| Abstract [eng] |
Aim of the research: review the most popular myths about hair care products and hair growth supplements on social network “Youtube” and present scientific research-based findings. Methodology: the research of the videos on “Youtube” platform was performed using the following keyword combinations: “hair care” or “hair products” or “shampoo” or “conditioners” and “sulfates” or “parabens” or “silicones”; “hair” and “supplementation” or “nutrition”. The research of the scientific literature was done through the bibliographic medical database “PubMed” using keyword combinations that matched the claims made in the videos about hair care products and hair growth supplements. Results: the analysis included 114 videos of hair care products and 163 videos of hair growth supplements that matched the established criteria. The most common misconceptions of hair care products are: sulfates dehydrate the hair (70%), parabens are carcinogens (67%), and silicones accumulate on the surface of the hair (51%). The most commonly recommended supplements for hair growth are biotin (63%), zinc (22%) and vitamin C (22%). The analysis included 42 publications of hair care products and 81 publications of hair growth supplements that met the established selection criteria. Conclusions: majority of the information in the videos about sulfates, parabens and silicones in hair care products and supplements that promote hair growth is not substantiated by scientific research. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a potent surfactant that can dry out the hair and scalp. Other sulfates, such as sodium laureth sulfate, have milder cleaning properties. Sulfates are safe to use in hair care products. Although parabens have a low estrogenic effect, studies on humans have demonstrated that parabens in hair care products do not elicit hormonal disbalance or increase the risk of breast cancer. Silicones in hair care products can temporarily accumulate on the hair shaft, but are easily washed off with regular shampoo and harmless. Vitamin E, zinc, methylsulfonylmethane, “Nourkrin®” supplements may be effective in promoting hair growth, but further research is needed to confirm this. Biotin and iron supplements are beneficial in promoting hair growth solely if there is a deficiency. Saw palmetto and pumpkin seed oil supplements are effective in promoting hair growth in men with androgenic alopecia. “Viviscal®“ and “Nutrafol®“ supplements are effective for stimulation of hair growth in men and women with subjective hair loss. |
