Doctor explains why 'hair of the dog' drinking doesn't actually stop a hangover

'Tis the season for being merry and bright, but for some, getting a little too merry means you won't be feeling too bright the next day.

If you overindulged on festive cocktails at a holiday party, you may be looking for the best tips to cure a hangover.

From less-than-appealing juice recipes like those wild raw egg and savory sauce concoctions seen on TV and movies to sweating out a hangover with an intense workout, there are many methods that people use to try and rid themselves of a dreaded post-alcohol headache.

Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy said that there are a number of ways that people try to alleviate hangover symptoms, but many of them are ineffective.

The holiday season is often accompanied by alcohol (Getty Stock Photo)

The doctor's comments come after he examined a variety of hangover hacks circulating on TikTok.

Social media users have been promoting extreme methods to ward off a rough head. Some TikTokers have suggested mixing coffee and lemon juice, which can actually worsen the effects of a hangover due to the acidity of the citrus fruit and the high caffeine content. While popular IV drips will help to replenish hydration levels, they do little to target other factors that contribute to a hangover, like sleep disruption and inflammation.

Another common idea is that continuing to drink alcohol, known as 'hair of the dog', will be a quick fix. However, we come bearing bad news.

“We all know the phrase ‘hair of the dog’, but unfortunately, drinking more alcohol only delays the inevitable hangover, and in many cases, it can worsen the intensity," Grant explained. "While it may momentarily mask symptoms by increasing blood alcohol levels, it quickly wears off, often resulting in a second wave of symptoms that can be more severe than the original hangover. While it’s an incredibly well-known phrase, there’s simply no evidence to back this claim."

It turns out more alcohol is not the answer (Getty Stock Photo)

"Overall, there are plenty of wild health claims on social media, including a wide range of extreme hangover cures," Grant continued. "Sadly, many of them are not factually correct and could simply be a placebo."

Instead of reaching for a mimosa at breakfast the day after a heavy night of drinking, Grant recommends that you take a few mindful steps to minimize your hangover.

“The most effective way to get rid of a hangover is to support the body’s recovery through rest, hydration and eating a well-balanced meal. Anything else that claims to eliminate symptoms quickly is simply wishful thinking.”