Quick Take
According to a Facebook reel, a herbal remedy can help one grow long hair in just 7 days. After verifying the claim, we discovered that it is false.
The Claim
A widely shared Facebook post is endorsing an organic preparation for long hair. The well-known post with the caption, “Fenugreek challenge get long hair in 7 days,” emphasises the effectiveness of a herbal remedy formulated with fenugreek powder, triphala powder, and aloe vera to get long hair in just seven days.
Fact Check
What is meant by “hair follicle growth”? How is it related to the hair length?
As part of the integumentary system, hair moves downward into the dermal layer, residing in hair follicles. Every hair strand is composed of two distinct structures. The visible portion outside the skin is called the hair shaft, while the section beneath the skin’s surface is called the hair follicle. The hair follicle also has an outer and inner root sheath. The bulb of the follicle is responsible for the active synthesis of hair.
The growth of hair follicles is a cyclical process. The cycle usually consists of three distinct phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen, during which time hair follicles grow, rest, and lose hair strands. There are more adult hair follicles during the anagen phase, which is notably longer than the other stages. Overall hair length is determined by the duration of the anagen phase, which is highly individualised and often influenced by systemic wellness, age, hormones, and family history.
Although having long hair is not biologically necessary, people may want it for aesthetic, cultural, or spiritual reasons, to stand out and draw attention, or for self-expression and personal style. However, to maintain its length, long hair needs to grow regularly with minimal breakage or damage. As a result, hair growth determines the maximum length that may be achieved, and hair care may help to retain it.
Do fenugreek, aloe vera, and triphala powder make an effective combination for hair growth?
Hair growth has traditionally been associated with several traditional remedies. One such natural formulation composed of fenugreek, aloe vera, and triphala is under consideration because of the following benefits:
- Fenugreek, scientifically known as Trigonella foenum-graecum, is considered for hair growth because of its high content of phytoestrogens, nicotinic acid, and proteins. The high bioactive profile might enhance scalp blood circulation and DHT management, which may strengthen hair follicles, reduce shedding, and even promote growth.
- Aloe vera, or Aloe barbadensis miller, is utilised for its anti-inflammatory and enzymatic qualities, which may reduce dandruff, promote follicular health, and help maintain the pH of the scalp.
- Triphala is a traditional, extremely powerful blend that includes Terminalia bellirica, Terminalia chebula, and Emblica officinalis. The herbal formulation may exhibit antioxidant and antibacterial effects that help detoxify the scalp and alleviate follicular oxidative stress, contributing to hair thinning.
Dr. Sachin Gupta (MBBS and MD in Dermatology and Venereology from AIIMS Delhi), of Amrita Hospital in Faridabad, emphasises that there is no quick fix for accelerating hair growth. Dr. Gupta underlines that depending solely on unregulated formulations would not be effective because several factors, such as hormone variations, nutritional intake, family history, and overall wellness, affect hair growth. Hair growth may be promoted by proper hair maintenance approaches, a nutritious meal plan, and professional guidance for any underlying medical issues.
While the synergistic impact of the aforementioned ingredients may help nourish the scalp, improve follicular strength, and promote keratin synthesis, the efficacy of the combination for hair growth lacks robust clinical evidence.
Is there a herbal remedy that may grow long hair in just 7 days?
No, a cure that can grow long hair in seven days does not exist. The fact that hair length represents a balance of biological energies must be emphasised. Therefore, traditional medical practices, such as Ayurveda, promote a multifaceted approach encompassing dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, scalp massages with herbal oils, and plant-based formulations designed as per individual requirements.
While they are linked to hair-promoting attributes, certain herbs—such as fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), amla (Phyllanthus emblica), brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), and bhringraj (Eclipta alba)—might not work for everyone or for all of the fundamental causes of hair thinning.
The growth of hair is a gradual process that takes place at a rate of roughly 1 to 1.5 cm per month; no botanical remedy has been established to accelerate the hair growth cycle. Another important consideration is to know the difference between preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth. Social media posts may confuse the two completely distinct physiological mechanisms.
Certain natural remedies can prevent hair loss, but they can’t speed up the growth of existing hair, which necessitates adequate nourishment and time for follicular cycling.
Dr. Rashi Soni, a Dermatologist who co-founded the Rashi Hospital in Mumbai, states that hair grows half an inch a month on average. The hair usually grows half an inch per month. The notion that a homemade preparation can significantly speed up the process doesn’t seem realistic. Furthermore, the recipe’s dramatic impact is not well supported by the available clinical evidence. Thus, the assertion is certainly exaggerated.
While certain natural remedies may support the scalp, those that promise long hair in just seven days lack clinical validation.
What is the most effective way to achieve long hair?
Long and healthy hair requires an all-encompassing approach that takes into account both internal and external elements. Clinicians help in determining the cause of inadequate hair development, which can include everything from hormonal fluctuations to scalp-related conditions to nutritional deficiencies and genetic predispositions.
Diagnostic studies, including ferritin levels, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and thyroid function tests, may indicate a nutritional basis for delayed growth and suggest a balanced diet that supports keratin synthesis and follicular health. The adoption of healthy lifestyle choices is advocated for everyone. Most importantly, when necessary, doctors can suggest evidence-based nutraceuticals, low-level laser therapy, or topical minoxidil.
Therapeutic herbs may be used in addition to, but not in place of, medical advice and evidence-based hair care. Therefore, a patient-specific, scientifically directed plan should be implemented to achieve long hair.
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