular for improving hair health, there is no scientific evidence that they can prevent or reverse the greying process.”
Dr Shekhar further explains, “These ingredients can help moisturise the scalp, strengthen hair, and reduce brittleness, making hair look healthier. However, they cannot alter the biological mechanisms that lead to greying. For managing grey hair, it’s better to focus on a balanced diet, stress reduction, and protecting hair from environmental damage, while professional colouring options can help enhance your natural look.”
Is it possible to prevent greying of hair even at 100 years of age?
No, preventing hair from turning grey at any age, especially 100 years, is impossible. Greying is a natural process because of the gradual decrease in melanin production in hair follicles as we age. Genetics play a major role in when and how rapidly someone’s hair turns grey. External factors such as stress, smoking, and nutritional deficiencies may accelerate greying, but once the melanin-producing cells (melanocytes) stop functioning, no remedy can reverse or halt the process.
Although many believe that certain natural remedies like amla and fenugreek can delay premature greying, they cannot stop or reverse the natural ageing of hair. By the age of 100, most people experience significant greying or white hair, a sign of ageing that no topical treatment can prevent.
We also got in touch with Dr Hitesh Aggarwal, a Consultant Dermatologist at Dr Hitesh Skin and Hair Clinic, New Delhi, to gain insights on whether it is possible to have black hair even at 100 years of age. He says, “No, it is not scientifically possible to prevent greying or maintain black hair at 100 years of age using topical treatments alone. Hair greying is largely due to genetics and ageing, which leads to a decline in melanin production. While certain products and treatments can enhance the appearance of the hair or temporarily cover grey, there is no topical treatment that can stop or reverse the natural progression of greying over time, especially at such an advanced age.”
What evidence supports the use of these herbal ingredients for greying hair?
There isn’t sufficient evidence to support the idea that fenugreek, amla, or henna can prevent greying. Scientific evidence indicates that natural products like amla may support scalp health and reduce oxidative stress, which has a role to play in premature greying. However, it does not state that these ingredients can prevent grey hair entirely.
Additionally, henna has been used for centuries to condition hair and add a reddish tint, but it does not turn hair black. Mustard oil is beneficial for scalp health due to its antioxidant properties, but like the other ingredients, it cannot reverse the greying process. Moreover, fenugreek is very popular for its anti-dandruff properties. However, suggesting that fenugreek sprouts can promote hair regrowth or reverse greying of hair is largely false.
No reputable studies or scientific evidence suggest that these ingredients can permanently prevent greying, especially at an advanced age like 100. While they may nourish hair and improve overall health, they do not affect the underlying biological mechanisms that cause hair to grey.
How can grey hair be managed or prevented?
There is no sure shot way to prevent grey hair, but certain lifestyle choices and treatments can help manage or delay it. Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins such as B12, folic acid, and iron may help improve hair health and reduce oxidative stress on hair follicles. Antioxidants, like those found in green tea or vitamin C, may also reduce the factors that contribute to premature greying.
For those looking to cover grey hair, hair dyes remain the most reliable option. Natural or chemical dyes can offer temporary or long-lasting solutions, depending on individual preferences. Regular scalp care, avoiding harsh chemical treatments, and using gentle hair products can help maintain healthy hair as you age.
Is there any harm in using the suggested remedy?
The remedy may not cause harm, but relying on it to prevent greying is unrealistic. Oils like mustard oil nourish the scalp, and henna adds a tint, but they won’t stop greying. Overheating oils or using powders can cause dryness or irritation. Some henna products, especially black henna with PPD (para-Phenylenediamine), can trigger allergic reactions. Amla may also cause allergies, so we advise a patch test. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a doctor, and amla should not be used on children. It’s essential to have realistic expectations and seek professional advice from a dermatologist for managing grey hair.
THIP Media Take
The claim that applying a mixture of mustard oil, fenugreek, amla, and henna can prevent greying and turn hair jet black, even at 100 years old, is false. Greying is a natural process, and no topical remedy can prevent or reverse it., especially at such an advanced age.
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