What is this viral Adivasi hair oil? Mumbai tribal, doctors debunk its virality

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If you spend long hours on the internet, you have definitely come across many posts about ‘Asli Adivasi Hair Oil'. The videos are funny and leaving everybody in splits. There are people who are questioning its authenticity and others who are curious about what it exactly is and even want to try using it. One Mumbaikar said, "I have come across it and want to try it out, is it useful?" With a promise of long black hair, everybody seems tempted.

At a time when most people are trying out everything that goes viral on the Internet, including food, diets and even skincare routines, the search and use of the viral Asli Adivasi hair oil is imminent. It won't be long before people start looking for it with clues in the videos or shop for it online. In fact, we have found the oil to already be available online.

The hair oil has different names -- ‘Adivasi Herbal Hair Oil' or ‘Adivasi Bhringraj Herbal Hair Oil' and has got mixed reviews across the Internet. Claiming to use natural ingredients and helping with fast hair growth as well as controlling dandruff, the oil seems very enticing.

Health experts on Adivasi hair oil
With the oil going viral and before people jumping on the bandwagon, mid-day.com spoke to Dr Shareefa Chause, dermatologist, Dr Shareefa's Skin Clinic in Mumbai. She explains, "The adivasi hair oil that has been going viral on social media is made by combining various natural ingredients to make your roots stronger. Some believe that it strengthens your hair follicles, prevents hair fall, and gives your hair that smooth-silky glow." It contains multiple ingredients like amla, bhringraj, brahmi, hibiscus, dasawala, aloe vera, coconut oil, kapoor (camphor), black cumin, castor oil, badam oil, and amlas oil.
Chause further says its effectiveness of hair oil may vary from person to person depending on their hair texture, and type. However, more studies or scientific research are required to prove the effectiveness of Adivasi hair oil in giving your hair a natural transformation.

Like everything out there, Dr. Sonali Kohli, consultant - Dermatology, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai, believes there are potential side-effects. She explains, "There could be scalp irritation as some individuals may experience temporary scalp irritation, itchiness, or redness due to sensitivity to certain herbs. There could also be allergic reactions, though rare, they can still occur and it is advisable to perform a patch test before using the oil extensively. There could also be hair discolouration in some cases due to prolonged use, particularly in individuals with lighter hair."

However, Chause and Kohli believe it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before use.

Mumbai's Warli tribal gives her verdict
While health experts tell you to be cautious about the potential side-effects from the hair oil, Mumbai-based Manisha Dhinde, belonging to the Warli tribe from Aarey Forest, is not a stranger to the virality of this oil. Reacting to our query about the oil, she says, "I do not think Adivasi people use such an oil. Since, Adivasi people know about medicinal plants, it may be beneficial to people."

However, Dhinde says she along with other people from her community do not use any such oil, and in fact rely on coconut oil. "Since a lot of people say curry leaves (kadi patta) are good for the hair along with hibiscus flower (jasvand ka phool), so we add it to coconut oil." However, she says apart from that they do not use any other kind of oil.