There’s nothing more sexy and sophisticated than a stunning short haircut. From pixies to bobs, very short haircuts are one of the best ways to instantly upgrade your style. After a few months of slaying the look, however, we’re almost always itching for longer strands. While wigs and clip-ins are great for special occasions, when we’re looking for ways to grow our hair quickly—we turn to the internet for advice.
Unfortunately, the internet is often as unreliable as it is vast, and it can be hard to weed out the real advice from the fake—so we’ve gone and done the hard work for you. We’re myth-busting the 17 most popular DIY hair growth treatments and separating the real from the fake!
Onion Juice
Myth: Onion juice can be applied as a topical treatment to the scalp to help grow longer hair or jumpstart growth on bald spots.
Fact: Unfortunately, there haven’t been that many studies on the use of onion juice for hair growth, so there isn’t a definitive answer.
Anti-Fungal Cream
Myth: Over the counter anti-fungal creams can help to stimulate hair growth on balding areas.
Fact: True—but don’t run to the drug store just yet! Several studies have proven the use of 2 percent Ketoconazole can help to stimulate hair growth. However, while it is safe and effective, scientists say the solution less effective than other hair growth treatments on the market.
Minoxidil
Myth: Minoxidil works to reverse the miniaturization of hair follicles and to increase the follicular size to promote hair growth.
Fact: True! When used in a study with 2 percent Ketoconazole, minoxidil was found to be more effective at helping to regrow hair than the anti-fungal solution.
Want to learn more? Check out our guide: Minoxidil: What Is It, How It Works, Mythbusting.
Green Tea
Myth: The antioxidant properties in green tea can promote hair growth.
Fact: True—but not so fast. While studies have proven a link between the antioxidant present in green tea and hair loss, the jury is still out on the best way for your hair to receive the nutrients.
Inversion Method
Myth: Hanging your head upside down will increase blood flow and help hair growth.
Fact: False. There is no scientific evidence to prove that the inversion method can help to grow hair.
Want to learn more? Check out our guide: Does The Inversion Method Work? We Investigate.
Aloe Vera
Myth: Applying aloe vera to your hair and scalp can promote hair growth.
Fact: False. While there is no scientific evidence to back up claims that aloe vera promotes hair growth, there are plenty of benefits of using aloe on your hair.
To learn more, check out our guide: True Or False: Aloe Vera Can Make Your Hair Grow.
Vitamin E
Myth: The antioxidant properties in vitamin E can help to promote hair growth when taken orally.
Fact: True! A few studies have proven the link between vitamins and hair growth, and participants in a 2010 study saw an average of a 34 percent increase of hair strands over the course of taking the vitamin E supplement for months.
Cinnamon
Myth: Cinnamon can stimulate hair growth when applied to the scalp.
Fact: False. Unfortunately, there is no scientific data to back this claim.
Castor Oil
Myth: Large amounts of ricinoleic acid present in castor oil increases blood flow to the scalp, therefore promoting hair growth.
Fact: False. There is no scientific evidence to support that castor oil helps to promote hair growth. If you want to learn about what castor oil can do for your hair and how to incorporate it into your hair care routine, check out our guide: Castor Oil For Your Hair: Myth Vs. Fact.
Rice Water
Myth: Rice water will help you grow longer, stronger hair.
Fact: The scientific community is still undecided on this one. While people in Japan have been applying rice water to their hair for centuries, research hasn’t shown a direct correlation between rice water and hair growth. However, a few promising studies have made a connection between rice water and stronger strands.
Want to learn more? Check out our guide: Can Rice Water Help Your Hair Grow Longer? We Investigate.
Garlic
Myth: When applied topically to the scalp, garlic can promote hair growth.
Fact: True! While studies show that garlic is most effective when used in conjunction with other hair loss treatments, several studies have shown garlic to promote hair growth. No need to crush up garlic and apply it to your head, there are plenty of professional salon formulas that use garlic as one of their main ingredients.
Amla Oil
Myth: Amla oil can contribute to hair growth and fewer gray hairs.
Fact: The scientific community is still undecided about amla oil, but a few preliminary studies have shown promise! If you’re wondering what the right way to incorporate amla oil into your hair care routine is, check out our guide: What To Know About Amla Oil, The Buzzy Ingredient In 2019’s Best Hair Products.
Sandalwood Oil
Myth: The scent of sandalwood oil can stimulate hair growth.
Fact: While there was a promising study on the scent of sandalwood oil as it relates to hair growth, there isn’t enough evidence to start pumping sandalwood scent in your diffuser.
Want to know more? Check out our guide: True Or False: Sandalwood Oil Can Prevent Hair Loss.
Coconut Oil
Myth: Massaging coconut oil onto your scalp can promote hair growth.
Fact: False. While coconut oil boasts tons of hair benefits, hair growth isn’t one of them. If you’re looking for ways to incorporate coconut oil into your hair care routine, check out our guide: 6 Ways People Are Using Coconut Oil For More Beautiful Hair.
Tea Tree Oil
Myth: Tea tree oil’s antimicrobial properties can unclog the pores on your scalp and allow thicker, healthier hair to grow.
Fact: False. There is no scientific data to back up the claim tea tree oil promotes hair growth. While it may not make your hair grow, it can solve a few other hair woes like a dry, itchy scalp. Check out our guide to learn more: Tea Tree Oil For Your Hair: Myth Vs. Fact.
Rosemary Oil
Myth: Rosemary oil promotes hair growth.
Fact: While the scientific community needs to delve into this a little further before giving a definitive answer, we found a 2015 study that compared the results of 2 percent minoxidil and rosemary oil on study participants with thinning hair. By six months, both groups had shown a significant increase in hair count.
Want to learn how to incorporate rosemary oil into your hair care routine? Check out our guide: Rosemary Oil For Your Hair: Uses, Benefits, And How To.
Peppermint Oil
Myth: When massaged into the scalp, peppermint oil stimulates blood circulation, increasing hair growth.
Fact: While more research is needed, preliminary studies show that peppermint oil can help to grow hair without any toxic side effects.
Check out our guide to learn the best ways to incorporate peppermint oil into your hair care routine: Peppermint Oil For Your Hair: Benefits And Uses.
Interested in professional advice about how to grow your hair longer? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.
