Do hair loss shampoos really work?
Hair loss can be so frustrating. Although we all want a head full of hair, about 50% of women report having hair loss at some point in their lives. However, several products are being promoted to help in preventing or treating hair loss. In this article, we explore whether shampoos for hair loss work and what can you expect when using these products.
What is the Difference Between Hair Thinning and Hair Loss
Hair loss and hair thinning are two terms often used interchangeably although there is a slight difference. Hair loss occurs when you are actively losing hair from your head. You will often see a few strands when washing or combing your hair. On the other hand, thinning hair occurs when you have lost the overall density of your hair because it is no longer regrowing as usual. Therefore, hair loss often leads to hair thinning, but hair loss may not result in thinning hair if the loss stops.
The causes of hair loss can be hormonal changes, genetics, or even external factors. They include:
- Lack of vitamin D, iron, B12, or folic acid in your diet
- Menopause
- Chronic stress
- Anemia
- A family history of hair thinning
- Using excessive heat or overtreating your hair
- starting or stopping hormonal birth control
- Hair shedding during pregnancy although it stops about four months after giving birth
Can Shampoo for Hair Loss Help?
When experiencing hair loss or thinning, the best remedy is to address the underlying cause. However, using shampoo for thinning hair can help in removing build-up and balancing the scalp to keep your hair healthy and growing. Since this kind of shampoo also contains ingredients that promote growth and density, they help in thickening existing strands and making your hair healthier. Some of the key ingredients added to hair loss shampoos and conditioners include:
- Biotin: A water-soluble vitamin that improves the keratin (the protein that makes up hair) structure, boosting hair health, volume, and coverage of the scalp.
- Ketoconazole: A key ingredient that treats infections caused by yeast or fungus, keeping your scalp healthy.
- Caffeine: A stimulant that increases blood circulation, allowing oxygen and beneficial nutrients to be delivered to the hair follicles, keeping them growing and healthy.
- Rosemary Oil: When applied to the hair, rosemary oil works as an antiseptic that decreases fungus on the scalp.
- Saw Palmetto: A common ingredient in hair loss shampoos that helps in slowing down genetic hair loss.
These ingredients help in addressing hair loss concerns by ensuring that your scalp is clean and healthy. They also boost hair growth by providing it with essential nutrients. However, make sure you rinse all the shampoo and conditioner off the scalp to make sure it is properly cleansed. You do not want any build-up on your scalp that could further prevent hair regrowth.
Best Shampoo for Hair Loss
Although no shampoo will completely treat the cause of hair loss, using the best shampoo and conditioner will improve the health of your strands. When choosing the best shampoo for thinning hair, go for the following options:
1. Moisturizing Shampoos
Moisturizing shampoos are a great option for thinning hair, especially when your hair is breaking rather than shedding. Hair breakage is usually associated with the hair care regimen such as harsh shampoos. By switching to moisturizing shampoos, you prevent your hair from becoming dry and breaking. Moisturizing shampoos are particularly useful to those who use a lot of hot rollers, curling or straightening irons, and hot hair dryers. To identify a moisturizing shampoo, look for ingredients with humectants like glycerin, and oils like jojoba and argan.
2. Ketoconazole Shampoos
For hair loss, shampoos with ingredients like ketoconazole, piroctone olamine, and zinc pyrithione can help to address the concern. Although recommended by healthcare providers as a treatment for scalp psoriasis and dandruff, this type of shampoo helps to deal with hair loss by improving the health of your hair. By killing the dandruff-causing yeast in the scalp, they improve the health of both the scalp and hair strands.
Where to Buy Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Hair Loss
Choosing the right products can help you boost hair growth and achieve more volume with your hair. At Shop Palace Beauty, we stock some of the best shampoos and conditioners for hair loss. Be sure to check out our online stores and choose a product suitable for your hair loss concerns.