Hair Loss Shampoo – Everything You Need to Know

What is hair loss shampoo?

Hair loss shampoo has the potential to aid in the regrowth of your hair. The effectiveness of shampoo for hair regrowth can depend on the ingredients used and if they can help with the cause of your hair loss. Various ingredients in hair loss shampoos are linked to encouraging hair growth in different kinds of hair loss. 

These include caffeine, ginseng, saw palmetto, green tea, licorice, and ketoconazole. There are no FDA-approved hair loss treatments yet but ketoconazole is the most well-studied of these hair loss ingredients. 

Since most of the ingredients used in hair loss shampoos are natural they are considered supplements and are not under the review of medical boards like the FDA. Discover the FAQs below for hair loss shampoos and see how they compare to hair growth vitamins or minoxidil.

Highlights

• Hair loss shampoos often contain natural ingredients to help hair grow
• This treatment can help with hair loss depending on the cause
• Studies have shown that natural ingredients can be effective for hair growth

Core Evaluation Criteria

Hair loss shampoo effectiveness

There can be a vast difference in the quality of cosmetic products like anti-hair loss products. As medical boards do not approve these products, their effectiveness and safety can vary. It’s important to be aware of the cause of hair loss to know which active ingredients will help with hair growth. 

A range of factors can influence hair growth, including scalp health, inflammation, and hormones. Hair loss shampoos can target some of these factors depending on their formulation. An imbalance in the microflora in the scalp can be a contributing factor to hair loss so having a healthy scalp is necessary for achieving healthy hair growth. 

There are many hair care products that can aid in helping to balance the scalp microbiome to decrease inflammation that can lead to hair loss. Hair loss shampoos often contain natural ingredients that are high in antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. 

They make up as much as 80 per cent of the world’s basic healthcare needs. Natural products like saw palmetto, green tea and licorice can inhibit the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is responsible for pattern hair loss. 

Hair loss shampoo cost

Hair loss shampoo costs will vary depending on the ingredients present and the quality of the formulation. Typically hair loss shampoos will range from $20 to $60 in Australia. The ongoing cost should also be factored into the treatment as these shampoos will need to be purchased regularly to maintain results. 

The active ingredients in hair loss shampoos often need to be in the body regularly to encourage hair growth. There are some subscription services that will send you shampoo when you run out and this can alleviate some of the cost if the provider offers discounts on bundles. Some over-the-counter products can help to address scalp issues such as dandruff and inflammation. 

These may be more expensive compared to generic formulations. Depending on the severity of the issue, you may be able to get a prescription shampoo for these hair loss causes which can lower the cost. Additionally, these prescription shampoos will often be more potent than over-the-counter alternatives. 

Hair loss shampoo treatment duration

When you will see results from using hair loss shampoos will depend on the active ingredients used in the formulation and how consistently you use the treatment. Hair loss shampoos work by cleaning the hair and scalp through the removal of dirt and oil known as sebum. By removing excess oils scalp conditions can be prevented like folliculitis and seborrheic dermatitis. 

Hair thickening shampoo works by not only removing grease and dirt but also adding ingredients to the scalp such as polymers that improve hair follicles. The effect is only short-lived however since there are only a few polymers that enter the hair follicle to aid in hair growth. 

Silicone can help to benefit skin and hair health by improving strength and elasticity while decreasing hair loss. Silicone can penetrate hair follicles by entering the hair shaft and root meaning its effects may be enjoyed for longer periods compared to other hair loss shampoo ingredients.

Hair loss shampoo safety

Hair loss shampoos can cause side effects related to the chemicals that interact with our hormones, particularly if they affect the endocrine system. These endocrine disruptors can be found in prescription and over-the-counter shampoos. Even if the shampoo contains natural ingredients like lavender oil or tea tree oil, they can have an impact on breast growth as they are endocrine-disrupting chemicals. 

They can activate estrogen receptors and inhibit testosterone receptors. Ketoconazole shampoos are often well tolerated and do not have systemic side effects. These are some of the most popular hair loss shampoos with less than 1 per cent of patients experiencing side effects. 

However, these side effects include hair loss, irritation, hair texture changes, scalp pustules, itching, burning, and contact dermatitis. If too much shampoo is used it can remove too many of the natural oils in your scalp which can cause dryness and frizz along with breakage and hair loss. 

It’s important to keep a balance between removing dirt and oil and ensuring there is enough sebum for healthy hair growth.

Hair loss shampoo ease of use

Hair loss shampoos can easily be incorporated into your routine through regular washing. You should take care to choose a hair loss shampoo that is compatible with your hair type. Different formulations are designed to help with greasy hair types while others work best for dry hair types. 

While silicones can help to increase thickness in hair follicles, insoluble silicones that are often found in hair care products can cause a buildup on the scalp. This can weigh hair down and cause unhealthy scalp conditions. These have been linked to hair loss in conditions like psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis. 

They have been shown to cause oxidative stress which is where there is an imbalance between the free radicals and antioxidant defences that leads to cellular damage. This can also lead to hair loss if buildup persists over time. 

Hair care products that include P-phenylenediamine (PPD) and phthalates can lead to a range of health issues so should be avoided. Hair care products will usually disclose if they are PPD-free but phthalates are often listed as a “fragrance” under the ingredient list if it is 20 per cent or less of the product composition.

Hair loss shampoo accessibility

Hair loss shampoos are widely available and can be acquired over the counter or through a prescription. One of the most popular hair loss shampoos is ketoconazole. While treating hair loss is not the intended purpose of ketoconazole shampoo it can be effective at fighting hair loss for those who have underlying scalp issues such as seborrheic dermatitis. 

Ketoconazole shampoo is available over the counter as a 1 per cent solution which is approved by regulatory bodies such as the FDA and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). If you have a more severe scalp issue you can get a more potent 2 per cent solution of ketoconazole shampoo prescribed to you by your healthcare provider. 

Another widely available type of hair loss shampoo is caffeine shampoo. This has shown positive results in the treatment of hair loss. It can help to combat the negative effects of DHT that are linked to pattern baldness. 

Hair loss shampoo sustainability of results

Hair loss products need to be used regularly to see the maximal benefits. This means it needs to be used several times per week to enjoy short-term benefits. Contents and concentration of hair loss shampoos can vary which can have an impact on the results. 

Hair loss shampoos can often be formulated with other more powerful hair loss ingredients that are designed for long-term results. Shampoos for hair loss may be made with chemicals like minoxidil which are meant to be used in the long run to see the best results. 

Hair thickening shampoos may only provide temporary results that can be erased once hair is washed again or when you discontinue the use of the product. If you’re looking for long-term improvements to hair thickness, underlying hair loss conditions need to be addressed like androgenic alopecia or seborrheic dermatitis that cause the follicles to produce hairs that are thinner.

Hair loss shampoo compatibility with other treatments

Hair loss shampoos such as ketoconazole can be combined with other hair loss treatments but more research is required to understand its efficacy. It can be paired with minoxidil, an FDA-approved hair loss treatment that increases blood flow to the scalp. 

However, studies that have looked into this combination also included a range of other therapies meaning it is difficult to assess the impact of the pairing of just hair loss shampoo and minoxidil. Quick results in as little as 30 days were observed in one study where Nuh Hair lotion (which contains finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil), 5 per cent minoxidil foam, 1-milligram finasteride pills, and 2 per cent ketoconazole shampoo was used. 

Other studies have suggested that using ketoconazole and oral finasteride did not produce significantly better results than using finasteride alone. Finasteride and ketoconazole both work as DHT inhibitors. Since minoxidil works to improve the growth of hair in a different way, it could be a more effective pairing with DHT inhibitor shampoos like ketoconazole, but further studies are required to test these combinations.

Hair loss shampoo emotional appeal

Testimonials from hair loss shampoo users can vary depending on the product used. Positive ratings from reviewers on Amazon of products claimed that results could be seen after just a few months of use. While anecdotal, these reviews point towards positive results for hair loss shampoos as a treatment option. Users noted that their hair went from thin and lifeless to thick, full, and vibrant. 

Other products can help with reducing the amount of hair loss and a reviewer noted that because their hair count had become reduced from ageing and medical conditions, they were able to get a lot of use out of one bottle of shampoo making it a good investment. 

Reviewers noted that shampoos that contain essential oils and natural ingredients that were incorporated into hair loss shampoos offered a less messy and time-consuming way to apply these beneficial elements to the scalp. The effectiveness of these treatments will likely depend on the cause of your hair loss so getting advice from your healthcare professional is advisable before trying out new, and potentially expensive, hair loss shampoos.

Hair loss shampoo health benefits beyond hair loss

Hair loss shampoos can help with a range of scalp issues and are often formulated to provide additional benefits to your hair. By dealing with scalp issues like inflammation with a hair loss shampoo, hair growth can be encouraged. 

Tackling problems like dandruff on the scalp can also aid hair growth through the use of hair loss shampoo. By treating a scalp condition like seborrheic dermatitis, not only is the health of your scalp improved but hair growth is encouraged. Treatments like this can also provide benefits to your hair beyond tackling hair loss like improving volume and shine. 

Improving the volume of your hair will likely depend on the pH of the shampoo that you use. It is advised to look for a shampoo with a pH below 5.5 to protect hair and create volume as the pH of the scalp is 5.5. Higher pH shampoos can cause frizz, hair breakage, and an increase in tangling while also requiring the use of a conditioner. 

Hair loss shampoo’s environmental impact

The primary concern when it comes to the eco-friendliness of hair loss shampoos is how the ingredients affect the environment as well as the breakdown of the packaging. Commercial shampoos contain harsh chemicals such as additives, fragrances, parabens, and phthalates which can contaminate our water supply. 

Chemicals like sodium laureth sulfate can cause mutations in the genetic makeup of animals which causes havoc on biodiversity. Sulphates can cause the formation of harmful algal blooms which suffocate marine life by depleting oxygen levels in water. Parabens can have an impact on the reproductive capabilities of marine life as they disrupt the endocrine system leading to a decline in population. 

If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of your shampoo, look out for formulations that include essential oils instead of fragrances as these are safe for the environment. Shampoos may be available in sustainable and reusable packaging or as a shampoo bar which means no disposal and uses less water than bottled brands. 

Hair loss shampoo treatment method

Hair loss shampoos are topical treatments that should be applied on a semi-regular basis to see results. Since it is a topical treatment the amount of time you leave it on the scalp is important to allow the ingredients to absorb into the scalp. 

How long you leave the shampoo on will depend on the active ingredients in the formulation. Typically you should leave the product on for between 2 to 5 minutes but always follow the instructions on the bottle. 

If your hair loss shampoo is formulated with caffeine it can absorb more quickly into the scalp whereas ketoconazole shampoo will require a little more time to be effective. Do not overuse shampoo either as it can lead to beneficial natural oils being stripped from your scalp causing it to dry out.

FAQs

Can oils in hair growth shampoo improve hair growth?

Natural oils can help promote the growth of hair and are a good alternative to harmful fragrances found in other shampoos. Beneficial oils for hair growth include pumpkin seed oil, rosemary oil, tea tree oil, thyme oil, lavender oil, evening primrose oil, and atlas cedarwood oil.

Can other products be used to thicken hair?

There is a range of other topical products that can be used to thicken hair besides hair loss shampoo including creams and gels. These often contain polymers that provide a temporary volumizing effect. This will typically go away when they are washed out however and can cause a visibly greasy, sticky, or limp appearance. 

What is minoxidil shampoo?

Minoxidil shampoo is different to minoxidil foams or serums and is not an FDA or EMA-approved treatment for hair loss. Foams and hair growth serums are applied onto a dry scalp whereas a shampoo is used on wet hair and is washed off quickly. Since minoxidil needs time to absorb into the scalp it may not be an effective choice as a shampoo but further research is needed.

What is anti-DHT shampoo?

By blocking the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), hair loss can be inhibited. There are a range of anti-DHT shampoos available including ones formulated with saw-palmetto, ketoconazole and green tea. You can acquire these products without a prescription potentially making them more accessible compared to other DHT blockers like finasteride.

Can dry shampoo help with hair loss?

While dry shampoo may help to disguise the appearance of hair loss, over-using dry shampoo can cause scalp irritation and hair loss. By absorbing oil on the scalp and creating an excess of powder and environmental dirt, the scalp can become irritated which in turn affects your hair follicles. 

What kind of shampoo should I use for hair loss?

The right hair loss shampoo will depend on the cause of your hair loss but there are some hair loss shampoos that have shown positive results in studies. These include ketoconazole shampoo, caffeine shampoo, and saw palmetto shampoos. This is because they have anti-DHT properties or stimulate the blood flow to the scalp.

Are hair loss shampoos worth the cost?

There can be a large disparity between hair loss shampoo prices depending on the formulation and where you purchase it from. More expensive products include ketoconazole shampoo but they may be worth the price since they have clinically proven benefits. Similarly, caffeinated shampoos that have shown positive results in improving hair growth are typically more expensive than store-brand alternatives. 

Can hair gels help tackle hair loss?

Hair gels can be useful in tackling hair loss that is connected to heat and UV damage. These topical solutions can help to protect hair by sealing it against damage. They work by creating a physical barrier around the hair shaft to prevent damage from heat styling tools or damage from the environment. 

Other beneficial hair gels include garlic gel which comes in a 5 per cent solution that can help encourage hair growth and reduce hair loss thanks to its antimicrobial properties. 

Can hair masks aid in stopping hair loss?

Hair masks are often formulated with keratin to promote hair growth as it is a fundamental building block for hair follicles. Commercially available keratin is not as effective as keratin in your body as it is derived from wool or chicken feathers. 

While hair masks formulated with keratin can help to strengthen damaged hair strands and prevent hair shedding, they will not affect hair growth at the root or combat hair loss as a result of androgenic alopecia.

Can shampoo lead to hair loss?

While shampoo works by removing dirt and oil from your scalp, a certain amount of beneficial sebum is needed for the healthy function of your scalp. If shampoo is used too often, it can lead to dry or frizzy hair which can lead to breakage and hair loss. 

While conditioners can combat these effects they often contain insoluble silicones that can cause a buildup of product leading to unhealthy scalp conditions. 

What shampoos should be avoided?

There are some ingredients that should be avoided in shampoos including P-phenylenediamine (PPD) and phthalates. As endocrine disruptors, they can cause a range of health complications. PPDs are often found in hair dyes and hair care products. 

Phthalates may be listed as a fragrance on ingredient lists so avoid products with fragrances as they can cause nerve and hormone issues including reproductive disorders.

What should I look out for in a hair loss shampoo?

Before you purchase a hair loss shampoo you should check the ingredients listed on the bottle. Avoid harsh chemicals and look for alternatives to harmful ingredients such as natural oils instead of fragrances. A quality stamp may indicate that clinical studies have validated some of the claims the manufacturer is making.

What else should I do to have a healthy hair care routine?

Besides hair loss shampoos, you should ensure that your scalp is healthy by exfoliating it regularly. A scalp massage can also promote the growth of hair by stimulating the flow of blood to the scalp providing your hair follicles with more oxygen and nutrients. 

A topical treatment may also be beneficial after the use of a hair loss shampoo when your scalp is dry as serums can be more effective when they have the chance to fully absorb into the scalp. 

How long will it take to see results from using a hair loss shampoo?

Since hair growth is a gradual process it can take time for significant results to be observed. It’s key to keep a consistent hair care routine as changes to the hair growth cycle may not be noticeable for months. Results are also individual as a range of factors can cause hair loss.

How often should hair loss shampoos be used?

How often you use your hair loss shampoo will likely depend on your hair type. If you have an oily scalp, it is recommended to double shampoo as it can help to effectively reduce the production of sebum. On the other hand, if you have dry or frizzy hair you should avoid over-washing as it can cause increased dryness.