Loads of us are desperate for thicker, longer hair – so it’s not surprising that there are so many brands and influencers claiming to have found a genius way to stop hair thinning and loss.
Over on YouTube there are hundreds of videos recommending people rub chopped onions, chilli peppers, or spices into their scalp to promote hair growth.
But doctors say this trick is not only ineffective, but could cause further damage and hair loss… which is the exact opposite of what you’re after.
Channel HairGuard has a video recommending ‘hair stimulation paste’ made from chilli pepper, brandy, egg yolk, and lemon juice, claiming: ‘While many people have been recommending cayenne pepper for a host of other health problems for years, it is only recently that people have been testing it out as a hair growth method.’
Another channel, CandyApple Momo, advises massaging chilli powder and oil into the roots, while beautyklove’s video suggests mixing cayenne pepper with coconut oil, promising ‘thicker hair and reduced hair fall’.
Leading hair transplant surgeon Dr Bessam Farjo is warning people not to risk injury by trying out these homemade concoctions.
Dr Farjo, from Farjo Hair Institute, said: ‘It’s highly unlikely anyone who tries this will see any results, but there is a risk of causing skin irritation and inflammation to the scalp and subsequent hair loss.’
Consultant Dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson Dr Sharon Wong also urged caution. She said: ‘Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chillies and is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, however the evidence of it regrowing hair is minimal.
‘Rubbing chilli in any of its forms directly onto the scalp can cause burning sensations, hypersensitivity and contact dermatitis, which if severe enough can potentially cause hair loss as a secondary effect.’
If you’re worried about hair loss and thinning, it’s worth chatting to your GP to make sure this isn’t a side effect of something more sinister.
Hair loss and thinning can also be caused by stress, so take some time to check how you’re really feeling and be willing to make adjustments to your life.
You’d be amazed how much a change in hairstyle can disguise hair loss. Chat to a stylist for their expertise, too.
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source https://metro.co.uk/2020/01/29/doctors-warn-people-not-rub-chillis-scalps-try-make-hair-grow-12143196/
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