While there are much worse things than losing your hair, there’s no denying it can lead to reduced self-confidence and increased insecurity. Worldwide, hair loss affects almost 1/3 of the population. On average, a person loses 100 strands of hair a day, and there are many causes of hair loss, including vitamin deficiency, medications, genetics, and stress. The most common form of hair loss in men is Androgenetic Alopecia (also known as male pattern baldness), and the most accepted explanation for male pattern baldness is the DHT theory. DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a byproduct of testosterone. During puberty, high levels of DHT in the body are normal. However, later in life, high levels of DHT can have negative effects on hair health. Essentially, DHT will attach itself to the hair follicle depriving it of nutrition and causing atrophy. Male pattern baldness can begin in a man’s teenage years, but it is most common in adults, with the likelihood increasing with age.
There are a wide variety of shampoos on the market that claim to combat hair loss; however, before you grab any bottle of hair-loss shampoo, there are things to keep in mind.
● Many shampoos that claim to prevent hair loss don’t. Stick with ingredients that are proven to work.
● If you have a shampoo that works for you, don’t change. You may also want to use a conditioner specifically designed for hair loss.
Whatever shampoo you use to combat hair loss, research has shown that shampoos that contain one, or more, of the following ingredients, are the most effective: Minoxidil and finasteride, ketoconazole, caffeine, biotin, and saw palmetto. Below is a list of shampoos that have been proven to prevent, or help prevent hair loss.
1. Dr Robert Jones Organic Lavender Shampoo and Conditioner. *NO LONGER AVAILABLE*
Organic shampoo and conditioner offer a wealth of benefits for your hair and scalp that will be immediately noticeable. Organic products gently infuse your hair follicles and skin cells with natural minerals, herbal extracts, and oils. Infused with aloe, coconut oil, and shea butter, Dr. Robert Jones Organic Shampoo and Conditioner stimulates healthy hair growth and enhances the shine and moisture of your hair. Free from synthetics, chemicals, and petroleum products, Dr. Robert Jones Organic Shampoo and Conditioner is perfect for keeping your hair thick, full, and healthy, and it is particularly effective for individuals dealing with rapidly thinning hair. Dr. Robert Jones Organic Shampoo and Conditioner is certified vegan-blend, and every year a portion of the profits from the sale of Dr. Robert Jones Organic Shampoo and Conditioner is donated to an environmental group. Plus, the eco-label is printed on 100% tree-free stock made from crushed rock. ** NO LONGER AVAILABLE **
2. Ultrax Labs’ Hair Surge Caffeine Hair Loss Growth Stimulating Shampoo.
Ultrax Labs’ Hair Surge is effective for men and women (and is one of only a few caffeinated hair shampoos made for both sexes). Hair Surge is formulated to maintain the active ingredients on your scalp and hair until they’re absorbed, and Hair Surge is also safe for all skin and hair types. Containing caffeine, ketoconazole, and saw palmetto, Hair Surge is targeted for hair growth. Ultrax Labs has enough confidence in their product that they offer a 90-day money-back guarantee. Active ingredients: Caffeine-Studies have shown caffeine extends the life cycle of hair follicles and encourages healthy hair growth. Ketoconazole: A powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal ingredient. Saw Palmetto: Blocks an enzyme that facilitates the change of testosterone into DHT. DHT is considered a major cause for both male and female pattern baldness.
3. Revita Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo.
Revita Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo is designed to stimulate growth and combat the effects ageing, illness, and stress have on your hair, Revita provides support for both health and thinning hair; reduces stress-induced hair loss; improves hair density and volume; increases the speed of hair growth, and strengthens hair and reduces hair fallout. Revita’s anti-thinning, fortifying formula does not use toxic chemicals. Instead, Revita relies on a long list of hair-friendly ingredients, including caffeine, emu oil, biotin, and ketoconazole. In one study of 500 men and women between the ages 18 and 55, 90% of participants using Revita experienced a decrease in hair loss; 85% had an improvement in the overall appearance of their hair, while 70% noticed a reduction in the hair loss rate. Designed to decrease hair loss while improving the hair’s overall appearance, Revita’s Growth Stimulating Shampoo has the backing of dermatologist-led research and recommendations. Revita Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo benefits anyone wanting to reverse the effects of hair loss and thinning hair.
4. Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Nizoral is designed to treat dandruff and hair loss. The key ingredient in Nizoral is ketoconazole, which reduces hair follicle inflammation that contributes to hair loss. Ketoconazole also kills fungi that cause dandruff. Nizoral’s A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo has 1% ketoconazole, but you can get a 2% version of it in the U.S. with a prescription. Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo cleans the scalp, combats dandruff, and blocks androgen receptor to deter hair loss. All three of these play a huge part in decreasing inflammation. Some caution should be taken when using Nizoral, however, because some studies have shown that leaving it on your hair for an extended period (i.e., five minutes or more) can cause rashes and irritation. Be careful if you have sensitive skin.
5. Lipogaine Big 5 All-Natural Shampoo
Lipogaine Big 5 All-Natural Shampoo has five primary ingredients: Biotin, caffeine, argan oil, castor oil, and saw palmetto – all of which help to fight hair loss. It does not include ketoconazole. The ingredients work together to strengthen and nourish hair while preventing thinning and breakage. Additional organic ingredients include Rosemary oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, green tea, and cedarwood oil. Castor oil is effective for treating hair loss and promoting hair growth because it has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that fight dandruff while helping to prevent scalp infections. Lipogaine’s Big 5 is good for men and women and is also safe to use on colour-treated hair.
Hair loss can have a significant impact on a person’s personality, making them shy, depressed, or even antisocial, and the hair loss market is littered with scam artists who are looking to take advantage of hair loss sufferers, but there are proven treatments on the market and this list is intended to provide five options. While they might not be effective for everyone, if you’re losing your hair and haven’t tried them, they should be a consideration.
