Last Updated on October 17, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that one can dye their white hair at home permanently by applying an oil made with gooseberry, turmeric and mustard oil. We fact-checked and found this claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
The caption of a Facebook post reads, “My 55 year Mom and Dad applied Natural dye once a week & covered white hair permanently | Homemade Indian Gooseberry (Amla) Oil #greyhair #whitehair #grayhair #longhair #hairgrowth #haircare #hair #homemade #diy”
During the video, the narrator displays the recipe to prepare the oil using mustard oil, gooseberry and turmeric to be applied on the hair.
Fact Check
Why does our hair turn grey?
Greying of hair is a natural phenomenon with age. Harvard Health states that the hair follicles produce less color with age, so when hair goes through its natural cycle of dying and being regenerated, it’s more likely to grow in the gray beginning after age 35. There is a major role of genetics in this process.
Additionally, there are multiple other medical conditions that can contribute to the early onset of greying of hair, popularly known as premature greying. The reasons include vitamin deficiency, thyroid disease, vitiligo, and alopecia.
Many people believe even stress contributes to greying of hair. However, there is very little scientific conclusive evidence for the same. Studies even suggest that under stress hair turns grey in mice. But whether the same phenomenon works on the human body is still not yet known.
Can the whitening of hair be reversed?
No. Despite multiple marketing claims by product makers, the greying of hair can never be reversed. Cosmetic coloring aside, once a hair follicle produces hair, the color is set and cannot be changed. The Harvard Blog states that If a single strand of hair starts out brown (or red or black or blond), it is never going to change its color (unless you color your hair).
Dr Reena Majithia, Consultant Dermatologist and cosmetologist further confirms, “Hair graying is primarily a result of the natural aging process, and it is influenced by genetic factors. It occurs when the pigment-producing cells in the hair follicles gradually decrease in activity. This reduction in pigment production leads to the appearance of grey or white hair.
Lemon and coconut oil may have certain beneficial properties for hair health, such as moisturizing and conditioning, but they cannot alter the underlying causes of greying. Lemon juice is acidic and may help remove excess oil and build-up from the scalp, while coconut oil can provide nourishment to the hair strands. However, neither of these ingredients has the ability to stimulate the production of melanin (the pigment responsible for hair color) or reverse the aging process.”
Dr. Swati Watwani, Dermatologist and Medical Director, Persianlily – Skin/Hair/Aesthetics/Ayurveda Clinic says, “Graying of hair starts when you are in your late 40s and early 50s. Premature graying of hair can start as early as in the 20s. So premature hair graying can be slowed down by finding out the cause and treating it accordingly. But it cannot be reversed completely.”
Can the graying of hair be permanently reversed with gooseberry, mustard oil and turmeric?
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that gooseberry, mustard oil and turmeric can permanently reverse the graying of hair. Graying of hair is primarily caused by the reduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color, due to natural aging and genetic factors. While some natural remedies and ingredients might promote hair health, they are unlikely to completely reverse the graying process if the cause is irreversible. In cases, such as nutritional deficiencies, only premature hair graying can be slowed down to an extent.
Gooseberry (also known as amla), mustard oil, and turmeric are often recommended as ingredients in such remedies. However, these lack scientific evidence to prove their efficiency.
- Gooseberry (Amla): Amla is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which can have some benefits for hair health. Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress, which can contribute to premature graying. However, consuming amla as part of your diet or applying amla-based hair masks may not completely reverse gray hair, but it might help improve the overall health of your hair.
- Mustard Oil: Mustard oil is believed to have certain benefits for hair, including nourishing the scalp and promoting hair growth. Massaging the scalp with mustard oil may help with hair health, but it’s unlikely to reverse gray hair.
- Turmeric: Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may help maintain the health of your scalp and hair, but there is no scientific evidence to suggest that it can reverse gray hair.
While some remedies and products may help maintain the health and appearance of your hair, they are unlikely to completely reverse gray hair. If you’re concerned about your hair turning gray and it’s affecting your self-esteem, you might consider using hair dyes or speaking with a dermatologist or trichologist for professional advice and treatments.
Remember that the effectiveness of these home remedies can vary from person to person, and it’s important to be cautious and do a patch test before applying any homemade hair treatments to ensure that you don’t have an adverse reaction.
People tend to believe that several home remedies such as putting oil through the nose can impact greying of hair, using tomatoes and coffee can turn grey hair into black, lemon and onion can reverse the greying of hair, and so on. If you’re interested in addressing graying hair, it’s best to consult a dermatologist or medical professional. They can provide personalized advice and recommendations based on your specific situation. Keep in mind that many factors contribute to hair health and appearance, including genetics, overall health, and lifestyle choices.
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