"Gray Hair Turned Black," Actress Claims 'Results'... Experts Say "Lack of Evidence for Gray Hair Treatment"

"Gray Hair Reversal" Injections Gain Popularity in China
Experts: "Lack of Evidence for Effectiveness"

A new injection procedure in China, promoted as being able to turn gray hair back to black, is drawing public attention. Interest has grown recently after an actress shared her testimonial claiming to have seen real results, but experts are drawing a clear line, stating that there is a lack of scientific evidence.

Claimed to "Promote Melanin Synthesis"

Reference image to aid understanding of the article. Getty Images Bank

According to the UK’s Daily Mail on September 9 (local time), Chinese actress Guo Tong (37) recently posted a video on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, revealing that she is receiving injections that "restore gray hair to its original color." She claimed her gray hair was not due to genetics, but rather irregular lifestyle habits and stress. Guo Tong explained, "I have already received the procedure ten times, but I skipped some sessions due to business trips and filming, and I dye my hair so it is not noticeable." However, she added, "In photos taken by medical staff, it can be seen that some of the newly growing roots have turned black."

According to the media, Guo Tong is receiving treatment at a hospital in Shanghai. The procedure is conducted once a week over a period of three to six months. The hospital promotes that the injection contains adenosylcobalamin, a vitamin B12 derivative, which can reduce gray hair by promoting melanin synthesis. Melanin is the pigment that determines the color of hair, skin, and eyes, and as people age, the number of cells that produce it decreases, causing hair to turn white.

Experts: "Lack of Scientific Evidence"

However, experts point out that there is a lack of scientific evidence for this procedure. Dr. Magnus Lynch, a British dermatologist, told the media, "It is unclear whether the effect is due to the injection’s ingredients or the physical stimulation of the skin by the needle." Dr. Ed Robinson, a British beauty expert, also said, "Although there are some limited reports of hair color darkening in certain cases, there is little clinical evidence overall that gray hair can be reversed."

Kong Yulong, deputy director of dermatology at Nanjing Jiangbei Hospital in China, expressed a similar view. He stated, "Adenosylcobalamin may help with neurotrophic support and improving blood flow, but there is a lack of systematic research on its use for treating gray hair." He added, "It may have some effect for patients with vitamin B12 deficiency, but for others, there is likely to be little change."