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| - Last Updated on June 7, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A Facebook video claims that a blend of coffee, cinnamon and onion can make the hair grow faster. We did the fact check to term it as Mostly False.
The Claim
According to a Facebook video, you can make your hair grow faster by using a blend of onion, coffee and cinnamon.
Fact Check
What is the science behind hair growth?
Hair grows from follicles located in the skin, and each follicle goes through a growth cycle comprising three phases: anagen (growth phase), catagen (transitional phase), and telogen (resting phase). During the anagen phase, hair grows approximately half an inch per month. Factors influencing hair growth include genetics, hormones, diet, and overall health. Some topical treatments can support scalp health. But, they cannot dramatically speed up the inherent growth rate determined by these factors.
Can a blend of onion, coffee and cinnamon make the hair grow faster?
No, not really. These ingredients may offer some benefits for scalp health, there’s no scientific evidence to support the claim that they can significantly accelerate hair growth.
Onions contain sulphur, which can improve blood circulation and deliver essential nutrients to hair follicles. However, the evidence supporting onion juice as a hair growth treatment is mostly anecdotal. Similarly, coffee contains caffeine, which may stimulate blood circulation and improve follicle health, but its impact on actual hair growth remains minimal. Cinnamon, known for its antimicrobial properties, might improve scalp health, yet it does not enhance the speed of hair growth significantly.
There is a widespread practice of using home remedies for hair growth like neem oil, fenugreek seeds, coconut oil concoction, eating fennel seeds, etc. But, just like onion, coffee and cinnamon mixture, even these lack the clinical evidence. We need more research to substantiate these home remedies for hair growth.
Dr Sachin Gupta, Dermatologist at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, offers a professional perspective: “There is little to no scientific backing for the claim that onion, coffee, and cinnamon can speed up hair growth. These ingredients may improve scalp health for some people. But they should not be relied upon as a primary method for hair growth. It is essential to focus on overall health, proper nutrition, and proven treatments.”
Is onion good for hair?
Onion juice has gained popularity as a home remedy for hair loss. It contains sulphur, which can improve blood circulation, providing follicles with nourishment and promoting hair health. Some small studies and informal evidence suggest that applying onion juice might help with hair loss and improve hair strength. However, these findings are not conclusive, and we need more research to validate onion juice as an effective hair growth treatment.
Science shows that onion juice can help with hair loss due to its high sulphur content. Sulphur is essential for protein formation, including keratin, which is crucial for strong hair. Applying onion juice to the scalp provides extra sulphur, promoting strong and thick hair, and may also enhance collagen production, supporting healthy skin and hair growth. Additionally, onions may boost circulation, improving blood supply to hair follicles. A 2002 study found that participants who used onion juice experienced more hair growth than those who used tap water. However, the study is old and incomplete, necessitating further research. Onion juice can stimulate and protect existing hair growth but is not a cure for hair loss conditions like alopecia or pattern baldness.
Is coffee and cinnamon good for your hair?
Coffee, with its high caffeine content, is sometimes used in hair treatments. Caffeine can stimulate blood circulation to the scalp, potentially promoting a healthier environment for hair growth. Coffee also contains antioxidants, which can help combat free radicals and maintain scalp health. However, these benefits are mild and do not translate into significantly faster hair growth. Also, there isn’t much research available on the efficacy of caffeine for hair growth. We found one lab study which looks at the positive effect of caffeine on hair growth. Once again, we need more research on animals and then humans to come to a conclusion.
Cinnamon’s antimicrobial properties help keep the scalp healthy by preventing infections and creating a clean environment for hair to grow. A 2019 review looked at procyanidin, a compound in cinnamon, and found older studies linking it to hair growth, although these studies used procyanidin from apple juice. A 2018 animal study showed that cinnamon oil could improve hair length in male rats as effectively as 2% minoxidil (Rogaine). Researchers believe this effect is due to cinnamaldehyde, which increases circulation and blood flow to hair follicles. However, we need more research on procyanidin from cinnamon and further human studies.
What are the disadvantages of coffee in hair?
Coffee may have some benefits, but using it on your hair can lead to potential downsides. Applying coffee to your hair can result in dryness and brittleness, especially if you don’t rinse it out thoroughly. The caffeine in coffee might also cause irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. Overusing coffee in hair treatments can strip moisture from the hair, making it more prone to breakage. It’s important to use coffee treatments in moderation and follow up with a conditioner to maintain moisture balance.
What are the side effects of using onion and cinnamon for hair?
Onions and cinnamon can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Onions can sometimes irritate the skin, causing redness and itching. Mixing onion juice with soothing substances like aloe vera or coconut oil can help reduce these effects. But remember, onion juice won’t cure conditions like alopecia. For people with alopecia, hair transplants may be the only solution. Also, certain medications, like aspirin, can make your skin more sensitive to onion juice, so it’s wise to do a skin test or ask your doctor before using it. Similarly, cinnamon oil and ground cinnamon may irritate the skin too, causing redness or a burning feeling. To lower the risk, dilute cinnamon oil (or the powder) and test it on a small area of skin first. Even though cinnamon is safe to eat, be careful with the oil—it can cause skin reactions in some people.
How to grow hair faster?
Expecting significant hair growth in just one week is unrealistic. But you can take steps to optimise hair health and create the best conditions for growth:
- Eat a balanced diet: Ensure your diet is rich in vitamins and minerals, especially those known to support hair health, such as biotin, vitamin E, vitamin D, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Massage your scalp: Regular scalp massages can stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting a healthy scalp environment.
- Use gentle hair care products: Avoid products with harsh chemicals. Opt for shampoos and conditioners that are sulphate-free and designed to nourish the hair.
- Minimise heat styling: Excessive use of heat styling tools can damage hair. Try to limit the use of blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your hair hydrated from the inside out.
- Reduce stress: High stress levels can impact hair growth. Practice stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or regular exercise.
You should keep in mind that these methods can only support overall hair health. But they will not lead to dramatic results in just one week. Consistency and a holistic approach to health and hair care are key to achieving and maintaining healthy hair growth over time.
In conclusion, the claim that a blend of onion, coffee, and cinnamon can accelerate hair growth is mostly false. These ingredients may offer some benefits for scalp health, but they do not make the hair grow faster. Focusing on a balanced diet, proper scalp care, and proven hair treatments is a more reliable approach to achieving healthy hair.
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