A social media post claims that adding vodka to shampoo can strengthen hair. We did the fact check to term this claim as false
CLAIM:
According to an Instagram post, “Adding vodka to your shampoo can strengthen your hair, prevent dry scalp, and stop dandruff.
Fact Check
Can vodka in shampoo really strengthen your hair?
No, vodka does not strengthen hair. Hair are made of keratin, a protein that cannot be “strengthened” externally by alcohol. While some believe vodka’s acidic nature can help “close” the hair cuticle, there’s no scientific evidence to support this claim. In fact, alcohol can strip natural oils from hair, making it brittle and prone to breakage over time.
We spoke with Dr Ekansh Shekhar, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Trichologist, and Aesthetic Medicine Consultant in Lucknow, to learn whether vodka in shampoo can strengthen hair. He clarifies, “While vodka may have some antibacterial properties, it’s unlikely to significantly strengthen your hair. The alcohol in vodka can strip the scalp of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. In fact, over time, this can weaken your hair, making it more prone to breakage. For healthier hair, it’s better to focus on nourishing ingredients that support hydration and strengthen hair from the inside out.”
Does vodka prevent a dry scalp?
No, vodka may actually worsen a dry scalp. Alcohol is a drying agent. Applying vodka to your scalp can strip away natural moisture, leaving your scalp drier than before. This is especially harmful for individuals already dealing with dryness or sensitive skin.
Can vodka stop dandruff?
No, vodka is not a proven remedy for dandruff. Dandruff can arise due to factors like an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia, excessive oil production, or skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis. Vodka, with its high alcohol content, does not address these underlying causes. In fact, the drying effect of alcohol could irritate your scalp further, potentially exacerbating dandruff.
Similar to this, some people suggest mixing aspirin in shampoo for treating dandruff. However, this may work for some to an extent true.
Is alcohol beneficial in hair care products?
Not in the way this claim suggests. While some hair care products contain specific alcohols (like cetyl or stearyl alcohol) to help with texture and hydration, these are fatty alcohols, not the type found in vodka. Ethanol-based alcohols, like those in vodka, are generally not recommended for regular hair application because they are highly drying.
Similarly, social media posts often claim that alcohol has health benefits, despite the fact that the WHO has clearly stated that no amount of alcohol is safe for consumption.
Are there safer, proven alternatives for dandruff and scalp health?
Yes, there are several proven ways to address dandruff for a healthy scalp:
- Medicated shampoos – Shampoos with ingredients like ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, or salicylic acid effectively reduce dandruff.
- Coconut oil – Has antimicrobial properties and helps keep the scalp moisturised, reducing flakiness.
- Aloe vera – Soothes the scalp and has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with dandruff.
- Tea tree oil – Contains antifungal properties; mixing a few drops with a carrier oil can help control dandruff.
- Balanced diet – Eating foods rich in omega-3s, probiotics, and vitamins (B, D, and E) supports scalp health. Additionally, there is some evidence that curry leaves are good for hair.
- Regular hair washing – Keeping the scalp clean prevents oil buildup, which can worsen dandruff.
If dandruff persists despite trying these remedies, consulting a dermatologist is best.
We reached out to Dr Rashi Soni, Co-founder and Consulting Dermatologist, Aesthetician, and Hair Transplant Surgeon at Rashi Hospital in Mumbai, to learn about the proven ways to address dandruff for a healthy scalp. She says, “Yes, there are several safer and proven alternatives for managing dandruff and maintaining a healthy scalp. For instance, using shampoos with ingredients like zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, or tea tree oil can help control dandruff without causing irritation. It’s also important to keep the scalp moisturised and avoid harsh chemicals that can strip away natural oils. A balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals, plays a crucial role in supporting scalp health from the inside out.”
Could vodka have any beneficial qualities in this context?
Unlikely, but its antiseptic properties are worth noting. Vodka is sometimes thought to kill bacteria, which could explain why some people believe it might help with scalp issues. However, the alcohol content in vodka is around 40%, while disinfectants typically require at least 60-90% alcohol to be truly effective. Even though it may have some antibacterial effects, this potential benefit is overshadowed by vodka’s tendency to dry out the scalp and cause irritation. The alcohol can strip the scalp of its natural oils, leading to dryness, flakiness, and discomfort, making it unsuitable for regular use.
THIP Media Take
The claim that vodka strengthens hair, prevents dry scalp, and stops dandruff is false. Not only is there no scientific basis for these assertions, but applying vodka to your hair and scalp could cause more harm than good. Stick to tried-and-tested hair care products for healthier results.
