The Evidence Behind Topical Hair Loss Remedies on TikTok

The document reviews the evidence behind popular hair loss remedies found on social media, particularly TikTok. These remedies include rosemary oil, rice water, onion juice, and garlic gel. Rosemary oil has been shown to enhance microcapillary perfusion, aiding hair growth in a similar mechanism to minoxidil. A study of 100 patients with androgenetic alopecia found no significant difference in hair count between groups treated with minoxidil solution 2% or rosemary oil. Rice water and rice bran extract have been shown to increase the number of anagen hair follicles, but there are limited clinical data to support their use for hair growth. A study found that onion juice produced hair regrowth in significantly more patients than tap water. Garlic gel has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits, and a study in 40 patients with alopecia areata showed that garlic gel 5% added to betamethasone valerate cream 0.1% was superior to betamethasone alone in stimulating terminal hair growth. However, the document warns that misinformation is prevalent on social media, and these remedies may delay consultation with a board-certified dermatologist, leading to delays in applying evidence-based therapies.