Dermatologist advises caution over viral hair growth hacks

Eugenix Hair Sciences Co-founder and Hair Transplant Surgeon Dr Pradeep Sethi warned that blindly following unverified internet trends for thinning hair can cause severe scalp irritation and accelerate shedding. These popular online treatments often delay necessary professional medical interventions, allowing underlying pattern baldness to progress further.

Hindustan Times reported that while some home remedies carry low risks, others actively inflame skin tissues and worsen conditions. Sethi noted that early clinical intervention provides the best opportunity to preserve existing hair and secure favourable outcomes.

Risks of Popular Remedies

• Microneedling:This technique creates controlled punctures to trigger growth factors and increase blood flow to improve follicles. However, it cannot halt the underlying miniaturisation process because it fails to address dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
• Onion juice: Applying onion juice can cause redness, itching, dandruff, and an unpleasant odour. Failing to wash the juice out properly can lead directly to further hair loss.
• Rosemary oil:Social media highly promotes rosemary oil, but the USFDA has not approved it to treat male pattern baldness. Undiluted versions can heavily irritate or inflame the scalp.
• Kitchen ingredient:Homemade mixtures such as garlic masks pose risks of chemical burns and severe allergic reactions when placed directly onto human skin.

Clinically Proven Alternatives

• Oral Finasteride: This medication works directly at the DHT level to slow down the gradual shrinking of hair follicles. Users typically notice reduced shedding and stabilised hair loss over several months.
• Topical Minoxidil: This treatment supports the specific growth phase of the hair cycle to deliver thicker strands over time. It can induce temporary shedding during the first few weeks as the cycle resets.

Sethi recommended consulting a dermatologist to establish the correct clinical dosage rather than relying on home remedies for a prolonged period. Healthy hair growth ultimately depends on overall health factors, including proper sleep, stress management, and a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and zinc.

Note: This article is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor with questions about a medical condition.