Fact Check: Lemon and coconut oil does not prevent hair greying permanently: AI-generated doc peddles misinformation

Hyderabad: An Instagram video of an AI-generated doctor claiming that a mix of lemon juice and coconut would prevent hair greying permanently has gone viral. The fake doctor further claims that the mix would also promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. Although, coconut oil is considered to be good for hair polishing and nourishing scalp. The claims seem to be a little too good to be true.

Let’s dig the facts out.

Fact Check

NewsMeter found that the claim is false.

Why does hair turn grey?

Your scalp contains several hair follicles that contain pigment cells that make melanin, like an ink sack, a chemical that gives colour to your hair. As you grow old these cells start reducing and create less melanin. Without the pigment, new hair strands grow lighter which might look grey, silver or even white. There are several conditions due to which premature hair growth takes place. There are ways to tackle premature greying of hair but hair growing due to genetics and aging can neither be reversed nor can be stopped.

Can lemon and coconut oil stop hair greying permanently?

No, there is no way you can stop hair from greying as you age but if greying is caused by certain medical or lifestyle conditions then your dermatologist can guide you well regarding the medication and lifestyle changes you need to do.

According to Healthline, “Lemons have citric acid and can be used to naturally lighten your hair, though it works best in lighter hair tones. But using lemon juice topically may irritate your skin or cause a contact reaction.”

Contrary to what is being claimed, the article further adds that the citric acid in lemon juice is a natural bleach or oxidizing agent. It whitens hair by chemically reducing your hair’s colour pigment or melanin. When exposed to the sun, the citric acid accelerates the bleaching process.

Moving on to the benefits of coconut oil, another Healthline article proves coconut oil to be beneficial for hair. However, an over-application may cause a buildup of oil on your hair and scalp. This could make your hair greasy and dull, especially if you have very fine hair.

Over many benefits of coconut oil, there is still no scientific evidence that proves coconut is beneficial for hair-darkening or stopping greying for a lifetime.