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| - Last Updated on November 4, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that a herbal concoction containing coconut oil with herbs can regenerate hair in just 2 days. Our fact check reveals it’s false.
The Claim
An Instagram video promotes a herbal mixture of coconut oil and ingredients like hibiscus, fenugreek seeds, curry leaves, and onions. The post asserts that it can stimulate hair growth, even on a bald head, in a mere 2 days. The video makes the sensational claim that hair will grow so quickly that it will be unmanageable, requiring frequent cuts.
Fact Check
Can coconut oil really promote hair growth in just 2 days?
No, coconut oil cannot regenerate hair growth in just 2 days. Although coconut oil is popular for its moisturising and conditioning properties, scientific evidence supporting its ability to rapidly stimulate hair growth is lacking. The hair growth cycle is complex, generally taking weeks to months to show any noticeable change.
Coconut oil can nourish the scalp and strengthen hair, but it does not have the power to regenerate hair follicles or reverse baldness in such a short time frame. Research indicates that coconut oil has beneficial properties, such as reducing protein loss in hair and improving its overall health. However, these benefits do not translate to instant hair regeneration.
Dr Ekansh Shekhar, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Trichologist, and Aesthetic Medicine Consultant in Lucknow, says, “Coconut oil can certainly benefit your hair by moisturising and nourishing it, but expecting it to promote hair growth in just 2 days is unrealistic. Healthy hair growth is a gradual process influenced by various factors, including proper nutrition, overall health, and the natural hair growth cycle. While coconut oil can improve the condition of your hair and scalp, leading to healthier strands over time, it does not possess the magic ability to instantly regenerate hair follicles or create new growth overnight. For the best results, maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, manage stress, and stay hydrated, as consistent care is essential for achieving and maintaining beautiful, healthy hair.”
Do the herbs in the mixture have proven benefits?
While there’s no strong scientific evidence, they may help with hair conditioning and general hair health. However, claiming that this mixture can drastically boost hair growth in a mere 2 days is nothing but an overstatement. The ingredients mentioned—hibiscus, fenugreek seeds, curry leaves, and onions—do have some anecdotal support for hair health, but none offer a miracle solution for rapid hair growth.
- Hibiscus: Often used in traditional remedies, hibiscus can help in strengthening hair (an animal study) and prevent premature greying. While it may improve overall hair health, there’s no credible evidence to suggest it can boost hair growth in just 2 days.
- Fenugreek seeds (methi daana): Known for their rich content of vitamins and minerals, fenugreek seeds may help nourish hair and promote healthier strands. They can improve scalp health and may reduce hair loss over time, but they will not regenerate hair within a couple of days.
- Curry leaves: These leaves are rich in antioxidants and are often recommended for maintaining hair health. Some studies suggest they may help strengthen hair, but again, the timeline is much longer than 2 days.
- Onion: Onions have the potential to improve hair growth due to their high sulphur content, which may promote circulation to the scalp. However, the time frame for noticeable results is not as rapid as claimed.
Other than these, people also suggest Fever nuts for hair regeneration. But, even this remedy is not supported by any solid scientific evidence.
Is there any scientific evidence for these claims?
No credible studies support the notion that any combination of these ingredients can lead to hair regrowth in just 48 hours. The hair growth cycle includes anagen (growth phase), catagen (transitional phase), and telogen (resting phase). Each of these stages lasts weeks to months. Hair follicles need time to rejuvenate, and no topical application can accelerate this process drastically so soon.
What factors should be considered for hair growth?
For those seeking to improve hair growth, a holistic approach is best. This includes maintaining a healthy diet for hair that is rich in vitamins and minerals. You should also ensure adequate hydration, manage stress levels, and avoid harsh hair treatments. It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider or dermatologist for personalised advice, particularly if you have concerns about hair loss or scalp health.
We reached out to Dr Rashi Soni, Co-founder and Consulting Dermatologist, Aesthetician, and Hair Transplant Surgeon at Rashi Hospital in Mumbai, for her expertise on hair growth factors. She says, “When considering hair growth, it’s important to recognise that several factors play an important role. Genetics, hormonal balance, and overall health significantly influence hair growth. A well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients—such as vitamins A, C, D, E, and minerals like zinc and iron—supports hair health from within. Additionally, managing stress levels and maintaining a proper hair care routine can contribute to optimal growth. Remember, healthy hair doesn’t just happen; it requires attention and care to flourish.”
Social media posts also promote biotin gummies these days. One of the very popular is BeBodywise hair gummies for reducing hair loss. However, this is not clinically proven to work for everybody because hair growth depends on various factors that biotin alone cannot solve.
THIP Media Take
In summary, the claim that coconut oil with herbs can regenerate hair in just 2 days is simply not true. While each ingredient may offer benefits for hair health over time, expecting instant results is unrealistic. It’s essential to understand the biology of hair growth and to adopt evidence-based approaches to manage your expectations effectively and achieve healthier hair. Always approach sensational claims with caution and seek reliable information when it comes to hair care and growth.
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