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95% of Hair Products Are a Scam! Here’s the Proof | Traya Podcast

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Dr. Deshmukh is an MD (Dermatology, Venerology, and Leprosy) with more than 4 years of experience. She successfully runs her own practice and believes that a personalized service maximizes customer satisfaction.

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Is Traya a Scam or a Science-Backed Brand? 


Based on Podcast: 5:00–19:30


When you hear a claim like “99% of users saw hair fall reduction,” your first reaction should be: “Wait, 99% of what?” That’s exactly what the podcast dives into early on and exposes how brands get away with these numbers.


The Truth Behind the 99% Claims


"99% effective" sounds miraculous, right? But according to the podcast (Timestamp: 5:45), these statistics are often referring to hair breakage, not root-level hair loss. That’s a key distinction.

Breakage is when hair snaps mid-shaft often due to damage, dryness, or weak hair strands.
Hair loss is when the follicle shuts down, leading to thinning or bald patches.

The hosts break it down with surgical precision:

“They use non-conditioning shampoos in tests, so of course results look great.”
(Podcast at 11:00+)

In these lab tests, a hair product is compared to a control group using a deliberately harsh shampoo one that lacks any conditioning agents. The test is set up to fail the control group. That way, even a mediocre product will appear outstanding by comparison.

 

Lab Test Loopholes: How the Scam Works

 

  • Predefined Failures: Brands intentionally use non-conditioning shampoos in comparison tests.

  • Short-Term Metrics: Results are measured over 7–10 days long enough to show reduced breakage, but too short to assess regrowth.

  • Cherry-Picked Demographics: Participants with mild issues are chosen to show dramatic short-term improvement.

So, Is Traya a Scam?


No, Traya isn’t a scam but it’s important to understand how they’re different.

Where other brands focus on what looks good on packaging, Traya starts with root cause diagnosis. This is repeated throughout the podcast, especially between 12:00–16:00.


“Traya doesn’t rely on such tests; we start with diagnosis.”

( Podcast at 14:00)

Traya uses:

  • Questionnaires tailored by trichologists

  • Optional blood tests (to detect thyroid issues, vitamin deficiencies, PCOS, etc.)

  • A team involving Ayurvedic doctors, nutritionists, and dermatologists

And here’s the kicker unlike most brands, Traya actually includes disclaimers. They’re transparent about:

  • Timeframes (3–6 months for noticeable results)

  • Possible side effects

  • Need for compliance with treatment plans

Where most brands game the test, Traya gives the test. They don’t rely on a flashy serum alone. They rely on a system.

 

What Makes Traya Legit?


Criteria

Traya

Typical Hair Brand

Diagnosis-based approach

Yes

No

Custom treatment plan

Yes

One-size-fits-all

Backed by doctors

Dermatologist + Ayurveda + Nutrition

Often unclear “experts”

Uses real lab testing?

Optional blood tests

Lab games on shampoos

Honest disclaimers?

Yes

Rarely shown


Traya doesn’t claim to cure all  and that’s the strongest signal that it’s not a scam. Instead, it’s a science-backed system, even if results vary.

 

 

Hair Growth Serums That Actually Work: Minoxidil vs. Redensyl


 

Based on Podcast: 57:00–1:04:00

Next, the podcast shifts gears into a powerful discussion around two of the most hyped serums in the industry  Minoxidil and Redensyl. If you’ve ever typed “hair growth serum that actually works” into Google, this is the section for you.

Minoxidil: Still the Gold Standard

Minoxidil is the only FDA-approved topical treatment for hair regrowth. Available in 2% and 5% solutions, it improves blood circulation around hair follicles, waking dormant follicles back to life.

“Minoxidil isn’t trendy it’s just proven. There’s no world where you don’t consider it for real regrowth.”
( Podcast at 58:30)

Redensyl: The Misunderstood Natural Contender

Redensyl is marketed as the “natural, safer alternative” to Minoxidil. But don’t get swept up by the green branding and gentle promises.

“The study compared Redensyl to 1% Minoxidil over 3 months that’s misleading.”
( Podcast at 59:30)

Why misleading?

  • 1% Minoxidil isn’t commonly prescribed dermatologists recommend 5%.

  • Three months isn’t long enough to compare efficacy for hair regrowth regrowth takes 4–6 months minimum.

  • The study size was small, and results weren’t independently replicated.

Redensyl vs. Minoxidil: Real Talk


Feature

Redensyl

Minoxidil (5%)

FDA Approved

No

Yes

Time to Results

3–6 months

3–6 months

Mode of Action

Targets stem cells

Increases blood flow

Common Use

Early thinning

All stages

Long-term Studies

Lacking

Strong history

Side Effects

Minimal

Possible irritation

Reversible Effects

Unknown

Reverses on stop

What to Choose?

  • Early stages? Try Redensyl.

  • Visible thinning or bald spots? You need Minoxidil.

“Minoxidil is your chicken in biryani. Everything else is garnish. You can’t make biryani with just the garnish.”
(— Podcast at 1:03:45)

Hair Growth Remedies: What Works, What’s a Myth

 

Based on Podcast: 29:00–36:00 & 44:00–53:00
Hair care marketing thrives on the illusion of nature: onion juice, aloe vera, neem, bhringraj oil the list goes on. The podcast dismantles these myths with cold, clinical facts.

Onion Juice: A Viral Remedy With Narrow Proof

From YouTube influencers to beauty blogs, onion juice has been hailed as a natural regrowth miracle. But what’s the science?

“That onion juice study everyone talks about? It was done only in people with Alopecia Areata a rare autoimmune condition.”
(Podcast at 44:00)

Let’s clarify:

  • The 2002 study tested onion juice on Alopecia Areata patients.

  • 86.9% saw regrowth.

  • But the condition is not hormonal or genetic like Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) or Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL).

  • There’s no evidence that it works for these common conditions.

Yet brands continue to use “onion oil” as a label booster not because it works, but because it sells.

Aloe Vera, Neem & Herbal Oils: Feel-Good but Flimsy


“DIY helps you feel in control but that doesn’t mean it’s treating your actual condition.”

(Podcast at 46:30)

That emotional comfort is real. Applying something gives you a sense of agency. But real hair loss is usually rooted in hormones, stress, thyroid imbalance, or nutritional deficiencies.

 

Ayurveda ≠ Herbal ≠ Scientifically Proven

This is one of the most misunderstood concepts:

  • Ayurveda is a comprehensive medical system, not just a collection of plant-based oils.

  • A product labeled “Ayurvedic” doesn’t mean it's been scientifically dosed or clinically validated.

  • Many oils use the “goodness of neem” line but in trace levels, far below any therapeutic threshold.

Buzzword Glossary: What They Really Mean

 

Term

Reality

"Clinically Tested"

Someone, somewhere, ran a test. Doesn’t mean it worked.

"Dermatologist Approved"

Could be one doctor. Not FDA-level validation.

"Infused with Natural Goodness"

Marketing spin. Often unmeasurable quantities.


So does that mean all natural remedies are worthless? No. Some can soothe, strengthen, or nourish your scalp. But nourishing a dying follicle isn’t the same as reactivating it. That’s a job for more potent interventions.

 

How Brands Trick You with Tests, Claims & Packaging


Based on Podcast: 5:00–13:30

One of the most revealing parts of the podcast is when the hosts pull back the curtain on how brands engineer claims first, then build the product.


“Brands choose the claim first, then make the product.”

( Podcast at 12:30)

Yes the 99% number? That was the marketing brief. The product was reverse-engineered to fit that narrative.

The Claim Game: Here’s How It Works

  • Define a metric that’s easy to manipulate like “breakage reduction.”

  • Create a worst-case control group like users of harsh, non-conditioning shampoo.

  • Conduct a short-term trial 7–10 days max.

  • Report relative improvement “99% less breakage compared to baseline.”


“Tests done on non-conditioning shampoo a loophole.”

( Podcast at 11:15)

Imagine testing your energy drink against being dehydrated for 24 hours. Of course, any liquid would look amazing in that comparison.

Packaging Tricks That Influence You

  • Medical Fonts: Serif fonts and pale blues evoke pharmaceutical trust.

  • Minimalist Designs: Clean = effective, right? Not necessarily.

  • Scientific Jargon: “Clinically proven peptide complex” sounds like a lab breakthrough but is often a cocktail of under-dosed actives.

 

Psychological Playbook

  • “99%” gets attention

  • “Natural” builds trust

  • “Backed by science” implies credibility

But none of these words are regulated. There’s no governing body verifying these claims before they hit your Instagram feed.

So, the next time you see a bottle saying “proven to reduce hair fall,” ask:
Compared to what? For how long? In whom? At what stage of hair loss?

What Should You Use? The Real Science Behind Hair Treatments


Based on Podcast: 1:00:00–1:04:00

So after all the myths, misused studies, and misleading labels what does actually work?


Let’s Categorize Treatments by Hair Loss Stage

Hair Loss Stage

Best Treatment Strategy

Stage 1 (early thinning)

Redensyl, Biotin, Scalp serums, Nutrition

Stage 2–3 (visible thinning)

Minoxidil 5%, Finasteride, Dermatologist consultation

Stage 4+ (advanced balding)

Hair transplant, Minoxidil + Finasteride, PRP therapy

 

“You don’t treat baldness with feel-good ingredients. That’s malpractice.”
(Podcast at 1:03:10)

Your shampoo, your onion oil, your neem serum they may support scalp health. But they won’t save miniaturized follicles from irreversible death.

That’s why Minoxidil and Finasteride (for men) are the backbone of any serious regrowth plan. Not influencer serums, not exotic oils.

“Minoxidil is your chicken in chicken biryani. Everything else is garnish.”
(Podcast at 1:03:45)

This line sums it up. You can spice up your regimen but skip the “chicken,” and there’s nothing to build on.

 

 

FAQ Section (Based on GSC Keywords + Podcast Myths)


1. Is Traya a scam?

No. Traya uses a personalized, multi-disciplinary system based on diagnosis and expert care. It’s not a miracle brand but it’s transparent, structured, and evidence-informed.

2. Does onion juice help regrow hair?
Only in one small study on Alopecia Areata a rare autoimmune condition. There’s no credible evidence it helps with male or female pattern hair loss.

3. Is Redensyl better than Minoxidil?
No. Redensyl may support early-stage hair density, but Minoxidil is FDA-approved and backed by decades of clinical use. For most people, especially in later stages, Minoxidil is more effective.

4. Can a shampoo stop hair fall?
Not really. Shampoos may reduce breakage or improve scalp condition, but they cannot treat hormonal hair loss or trigger regrowth.

5. Are Ayurvedic remedies proven for baldness?
Some Ayurvedic herbs may help improve overall scalp health, but few have been rigorously tested for efficacy in treating baldness.

6. What’s the best first step to treat hair fall?
Get diagnosed. Know your hair loss stage, understand the root cause (hormonal, nutritional, stress-related), and follow a science-backed treatment plan accordingly.

 

 

Conclusion


Hair care is now a $4 billion industry and much of it is built on half-truths, hype, and hope. What’s missing from most products?
Honesty. Diagnosis. Real science.

This article built around direct insights from the podcast exposed the illusions that dominate the industry:

  • The misleading 99% effectiveness claims

  • How brands manipulate lab tests and comparisons

  • Why Minoxidil trumps Redensyl in proven effectiveness

  • The problem with chasing “natural” over clinical

  • What treatments are truly stage-appropriate


You’re not just buying products you’re buying stories.

Make sure yours is backed by facts, not fiction.

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Disclaimers

The claims and results mentioned are based on multiple internal studies and customer research surveys that Traya has conducted with a statistically significant sample size of users who were under expert observation and guidance

93% saw results*

Traya conducted an internal study over both men and females facing hair fall and 93% saw results* after using the complete Traya treatment consistently for a period of 5 months. This study was conducted in December 2022. 

5-month money-back guarantee

Traya’s 100% money-back policy is valid only if you have been regular with the complete treatment plan for a period of 5 whole consecutive months. Each customised hair kit is valid for only 30 days. If any individual has not seen any regrowth or control in hair fall, you can ask for a refund. However, once you apply for the 5-month - money-back policy, the team would then do a thorough check on consumer regularity based on every order date. An exception to this policy is for those customers undergoing serious health conditions like autoimmune diseases and cancer. 

Traya’s Holistic 3 Science Formula 

Traya’s 3 Science Formula is a synergistic mix of Ayurveda, Allopathy & Food Science designed specifically to cater to hair loss conditions stemming from multiple root causes. With clinically tested ingredients and adaptogenic herbs, Traya’s Science-Backed formula clears internal blockages and boosts hair regeneration naturally. When blended with a healing dietary plan, it delivers great results in attaining long-term hair growth. 

Traya Free hair test (™) 

Traya’s Hair Dx test is powered by a proprietary algorithm to examine a user's hair & health profile. With the help of a distinctive image-capturing technique & physician- formulated examination, it is able to precisely diagnose the type, stage & root causes of a certain hair loss condition. 

2 lakh+ Indians 

Traya Free hair test (™) has been taken by more than 2 lakh+ Indians - Data acquired from Traya customers. 

Ayush Certified  - Digest Boost, Cholest Vati and Consti Clear are Ayush Certified Products.

Traya’s Ayurvedic Products are based on natural and Ayurvedic formulations. These are completely safe for human use, but it is possible that certain ingredients may cause allergic reactions to some individuals. 

Accurate hair diagnosis 

The Traya free hair test (™) is a proprietary algorithm developed with the help of our in-house doctors that provides Accurate hair and health diagnosis, provided you mention all the correct details about yourself. It gives a precise diagnosis about the type, stage and root cause of a specific hair fall condition.

Long Lasting Visible Hair Results 

Traya’s complete treatment gives visible and long-lasting results provided you’re on Traya’s hair maintenance kit. Since Traya works on the internal root causes of hair fall and hence our customers have seen long lasting results

Trusted by 70+ Doctors

Traya has been tried and loved by over 70 doctors all over India to maintain healthy hair growth. 

Award Winning Trusted Brand

India’s Healthcare Excellence initiated by Brands Impact has awarded Traya as the Most Effective Haircare Product of the Year 2022 

FDA approved ingredients 

Traya contains hair growth actives like minoxidil and DHT blocker which are FDA approved to treat hair fall. These are completely safe for human use, but it is possible that certain ingredients may cause allergic reactions to some individuals.

 

Traya Women Santulan (™)

Traya’s Women Santulan is a unique technology that uses a combination of herbs treated in a specific manner (kalpa) to meet the bio-specific needs of women going through different stages of life. Santulan is a supplementary range to Traya’s 3 Science Formula which balances and nourishes the body inside-out delivering long-lasting hair growth results and overall health.

Hair Growth Plan starts at Rs 1699 pm* - The price mentioned is for a male of age 23 with stage 1 type hair fall based on the results of the hair test taken on the website. Prices may vary for individual customers depending on the results of the hair test and internal root causes

Hair Growth Plan starts at Rs 2000 pm* - The price mentioned is for a male of age 25 with stage 1 type hair fall based on the results of the hair test taken on the website. Prices may vary for individual customers depending on the results of the hair test and internal root causes

What's Causing Your Hair Fall?

Take Traya's FREE 2-minute hair test, designed by doctors that analyses 20+ factors like genetics, scalp health, lifestyle, and hormones, to identify the root causes of your hair fall.

Take The Free Hair TestTM