Walk through any Watsons, scroll TikTok, or step into a local salon, and you’ll find a dizzying list of “must-try” cures for thinning hair. Most sound convincing, yet good studies either don’t exist or show underwhelming results. Before you spend another dollar, see why the fixes below usually come up short.
Ginger-based lotions and “He Shou Wu” tonics are everywhere—from neighbourhood TCM shops to Instagram ads—because folklore says ginger “warms” the scalp and boosts growth. The science says otherwise. A PLOS One study found that 6-gingerol, ginger’s active compound, actually slowed hair-shaft growth in lab tests and prolonged the resting (telogen) phase in mice. PLOS
Bottom line: Nice scent, zero regrowth—possibly the opposite.
Caffeine shampoos promise to “wake up” follicles, and brands like Plantur crowd local shelves. Small trials suggest caffeine can penetrate follicles, but dermatologists note the research is short-term, sometimes industry-funded, and doesn’t prove lasting regrowth. Even a 2024 review called the evidence “promising but not conclusive.” hims
Bottom line: May freshen your scalp, but unlikely to match minoxidil or prescription medicine.
Some salons upsell weekly ampoules made with cow-placenta extract or “bird’s-nest protein” that claim to spark new follicles. A 2023 review confirmed human trials are scarce, small, and often lack clear concentrations or safety data. MDPI
Bottom line: Flashy marketing, flimsy proof—save your money.
Beauty parlours advertise “vitamin injections” or “hair booster jabs” delivered via mesotherapy guns. A recent systematic review of 27 papers found mostly anecdotal cases, inconsistent formulas, and no high-quality randomised trials. PubMed
Bottom line: The needle looks medical, but the evidence isn’t.
Salons tout monthly “scalp detox” sessions to unblock pores and stop shedding. Dermatologists interviewed by CNA Lifestyle say deep cleansing can reduce odour, but there’s no proof it reverses androgenetic alopecia—and over-scrubbing may inflame follicles. CNA Lifestyle
Bottom line: Fine for a fresh scalp; useless for true hair loss.
TikTok videos claim rosemary or castor oil “works like minoxidil.” A 2015 study hinted at benefits, yet follow-ups are limited and results vary. Medical News Today notes that rosemary oil may help some people, but evidence remains thin and depends on the cause of loss. Medical News Today
Bottom line: Pleasant aroma, uncertain payoff—use only as a complement, not a cure.
Biotin deficiency is rare. For most people, high-dose gummies give shinier marketing than hair. Over-supplementing can even skew lab tests.
Bottom line: Eat balanced meals instead.
Clinically proven options like topical minoxidil, prescription DHT blockers, low-level laser helmets cleared by regulators have peer-reviewed data behind them. They’re not instant, but they are measurable.
Skip the hype and get an evidence-based plan tailored to your scalp. Book a consultation with IDO Aesthetics. Our clinicians combine digital trichoscopy, lab work, and medically backed therapies to guide you toward fuller, healthier hair.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.