- Main ingredients: Powerbond technology, jojoba oil, vitamin B5, vitamin E
- Size: 250ml
- Safe for colored hair: Yes
- Fragrance: Tonka bean and almonds
- Best for: fine to medium length hair
Does hair growth shampoo help?
According to Dr. Hardik Doshi, the lead hair restoration surgeon at Ample, hair growth shampoos may not be equally helpful for everyone, as hair loss can have a variety of causes that require different treatment strategies. The effectiveness of a hair growth shampoo depends on the ingredients used. While evidence for significant regrowth is limited, certain ingredients have shown promise in scientific studies, including ketoconazole, saw palmetto, biotin, and minoxidil.
“Hair loss can have a variety of causes, and a dermatologist or hair transplant surgeon can help diagnose the underlying cause and recommend the most effective treatment options for your specific situation,” he emphasizes. Treatment approaches may include a combination of methods, such as hair growth shampoos with certain ingredients, medications, or surgical procedures.
Trichologist William Gaunitz explains, “Hair growth shampoo can work in very specific circumstances, but in the vast majority of cases, shampoo is the least effective tool when it comes to restoring hair growth.” It is mainly used as a support for a hair growth serum or medication that helps combat the underlying cause of hair loss.
The reason for this is that shampoo itself does not have much effect on the scalp unless there is an inflammatory scalp condition, such as seborrheic dermatitis, excess bacterial and fungal growth, excess sebum or demodex parasites. Gaunitz adds: “If the shampoo contains an active ingredient that combats these problems, it usually improves hair growth as well.”
How does hair growth shampoo work?
According to Gaunitz, hair growth shampoo works by supporting a healthy scalp microbiome, reducing sebum, fungus, bacteria and parasites, and reducing inflammation. Often, these shampoos contain ingredients like saw palmetto, arnica, tea tree oil, and a number of other natural anti-inflammatory or antiseptic ingredients that have a positive effect on the scalp.
Keep in mind that the active ingredients in hair growth shampoos can only be effective if they penetrate the skin and reach the hair follicles. “For this reason, many hair growth products are usually left on the scalp for a certain amount of time before being rinsed out so that they can be better absorbed,” says Dr. Doshi.
What should you look for in a hair growth shampoo?
When purchasing a hair growth shampoo, Gaunitz recommends looking for natural active ingredients that minimize inflammation and reduce microbial growth on the scalp. “Ingredients like tea tree oil, rosemary oil, green tea extract, saw palmetto, aloe and arnica are all fantastic ingredients to look for,” he says. Typically, the first five ingredients make up 97 percent of the product, so look for ones that are more natural and don’t contain harsh surfactants or parabens.
What is biotin?
“Biotin, commonly known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in human metabolic processes, including energy synthesis, genetic control, and cell signaling,” says Dr. Doshi. He continues, “It is necessary for the efficient functioning of enzymes and contributes to the formation of keratin, a protein that serves as a structural component in hair, skin, and nails.” Although biotin occurs naturally in many foods, such as egg yolks, nuts, seeds, and vegetables, its bioavailability can vary. You can always consider taking a supplement, but the effectiveness of biotin intake for hair and nail growth is currently being studied, and results may vary from person to person.
What causes hair loss?
There are a lot of reasons why you might be suffering from hair loss. They range from genetic predisposition to medical conditions, stress, nutritional deficiencies and hormonal changes. Gaunitz breaks it down into three main components: genetic sensitivity, nutritional hair loss and inflammation.
