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| Former EXO’s Huang Zitao Opens Up on Hair Loss Struggle and Failed Home Remedy. (Credits: Weibo/Tao) |
Chinese actor and former EXO member Huang Zitao has addressed swirling online rumours about hair loss after briefly halting a variety show shoot due to breathing issues, using a livestream to shut down speculation and explain what actually happened behind the scenes.
The 32-year-old, known for his outspoken personality, firmly denied claims that he had gone bald, even showing his full head of hair on camera. However, he did confirm experiencing alopecia areata — a form of localised hair loss — on a small section at the back right side of his scalp.
According to Tao, the condition developed during an intense period of work, compounded by rapid weight loss and strict carb-cutting.
What began as a minor issue quickly turned into an unexpected ordeal.
Huang Zitao revealed that his mother suggested a traditional home remedy involving ginger slices, claiming it could stimulate overnight hair regrowth.
Trusting the advice, he applied several pieces directly to the affected area. The result, he said, was the opposite of what he hoped for.
The patch worsened significantly, leaving the area completely bare.
Speaking candidly, Huang Zitao described the moment he realised the situation had escalated.
He admitted that continued application only made things worse, joking that the more he rubbed, the less hair remained.
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| Huang Zitao Says Ginger Made His Hair Loss Worse |
He has since warned viewers against trying similar methods, noting that such remedies can irritate the scalp rather than help it recover.
Medical sources have long questioned the effectiveness of ginger for hair growth, with some research suggesting it may actually inhibit follicle activity instead of promoting it.
Huang Zitao’s experience has now added a high-profile example to that discussion, particularly as DIY remedies continue to circulate widely online.
Beyond the physical effects, the incident also had a clear emotional impact.
Huang Zitao shared that the stress of visible hair loss during a busy filming schedule weighed heavily on him. He became increasingly self-conscious on set, worried that styling products might fail and expose the patch under bright lights.
At one point, he broke down in front of his wife, singer-actress Xu Yiyang, describing feelings of embarrassment and vulnerability.
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During that period, he also chose to limit public appearances, opting to manage the situation privately while seeking proper medical treatment.
Over several months, his hair gradually regrew, restoring both his appearance and confidence.
Some fans expressed relief that the issue was temporary and praised Tao for addressing it openly, calling his honesty refreshing in an industry often focused on perfection.
Others found humour in the ginger mishap, with comments circulating about “kitchen remedies gone wrong” and the risks of viral health advice. At the same time, a portion of netizens highlighted the importance of evidence-based treatment, using Huang Zitao’s story as a cautionary tale against blindly following home solutions.
Was this simply a harmless mistake, or a reminder of how quickly trends can mislead?