Hair Loss Shampoos

Many people spend hundreds of dollars per year on hair care, looking for thicker and healthier hair. For some, hair loss has become an issue, and finding a hair loss shampoo becomes their focus. Finding the right shampoo will be easier when you understand the hair growth cycle, and the causes of hair loss. Hair grows in hair follicles in three phases. Anagen is the active growth phase. Most hair loss occurs as the follicle ages, and the growth period shortens or ceases altogether. Hair loss can also occur if the health of the hair follicle is blocked changed. During the catagen phase, the follicle enters a transition time. As the hair follicle enters the telogen phase, the follicle rests as old hair is shed and new hair begins grow. If the follicle enters the resting phase too soon, premature hair loss can occur. Now let’s consider what type of hair loss prevention shampoo will be most effective for the various causes of hair loss.

There are two types of hair loss that that are permanent: involutional alopecia, caused by aging, and androgenic alopecia, caused by genetics. Aging hair follicles can cause hair loss that is gradual and covers the entire head. As people get older, their hair growth cycle slows down and more individual hairs enter the resting phase. The hair follicle also shrinks, which shortens the length of the growing phase until the growing period ceases entirely. In hair loss caused by genetics, this same process occurs, but it is in a common pattern, and happens earlier and faster than hair loss caused by aging. Male pattern baldness generally causes a receding hairline and hair loss on the crown. In women, hair loss is greater on the crown, but usually no receding hairline.

If hair loss is caused by either of these conditions, the best hair loss shampoo is one that will re-grow lost hair, or slow down the process. There is only one ingredient that is approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to re-grow hair – minoxidil. The brand name, Rogaine®, can be found on several hair care products. Look for a hair loss shampoo with minoxidil in the highest concentration – usually 5%. Once you begin to use this shampoo, you must continue, or you will experience hair loss again.

If hair loss is caused by unhealthy hair follicles, the hair loss shampoo you need will help restore the hair follicle to optimal function. This type of hair loss is called Telogen effluvium, and occurs over several months. Usually, life style plays a role. In this instance, hair loss can be caused by stress, dietary changes, medications, hormonal changes, or illnesses. This hair loss is temporary, and hair will begin to re-grow when the situation changes. In this case, the best choice of a hair loss shampoo is one that adds volume to your hair by swelling the hair cuticle. Your hair will look fuller, and the hair loss will be less noticeable. Choose a volumizing shampoo made for your hair type.

Damage to the hair or scalp can cause hair thinning as well. Damage to hair can be caused by frequent hair perming or coloring, or excessive use of blow dryers or curling irons. Environmental conditions can damage your hair as well. If your hair becomes too damaged, your hair follicle can lose the healthy oils it needs to keep your hair growing. On the other hand, some activities, like frequently wearing hats, can cause too much oil to build up, clogging the hair follicle. The best hair loss shampoo for this condition is one that will unclog your hair follicles and keep them healthy. Look for a clarifying shampoo, or an oil control shampoo. Some shampoos add vitamins or other ingredients that will help your scalp maintain optimal health.

Sometimes, hair loss may be caused by a hormonal imbalance. The hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) causes the hair follicle to enter the resting phase. If your body makes too much, or not enough, you may experience hair loss. One new ingredient to look for in shampoo for hair loss is Retin-A, which inhibits the hormone DHT in the hair follicle, and can prevent the hair follicle from prematurely entering the resting phase.

If those conditions do not seem to apply, there are shampoos for hair loss that will help with the general appearance of your hair. One type of shampoo will add extra body, making thinning hair appear fuller. Look for extra body shampoo that is formulated for your specific hair type. Another shampoo is one that will make your hair appear thicker. This actually contains waxes that may build up on your hair, so it is not recommended for very thin hair.

There are a variety of hair loss shampoos, and understanding the hair growth cycle will help you choose the best option for your situation.