How to Pick the Best Shampoo for Hair Loss
What makes a hair loss treatment work?
Not all products designed to treat hair loss are created equal -- some ingredients are more potent and well-tested than others. Some products are backed by science, while others ride on a cloud of hype.
When you are concerned about hair loss and are looking for the best treatment out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of products advertised with lofty claims about what they can do for your hair. We’re here to help you separate the myth from reality when it comes to hair loss treatments.
This post is all about how to pick the best shampoo for hair loss. We cover some of the most important ingredients to look for that are great for your hair and scalp. These ingredients get to the root cause of hair loss and can help to improve your hair’s growth rate, as well as its thickness and fullness.
When you are dealing with thinning hair, you can’t settle for a mediocre shampoo. Your hair and scalp need the best possible ingredients that will keep them happy and healthy.
Keep reading to learn what to look for in a growth-promoting shampoo.
What NOT To Look For in a Shampoo
For a man or woman who is not struggling with thinning hair, the criteria for a good shampoo is very different. The average person wants shampoo that smells good, is relatively affordable, and creates a rich, foamy lather. However, these are ultimately some of the least important attributes of a shampoo, whether you are dealing with hair loss or not. The fragrances included in a shampoo may leave your hair smelling nice, but they do rarely contribute to its look, feel or ability to grow.
In addition, the ingredients that make many shampoos so foamy are sulfates. Sulfates can have a drying effect on your hair, and it is best to avoid shampoos that contain them. Look for a hair loss prevention shampoo that is labeled “sulfate and paraben-free.” One type of sulfate that you especially want to avoid is sodium lauryl sulfate, or SLS. Make sure your shampoo is SLS-free to avoid dryness and potential irritation.
Why You Need a DHT-Blocking Shampoo
For men and women over the age of 50, and many who are younger, a condition called androgenic alopecia is the primary cause for hair loss in certain parts of the head. ADA is caused by the male sex hormone dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. As you get older, DHT can cause the hair on certain parts of your head to thin out and even go completely bald.
DHT levels are higher in the bodies of men than women, and ADA is more common for males than for females. However, androgenic alopecia affects about a quarter of women over the age of 50. Whether you are male or female, your genes may make you more susceptible to pattern hair loss, too, making you a prime candidate for a DHT-blocking shampoo.
DHT-blocking ingredients in shampoo can help your hair to keep growing at a faster rate. In addition, because DHT often causes hair on certain parts of the head to only grow to shorter lengths, DHT blockers can be extremely helpful in evening out the appearance of your hair.
Below are some of the most effective DHT-blocking ingredients to look for in your hair loss prevention shampoo:
- Hairgenyl is made from a yeast extracted from the azalea flower. This yeast extract has DHT-blocking properties, making it a perfect active ingredient for hair loss treatments.
- Planoxia, or Korean red ginseng, with its DHT-blocking abilities, can help to shorten the interval in which your hair rests from growing. Planoxia is a powerful ingredient for promoting hair growth because it can work against DHT’s slowing effect on your hair’s growth cycle.
- Redensyl is a DHT-blocking ingredient that is included in hair loss treatments to help increase your hair’s thickness. As with Planoxia, Redensyl also can help to speed up your hair’s growth cycle, shortening the rest period in which your hair growth slows down.
- Capixyl is an ingredient that includes red clover extract, a naturally-derived DHT blocker. It can also help boost your scalp’s production of collagen, a protein that is essential in giving your skin strength and structure.
- Caffeine is a natural DHT blocker and stimulates your hair follicles, which can help promote faster growth.
- Saw palmetto is another natural blocker of DHT. One specific benefit of using a shampoo that includes saw palmetto is that the naturally-derived ingredient specifically targets the shrinkage of hair follicles caused by DHT. One of the ways that DHT causes hair thinning is by reducing the size of hair follicles and making your hair look more spread out and less full. Saw palmetto can help to reverse this reduction of follicle size.
- Argan oil is a special growth-promoting ingredient with the primary purpose of hydrating and moisturizing your hair. Many topical hair treatments have the potential to dry out your scalp, often causing itchiness, irritation and even dandruff. To help reduce the negative side effects of otherwise helpful hair treatments, use a shampoo that includes argan oil.
- Pumpkin seed extract has a unique ability to block DHT. Because dihydrotestosterone is a byproduct of testosterone, stopping the conversion of testosterone into DHT can have a positive effect on hair growth. Pumpkin seed extract can do exactly that – it works to prevent the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, working against DHT’s follicle-shrinking, hair-thinning effects.
- Stinging nettle specifically targets inflammation of the scalp, making it a powerful component to include in your hair loss prevention regimen. Don’t let the name scare you away – it won’t sting your skin.
- Niacinamide is an ingredient that helps to boost hair growth and can also promote the production of antioxidants that keep your hair healthy.
- Biotin is an antioxidant that can be applied topically to your hair. Antioxidants help your body combat the age-inducing effects of free radicals, which can slow down your cells’ production of the proteins that keep your hair, skin and nails healthy and strong. As an ingredient in shampoo, biotin specifically helps to boost the production of keratin in your hair. Keratin is a protein that strengthens your hair and keeps it looking healthy.
DHT Blocking Shampoo Actually Works -- Science Proves It
If you have been looking all over for a hair loss treatment that works, look no further. GroMD’s shampoo and conditioner combo was created with a combination of science-backed, results-producing ingredients that can have a major impact on your hair.
These ingredients have been shown to reduce the negative effects of DHT on your hair, leading to a thicker, fuller, healthier head of hair that you can look at in the mirror and feel great about.
If you are currently using minoxidil (Rogaine) or another topical hair loss treatment, groMD’s shampoo and conditioner, as well as our follicle activator spray, can be used in tandem with your treatment to maximize its effectiveness.
Ingredients like argan oil can even help to reduce the dryness and irritation that can be caused by hair loss treatments like minoxidil.
If you are dealing with any dryness or irritation, don’t give up on your treatment. Instead, start using groMD’s hair care regimen to keep your hair and scalp healthy and hydrated, providing it with all of the nutrients it needs to stay growing and looking great.
Ready to get started on the journey back to a fuller head of hair? Check out groMD’s hair growth formulas here, or check out our blog for more helpful info on getting those locks back.
Dr. Amir Yazdan, MD, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, expert guest on Dr. Phil and The Doctors, creator of the GroMD hair restoration product line, ISHRS member, accredited member of the IAHRS and a visceral advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Yazdan or read rave reviews from his patients.
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9777765/