In an age where every second startup claims to be “science-backed,” the line between marketing jargon and clinical credibility is blurrier than ever. But when it comes to Traya’s multi-science approach to hair loss, is there genuine merit under the hood, or just a clever façade?
A Shift from Cosmetic Fixes to Clinical Insight
For decades, Indian consumers equated hair care with surface-level solutions: coconut oil, anti-dandruff shampoos, and quick-fix serums. The assumption was simple, if your hair was falling, something on the outside must be wrong.
But modern research points in a very different direction. Hair fall, especially chronic or patterned loss, often stems from internal dysfunctions—hormonal imbalances, poor gut health, lifestyle triggers, or nutritional deficiencies. And this is precisely where Traya plants its flag.
Its model claims to combine Ayurveda, dermatology, and nutrition in a way that doesn’t just address symptoms, but targets the root cause.
But does this triple-discipline approach stand up to scrutiny?
Traya’s Framework: More Diagnostic Than Decorative
Traya doesn’t operate like a standard beauty brand. The onboarding process begins with a comprehensive hair diagnosis test, during which users answer questions about their sleep quality, stress levels, digestion, menstrual cycles (for women), medical history, and visible hair symptoms.
Based on this, Traya’s internal team (comprising doctors and Ayurvedic practitioners) builds a personalised plan. These plans typically include:
Topical Minoxidil (a US FDA-approved hair growth stimulant)
Ayurvedic detox formulations (including nasal and gut cleansers)
Prescription-grade supplements (iron, zinc, biotin, magnesium)
Nutritional guidance and restrictions
Weekly or biweekly calls with a hair coach
This isn’t a kit you order for a weekend glow-up. It’s more akin to a three-month lifestyle correction protocol, rooted in medicalisation, not moisturisation.
What the Experts Say: Bridging Systems, Not Confusing Them
Dr. Smita Rao, a trichologist and internal medicine expert in Hyderabad, offers a nuanced view:
“Traya’s biggest strength is that it doesn’t ignore complexity. Most hair loss cases are multi-factorial. You can’t expect a serum to fix a thyroid issue. That said, combining three sciences is tricky, you need coordination, patient compliance, and medical depth across all arms.”
She adds that Minoxidil is a globally accepted standard, but when paired with detox-based Ayurvedic interventions and nutrition corrections, the burden of proof increases. “You can’t just throw in herbs and hope for synergy. If they’re standardised, clinically dosed, and not contraindicated, it works. But that’s a tightrope.”
The Case for Ayurveda: More Than Dusty Scrolls
One of the most controversial aspects of Traya’s approach is its Ayurvedic inclusion, particularly the detox nasal drops (Nasya) and gut-cleansing formulations (often including Triphala, Musta, or herbs like Brahmi and Guduchi).
Modern consumers often view Ayurveda with scepticism, seeing it as too slow, too vague, or too tradition-bound.
However, a growing body of research suggests that Ayurveda may have a powerful regulatory impact on inflammatory pathways, gut health, and stress hormones, all of which are closely linked to hair growth cycles. What Traya attempts to do is integrate these herbs into a timeline that complements Western treatments rather than clash with them.
This model avoids self-medication and keeps formulations under practitioner oversight, an essential differentiator from over-the-counter “Ayurvedic hair oils” that flood the market with no supervision or standardisation.
But What About the Results?
In public reviews, Traya maintains a mixed yet firmly positive reputation. Across platforms, the most common patterns are:
Improvement in hair fall within 8–10 weeks
Visible regrowth in baby hair and density by 3–4 months
Digestive improvement and better sleep as side benefits
Frustration with the complexity or strictness of protocols
Dropouts due to discipline or cost, not dissatisfaction with science
Take the example of Neha Kapoor, 34, a marketing professional from Delhi:
“The hair test felt more like a therapy session. They asked me about digestion, anxiety, and even bowel movements. No clinic had ever done that. Three months in, my scalp was cleaner, my hair fall had halved, and oddly, I wasn’t bloated anymore. I’m not saying it’s magic, but it’s the most structured hair plan I’ve followed.”
Or Aditya Shelar, 30, a fitness trainer from Mumbai:
“I hated the detox part. The nasal drops felt weird, and the tea was bitter. However, the Minoxidil worked as intended, and my coach continued to encourage me to stick with the supplements. The results were slow, but real.”
Where It Falls Short
Despite the scientific framing, Traya is not without its flaws.
Non-compliance is high: People drop out if they don’t see quick results, or if the routine feels overwhelming
Too many components: Some find the treatment plan confusing without strong coaching
Expectations vs. reality: While Traya does set realistic timelines (3–6 months), some users still hope for instant regrowth, especially in balding areas, which are unlikely to respond without transplant
Accessibility: Traya’s language and onboarding feel urban-centric; older or rural users may find the process daunting
What works well in theory can falter when scaled. The science is solid, but adherence and personalisation depth remain ongoing challenges.
So… Is It Really Science-Backed?
Yes, within reason.
Minoxidil is a well-established drug. The supplements used are typically safe, standardised, and align with clinical protocols. Ayurvedic herbs included in the plans have been used therapeutically for centuries and are increasingly supported by modern studies on gut health and inflammation. What’s important is that these components aren’t sold in isolation, they are layered and monitored.
Traya doesn’t just give you products. It provides a process, one that closely mimics clinical protocol more than commercial marketing.
Final Word: A System That Reflects the Complexity of Hair Loss
In a country where hair fall has been treated as a vanity problem for too long, Traya’s approach feels refreshingly grounded. It acknowledges that hair loss isn’t just about follicles, it’s about hormones, stress, nutrition, digestion, and inflammation. And it’s willing to go deeper than most brands would dare.
That said, this model isn’t for everyone. It’s for those who view their hair health as a reflection of internal balance and are willing to stay consistent for lasting change.
Is Traya’s science real? Yes. But only if the user is ready to meet it halfway.
