1 week ago
Shampoo Ginger Offers Conditioning, But Not Proven Haircare Replacement
Shenaz Treasury showed a flower that contains a slippery liquid people traditionally use on their hair.
The plant is called Shampoo Ginger.
Doctors say the liquid may make hair feel soft and slightly clean.
However, it may not remove as much oil, dirt, or product buildup as normal shampoo.
It might help some people with itching or flakes, but scientists have not proved that it cures dandruff.
The fresh liquid can also cause irritation or allergies in some people.
It should not be used on broken or recently treated skin.
Doctors also say it has not been proven to stop hair loss.
Actor and travel creator Shenaz Treasury called Shampoo Ginger “nature’s shampoo” in an Instagram reel.
Dermatologists say the plant’s slippery liquid may mildly cleanse and condition hair but is weaker than regular shampoo.
The fresh extract may cause irritation or allergic reactions and could contain bacteria or mould because it is not standardised or preserved.
Experts say it may ease itching or flakes, but there is not enough clinical research to prove it treats dandruff.
Dermatologists do not support claims that Shampoo Ginger prevents hair loss or should replace prescribed scalp treatments.
- Who
- Actor and travel creator Shenaz Treasury, along with dermatologists Dr Surabhi Deshpande and Dr Dhanraj Chavan.
- What
- Treasury promoted Shampoo Ginger liquid as a natural hair wash, while dermatologists assessed its cleansing, conditioning, dandruff, and hair-loss claims.
- Where
- The claim was shared on Instagram, and the dermatologists interviewed work in Mumbai and Pune.
- When
- Treasury shared the claim recently in an Instagram reel; the article does not give an exact date.
- Why
- The plant’s traditional hair-care use prompted questions about whether it can replace regular shampoo or treat dandruff and hair loss.
Treasury’s Natural-Haircare Claim
Dermatologists’ Evidence-Based Caution
Replacing shampoo
Treasury’s Natural-Haircare Claim
Shenaz Treasury described the flower liquid as a chemical-free substance that cleans and softens hair.
Dermatologists’ Evidence-Based Caution
Dermatologists say it may mildly cleanse but is better viewed as a conditioner or rinse, not a complete replacement for regular shampoo.
Dandruff treatment
Treasury’s Natural-Haircare Claim
Treasury claimed the liquid removes dandruff, and the plant has traditional hair-care uses in parts of Asia.
Dermatologists’ Evidence-Based Caution
Experts say it may reduce itching or flakes for some people, but there is not strong clinical research proving that it cures dandruff.
Preventing hair loss
Treasury’s Natural-Haircare Claim
Treasury said, “you don’t lose hair with it.”
Dermatologists’ Evidence-Based Caution
Dermatologists say the claim is unsupported and explain that washing products do not determine the amount of naturally shed hair.
Key facts
- Plant
- Shampoo Ginger, identified in the article as Zingiber zerumbet.
- Plant liquid
- A clear, slippery gel-like liquid found inside the plant’s cone-like flower.
- Potential benefit
- The liquid may provide mild cleansing and conditioning, making hair feel softer and smoother.
- Cleansing limitation
- Dermatologists say it does not contain enough surfactants to remove heavy oil, dirt, or buildup as effectively as regular shampoo.
- Safety concern
- Fresh, unstandardised and unpreserved extract may cause irritation, allergies, or contamination with bacteria or mould.
- Dandruff evidence
- The plant may have anti-inflammatory and antifungal compounds, but strong clinical evidence that it cures dandruff is lacking.
- Hair-loss evidence
- Experts do not support the claim that Shampoo Ginger prevents hair loss.
Quotes
Dr Surabhi Deshpande
Dermatologist at Zynova Shalby Hospital in Ghatkopar, Mumbai
“It gives mild cleansing and a lot of slip/conditioning. It won’t remove heavy oil, product build-up, or pollution like a regular shampoo. Think of it more as a natural conditioner than a deep cleanser.”
indianexpress.com
“The raw liquid can cause itching, redness, or allergic reactions in some. Always do a patch test on your arm 24 hours before using it on scalp.”
indianexpress.com
Shenaz Treasury
Actor and travel creator who demonstrated Shampoo Ginger extract in an Instagram reel
“It cleans it, it softens it, it takes off all your dandruff, and you don’t lose hair with it.”
indianexpress.com
