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| - Last Updated on October 22, 2024 by Nivedita
Quick Take
A social media post claims that onion, lemon and castor oil can boost beard growth in 3 days. We did the fact check to term this claim as False.
The Claim
According to an Instagram video, applying a blend of onion juice, lemon juice, and castor oil can significantly increase beard growth in just 3 days.
Fact Check
Can onion juice stimulate beard growth?
Not effectively. Hair care enthusiasts often use onion juice for its supposed benefits, mainly because its sulphur content is believed to enhance blood circulation and strengthen hair strands. Social media has circulated claims that combining onion juice with coffee and cinnamon can accelerate hair growth, but this method does not work. While some anecdotal evidence suggests that onion juice may improve scalp hair health, scientific research on its effectiveness for beard growth is scarce.
Most available studies focus on conditions like alopecia areata, where onion juice has been tested for scalp hair regrowth. Even in these cases, improvements were observed over several weeks, not just a matter of days. Furthermore, there is no conclusive evidence to indicate that onion juice can directly stimulate facial hair follicles in such a short span of time. Beard growth depends more on hormones like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). And, these cannot be altered by external applications such as onion juice.
Does castor oil boost beard growth when combined with other ingredients?
No, it does not have that effect. Castor oil is very popular for its moisturising and nourishing properties. Rich in ricinoleic acid, it may soothe the skin and reduce inflammation, contributing to healthier hair overall. Regular use can make beard hair look shinier and more conditioned. A 2015 study shows that ricinoleic acid has potential for treating hair loss. However, it was conducted using computer modelling in an in silico environment.
However, there is no scientific backing for the idea that castor oil can cause new hair to grow faster or make it thicker. While it can support existing beard health, it doesn’t stimulate rapid hair growth, especially within a short timeframe like 3 days. Its benefits are more about maintenance than accelerating hair growth.
The search for effective natural remedies for grooming, such as using onion and castor oil for beard growth, mirrors the discussions around health procedures and their unexpected impacts, like the potential effects of wisdom teeth removal on digestive health.
Can lemon juice speed up beard growth?
No, lemon juice contains vitamin C and antioxidants, which can support general skin health. However, it does not have any proven effects on hair growth. Its astringent properties may help cleanse the skin, but this does not translate into faster beard growth. Applying lemon juice directly to the skin could even cause irritation or dryness, particularly for those with sensitive skin. Moreover, it can increase photosensitivity, which makes the skin more prone to sunburn if exposed to sunlight after use.
Therefore, adding lemon juice to your beard care routine is unlikely to make a noticeable difference in how fast or thick your beard grows, especially not within just a few days.
We spoke with Dr Ekansh Shekhar, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Trichologist, and Aesthetic Medicine Consultant, Lucknow, about the effectiveness of onion and lemon juice with castor oil for beard growth. He states, “Scientific evidence does not support the use of a combination of onion, lemon, and castor oil for rapid beard growth. Beard hair typically grows at a rate of 0.3-0.4 mm per day, making significant growth within 3 days unlikely. Results can vary greatly based on individual factors such as genetics, hormones, and overall health. Conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis may also influence how effectively these ingredients work. Furthermore, using the wrong concentration or applying them incorrectly could lead to skin irritation or allergic reactions. While these ingredients may offer some benefits, it is unrealistic to expect noticeable beard growth in just 3 days. Consistent use over 6-12 weeks might yield modest improvements, but results will still differ from person to person.”
What actually affects beard growth?
Beard growth is mainly determined by genetics and hormones. How thick and quickly your beard grows depends on your genetic makeup, while hormones like testosterone and DHT influence the rate and pattern of growth. Other factors, such as age, diet, and overall health, also play a role.
Using topical remedies might help maintain good skin and hair health, but they do not have the power to change the natural growth rate of your beard. Aloe vera gel for beard growth is also popular on social media, but this too lacks scientific backing. Instead, a balanced diet, regular grooming, and good skincare habits are more reliable ways to support healthy beard growth.
We connected with Dr Rashi Soni, Co-founder and Consulting Dermatologist, Aesthetician, and Hair Transplant Surgeon at Rashi Hospital, Mumbai, for her expert take on the factors affecting beard growth. She states, “Beard growth is primarily influenced by genetics, hormones, and overall health. Factors such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) play crucial roles in determining the thickness and speed of hair growth. Additionally, individual health, age, and even diet can impact beard growth. While some topical treatments may help with the appearance and health of existing facial hair, they cannot significantly change the natural growth rate set by these underlying factors.”
Are there risks to using onion, lemon, and castor oil on your face?
Yes, there are some potential concerns. Onion juice has a pungent smell and might irritate the skin, causing redness or rashes, particularly in people with sensitive skin. Lemon juice, with its acidic nature, can cause stinging, dryness, and increased sun sensitivity. Prolonged exposure to sunlight after using lemon juice can lead to skin damage. While castor oil is generally safe, it can clog pores, potentially causing breakouts.
Before using new oils and serums for beard growth, it’s essential to do a patch test. Many products on the market claim to promote faster beard growth, but it’s important to be cautious and not rely on exaggerated marketing. For safe and effective advice on beard care, consider consulting a dermatologist.
THIP Media Take
The claim that onion juice, lemon juice, and castor oil can boost beard growth in 3 days is false. Beard growth mainly depends on genetics and hormones, not external remedies. For better results, focus on a healthy lifestyle, proper skincare, and patience, rather than quick, unverified fixes.
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