Dermatologist debunks popular internet hair remedies and social media trends

Losing 50 to 100 strands of hair every day is normal, but visible scalp, sudden bald patches, or early silver strands mean it is time to look past internet hacks. Dr Shraddha Kologi, a dermatologist at Aster RV Hospital in Bengaluru, warns that trending remedies like raw onion juice or overnight oiling often cause scalp irritation and severe dandruff rather than fixing hair loss. Onion juice contains sulphur compounds and has some support in small studies for patchy hair loss, but it is not an established treatment and frequently causes redness, itching, and allergic reactions. Leaving oil on the hair overnight can aggravate dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis for people with oily scalps, and excessive massage can break fragile hair. Hair oiling only conditions the hair shaft and reduces friction, rather than stimulating follicles or stopping genetic hair loss, while rice water offers limited benefits that can cause stiffness and breakage if used in excess. Proven medical treatments like topical minoxidil have much stronger clinical backing for hair regrowth. Genetics drives male and female pattern baldness, but other triggers include stress, poor sleep, rapid weight loss, and deficiencies in iron, protein, vitamin B12, or vitamin D. Premature greying in your 20s cannot be reversed if it is genetic, and plucking a grey hair will not make ten more grow, though it can scar the hair follicle. Correcting underlying thyroid problems or nutritional gaps can help with early greying or shedding.

Context

Internet trends often promote quick kitchen fixes for complex medical conditions like hair loss and greying. Consulting a qualified dermatologist helps identify the real underlying cause instead of relying on unverified home routines.