Category: Minoxidil

Top 5 Best Hair Loss Shampoos For 2015

The media is full of images of people with thick glossy hair, as a full head of hair is considered to represent health and vitality. While we all know that thick shiny hair does not equate good health and happiness, hair loss can be extremely upsetting for men and women alike. If you have a history of male or female pattern baldness in your family, there is a chance that you will also be affected, while illness, stress, hormone imbalances and vitamin deficiencies can also cause loss of hair.

Any treatment will be most effective if you act as soon as you notice a problem. A visit to your GP will help to eliminate hormone problems or vitamin deficiencies. Take a good look at your diet. Is it balanced and high in fruit, vegetables, protein and healthy oils? A healthy diet is a good place to start, as is limiting the use of styling products, heated appliances and harsh chemical colourants, if relevant.

Once you have eliminated medical causes, you will probably start to do a bit of research about hair loss shampoos, which are a very cost effective way of tacking the problem. Some will have ingredients designed to stimulate the scalp, such as caffeine. There are also herbal remedies, such as saw palmetto, and ingredients that can help to thicken the appearance of your hair, such as biotin. Others are aimed at particular age groups or gender. These shampoos can be very effective in thickening and improving the condition of your hair in the case of mild hair loss, but be wary of any that promise miraculous regrowth and baldness reversal.

Many of the shampoos on sale say they help to block DHT. DHT is the abbreviation of dihydrotestosterone, a testosterone-based hormone. Higher levels of DHT are known to block hair growth, particularly in male pattern baldness. There are ingredients, including saw palmetto, which can possibly inhibit the production of DHT, thus slowing down hair loss. Anecdotally saw palmetto can make a big difference to some people; however, if you are looking for a clinically-trialled DHT blocker, you will need to look at finasteride, which is available on private prescription from your GP, and minoxidil (Regaine), which can be bought over the counter.

What should you look for in a shampoo? Firstly, take a look at the ingredients. If you have suffered from skin reactions in the past, it might be worth considering a more ‘natural’ product. You will want to find something that will help to give your hair a thicker look, improve its condition and nourish your scalp. Some shampoos are designed for particular hair types or specifically for men or women.

There are lots of shampoos on the market, but we have rounded up five that we think are worth a look at and are aimed at both men and women. Hair loss shampoos are not outrageously expensive and if you buy one and it does not seem to work for you, you can easily move on to the next.

Nioxin three-step system
Nioxin produces six ‘systems’ aimed at different hair loss and thinning issues, with System 2 designed specifically for thinning hair. The three-step systems contain a cleanser (shampoo), followed by a scalp revitaliser (conditioner) and a treatment. The cleanser is designed to remove residue from the scale and help to provide thicker-looking hair. The revitaliser is a lightweight conditioner to improve texture and appearance, and the treatment, which is applied after the first two steps, contains antioxidants and botanicals to refresh the scalp.

Avalon Biotin B-Complex Therapy Thickening Shampoo
This shampoo, from organic beauty company Avalon, contains biotin and saw palmetto, which are believed to help with thinning hair. The manufacturer says that the shampoo helps to build body, stimulates the scale, strengthens hair and boosts volume. Avalon also produces a Biotin B-Complex Therapy Conditioner. Avalon products avoid harsh chemicals and don’t include synthetic fragrances or colours, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium laureth sulphate, sodium methyl sulphate, or any other chemical additives that might irritate the skin. This is a good choice if you want to avoid chemicals and synthetics.

Pura d’Or Hair Loss Prevention Therapy Shampoo
Another organic, natural product, Pura d’Or shampoos contain argan oil. This is a very popular ingredient in hair care products, as it helps to improve the condition and strength of your hair. Hair Loss Prevention Therapy Shampoo is free from the harsh chemicals that are known to irritate skin and is packed full of natural oils such as argan, pumpkin and rosemary and herbs such as lavender, ylang-ylang and saw palmetto. The shampoo works by providing essential nutrients to the hair follicles to reverse any signs of damage and start the healing process. Biotin strengthens the hair strands, while niacin improves the circulation and Pura d’Or’s unique DHT Blocker Blend encourages healthy hair growth.

DS Laboratories Revita Shampoo
The DS Laboratories Revita shampoos ‒original Revita shampoo and now Revita LT for blonde and other light shades ‒are designed to preserve hair, avoid shedding and maintain scalp vitality. They include anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antioxidant and anti-hormonal agents including caffeine, carnitine tartrate, ketoconazole, zinc and apple polyphenol, which are believed to stimulate the scalp, prevent hair loss and promote hair growth.

Regenepure DR Hair Loss & Scalp Treatment
US-based Regenepure specialises in hair loss treatments and products. The DR Hair Loss & Scalp Treatment is a sulphate-free treatment suitable for men and women. Regenepure DR is a doctor-recommended hair loss treatment designed for all hair types and contains the antifungal ingredient ketoconazole, which may help to block the production of the hair growth-curbing hormone DHT. Cleansing ingredients such as saw palmetto extract cleanse away impurities and toxins while nourishing the hair from root to tip. It also combats dandruff and build up on the scalp, while other ingredients such as emu and jojoba oils add moisture, shine, volume and suppleness to thin and lifeless hair. Regenepure DR hair loss shampoo is free from parabens and sulphates, which is good news for the sensitive skin of the scalp.

Mens Rogaine Minoxidil vs Kirkland Minoxidil



Hair loss can happen to men and women for a variety of reasons. It can be caused by heredity, a vitamin deficiency, illness or stress. Some hair treatments, such as hot oil treatments or pulling a pony tail excessively tightly, can also cause your hair to fall out.

There are some factors that can increase the likelihood of losing your hair or experiencing thinning hair. One big factor is your family history. If your father had a bald patch or lost his hair prematurely, you and his other male descendants have an increased chance of hair loss. Hair also thins with age or because of a poor diet.

If you notice your hair falling out, there are several things you can do to encourage new hair growth.

An easy and very effective way to stimulate hair regrowth is by using a topical product that can be applied directly to the scalp.

These products often contain an ingredient called minoxidil, which can aid hair growth in men and women. Minoxidil was developed in the 1950s by the Upjohn Company to treat ulcers. Although it proved ineffective for that purpose, studies showed unexpected hair growth. Further tests were carried out, and Upjohn patented the drug for the prevention of hair loss.

In 1985, Upjohn prepared a study for the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on baldness treatment with 2 per cent minoxidil. Three years later, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved the drug under the trade name of Rogaine for treating baldness in men.

In the 1990s, Upjohn made the drug available for women; this version can also be bought over-the-counter in the US. It is now available with 5 per cent minoxidil.

In the mid-1990s, the FDA allowed generic forms of minoxidil to be made available. Although Rogaine was the first to patent the ingredient for hair loss, it now had competition from other companies.

In 1995, Upjohn merged with Pharmacia and subsequently became part of Pfizer, which is now one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies.

In 2006, Rogaine was bought from Pfizer by the multinational company Johnson & Johnson, which also bought a mousse version of the liquid that has proved to be more popular.

In 2011, the Rogaine Minoxidil Foam became unscented so that people cannot deduce someone is using the product because of its scent. They will only notice it when they see thicker-looking hair.

How does Rogaine compare to its rivals, such as Costco’s private label brand, Kirkland?

Rogaine says it is the number one dermatologist-recommended brand for restoring hair. It has been in production for more than 20 years and helped more than 20,000 men and women in clinical trials.

The Rogaine Foam version has been proven to help hair growth in men who use it twice daily for four months.

Rogaine products have been used by millions of customers in their quest to improve their head of hair.

Are there any possible side effects?

Most people can use these products without any side effects, although some have said they experienced itching or found a rash on their skin.

Less common side effects include a burning sensation on the scalp, skin becoming more red, facial swelling, facial hair growth, and even an increase in hair loss in some cases.

Anyone who experiences these or any other unusual symptoms after using minoxidil products is advised to consult their doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

How do Rogaine products work?

Rogaine products work in two ways: they revitalise hair follicles and help the hair to regrow. The active ingredient, minoxidil, reinvigorates the follicles that have shrunk because of hair loss.

By applying Rogaine Foam twice a day every day, minoxidil penetrates the scalp. During the first fortnight, users might find they are shedding their thin, older hairs. This is good because it makes way for the new hair.

Minoxidil works by increasing the hair follicles’ size, thus allowing for thicker hair to grow through.

In the first four months, the early growth may be soft and users might not see new hair. Most people will see growth coming through if they continue to use the product.

According to Rogaine’s official website, nearly nine out of every ten men experienced hair regrowth after four months of use.

After those four months are up, customers need to continue using Rogaine twice a day to maintain these results.

Rogaine is easy to apply. Just put half a capful of foam on your fingers, part your hair and apply the foam to the areas that are thinning. Use your fingers to massage the product over the patches showing hair loss. The foam is quickly absorbed and is not noticeable. It is also a very affordable product.

On the other hand, generic products are very similar to the brand names and can be significantly cheaper. For example, Kirkland Minoxidil is available as a foam and a solution.

As a generic alternative, it is cheaper than many of its branded rivals. However, users need to apply the product for between 12 and 14 months to achieve best results. Afterwards, the treatment needs to be continued to prevent hair loss recurring.



The foam has proved more popular than the liquid because it is easier to apply and dries more quickly. Some people use both versions, applying the foam in the morning because it is quicker to dry and then using the liquid at night.

Many people have found the results are similar to the branded, more expensive products and have switched to Kirkland, which is marketed in the US by Costco, because it saves money.

Kirkland’s website claims it is on the way to becoming the most popular minoxidil brand in the UK and has made hair loss treatment accessible to many people who thought treatment was beyond their reach financially. Kirkland’s products cost around half as much as the branded names.

Ultimately, the product you choose to buy might be down to personal preference because they all have similar effects.