The Truth About Chilies As A Home Hair Loss Remedy

A home-made remedy for hair loss has been growing in popularity but will it really help those who are losing their hair?

Beauty Reel blogger Ishika Sachdev has recommended chili oil for stimulating hair growth. She suggests rubbing a mixture of coconut oil and red chili powder onto the scalp at least three times a week to see improvement. The blogger claims to have noticed new hairs growing through after hearing about the treatment from her grandmother.

Thicker hair growth?

Sachdev says, “I’ve always had very fine and scanty hair, but since learning my grandmother’s secret [which] I’ve been using for the last three months, not only has the density of my hair improved but the quality.”

However, experts have reacted to Sachdev’s treatment with scepticism. Chilies contain many nutrients and vitamins that could be helpful for preventing hair loss including potassium, and iron as well as niacin, B1 and B6. These are all great for promoting good, strong hair growth but only when included in the diet rather than being applied topically.

Possible side effects

Dr Sejal K. Shah, a board certified dermatologist, also warned that this treatment could also have some unwelcome side effects, and advises anyone using it to check for any signs of irritation, burning and swelling. Dr Shah says: “If there is any worsening of the scalp or hair loss the treatment should be stopped immediately. If you are considering an alternative treatment, you should discuss it with your doctor before proceeding.”

Alternatives to chili paste

plays a key role in promoting healthy hair growth, and there are many foods you can eat to help fight thinning hair. Targeted dietary supplements, such as Hair Vitalics, can also provide an easy way to ensure your body receives the nutrients it needs, although this should not replace a balanced diet.

If you are concerned about unusual levels of hair fall, not just slow hair growth or your hair being in poor condition, you may find it beneficial to visit a hair loss specialist. Shedding can have many causes, including genetic hair loss conditions, so it is best to get an expert to assess your condition and stage of hair loss before embarking on treatment.

Often the most successful hair loss treatment programmes take a combined approach.

Generally this involves using medically-proven treatments, such as minoxidil, alongside hair growth boosters as well as making dietary and lifestyle improvements.

One such client who can attest to this is Raph, who admits he tried "Mexican folk remedies involving beer and chili peppers" to help combat his Male Pattern Baldness, but to no avail; so he decided to seek professional hair loss help at Belgravia. You can see his regrowth results from months 1 - before he started his male hair loss treatment programme - and month 19 pictured here - click the image to see his full Hair Loss Success Story.