A randomized double blind controlled study evaluating efficacy & Safety of vatika enriched coconut hair oil on hair health in women with hair fall and dandruff

Background: Hair loss can be a stressful experience often associated with images of reduced self-worth, more in women than men. Dandruff may be associated with hair loss. Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of Vatika Enriched Coconut Hair Oil (VHO) on hair health in women with hair fall and dandruff. Methods: This was a double-blind, controlled study of 8 week duration conducted at Dermatology outpatient department of J.J. Hospital, Mumbai. Forty four (44) healthy female subjects with at least shoulder length hair and complaints of hair fall and dandruff were randomized equally into 2 groups. Members of one group massaged their scalps with VHO twice a week at night followed by washing the hair in morning with a supplied neutral shampoo. Control group used a marketed brand of coconut oil in a similar manner. Main Outcome Measures: Effect of VHO on hair fall, dandruff and hair health parameters such as shininess, blackness, roughness and tensile strength of hair. Secondary outcome assessed was overall subject safety. Subjects were followed up at days 14, 28, 42 and 56 days. Results: VHO was found safe and effective in controlling hair fall, dandruff and improving the overall condition of hair. VHO was found clinically better than coconut oil in controlling hair fall, dandruff, improving the tensile strength of hair and the shininess, blackness and roughness of hair. Global evaluation of therapeutic response by subjects and physician also showed a better efficacy of VHO than coconut hair oil. None of the subjects exhibited sensitivity to any of the study products and no adverse events were reported during the course of the study. Conclusions: Vatika Enriched Coconut Hair Oil is safe and effective in controlling hair fall and dandruff and improving the overall hair-health.