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| - Last Updated on December 3, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that papaya can prevent baldness and keep your hair black. Our fact check reveals this is false.
The Claim
According to an Instagram post, papaya can prevent baldness, keep your hair black, and strengthen your hair roots. The post claims it contains keratin, copper, and vitamins that help maintain black hair and strengthen the roots.
Fact Check
Can papaya prevent baldness?
No, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that papaya can prevent baldness. Baldness is often caused by genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, or health conditions. While papaya is nutritious and can contribute to overall health, there’s no data supporting the claim that it specifically prevents hair loss or stops balding.
Papaya does contain several vitamins and antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin A, which support general skin and hair health. A 2011 study shows that seeds of papaya have antifungal properties which can help in controlling dandruff. However, these benefits are not strong enough to prevent hair loss or stop balding. For baldness prevention, treatments like minoxidil or prescription medications are often more effective.
To gain more clarity, we reached out to Dr Sachin Gupta, Consultant Dermatologist at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad. He shares, “While treatments like minoxidil and finasteride are commonly used for hair regrowth, it’s important to recognise that results can vary from person to person. The effectiveness of these treatments depends on factors such as the cause of hair loss, age, and overall health. Consulting a dermatologist is essential to pinpoint the underlying cause and design a personalised treatment plan to support healthy hair growth.”
Some social media posts also claim that papaya leaves can increase platelet count in just 12 hours. While there is some evidence to support this, it does not work this quickly, especially within just 12 hours.
Does papaya make your hair black?
Not really. While papaya is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, it doesn’t directly alter hair colour or prevent greying. The natural pigmentation of your hair largely depends on genetics and the production of melanin. As you age, melanin production decreases, leading to grey or white hair.
There are no studies that link papaya to stopping hair from turning grey. While papaya can help maintain overall scalp and hair health, it doesn’t have the magical ability to stop the greying process. A balanced diet with adequate vitamins and minerals can slow the process, but it can’t reverse or prevent it.
Can papaya strengthen hair roots?
Maybe, but not in the way the post suggests. Papaya is a good source of nutrients like Vitamin A and C, which support the health of your hair follicles and scalp. Healthy hair roots need a good supply of nutrients, and while papaya can help in this regard, there’s no strong evidence suggesting that it directly strengthens the roots or prevents hair loss.
For expert insight into hair health, we consulted Dr Rashi Soni, Co-founder and Consulting Dermatologist at Rashi Hospital in Mumbai. She explains, “Hair growth is influenced by multiple factors, including genetics, hormonal balance, and overall health. A balanced diet, rich in vitamins A, C, D, E, and minerals like zinc and iron, supports healthy hair from within. Managing stress and maintaining a proper hair care routine are also essential. Healthy hair doesn’t occur by chance; it needs consistent care and attention to thrive.”
There is another popular claim that eating papaya after sex will prevent pregnancy. However, this is not true. It’s better to use contraception rather than rely on something unproven.
Does papaya contain keratin and copper?
No, papaya does not contain keratin, and while it does contain copper, it doesn’t have enough of this mineral to impact hair growth significantly. Keratin is a protein found in hair, skin, and nails, but it is not found in papaya. The claim that papaya contains keratin is misleading.
Copper, on the other hand, is essential for overall health and does play a role in melanin production, which affects hair colour. However, the amount of copper in papaya is relatively small, and consuming papaya alone is unlikely to have a significant effect on hair colour or strength. A diet rich in a variety of copper-containing foods, such as nuts, seeds, and shellfish, would be a more effective way to ensure you’re getting enough of this important mineral.
THIP Media Take
The claim that papaya can prevent baldness and keep your hair black is false. While it’s rich in nutrients that support overall hair and scalp health, there is no scientific evidence to back the claims made in the viral post. For preventing baldness and managing hair colour, it’s better to rely on evidence-based treatments and proper hair care.
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