The Truth About Hair Loss Shampoos

The claims are compelling: pricey shampoos promise thicker, fuller tresses and lush regrowth of lost hair. This sounds wonderful… but are these assertions too good to be true? Do hair growth shampoos really work?

As with so many claims surrounding hair loss, the answer is a bit complicated. Whether or not you can benefit from these shampoos depends on the type of hair loss you have, and, even then, the results may not be as dramatic as promised.

Do Shampoos For Hair Growth Work?

The main issue with hair growth shampoos is that they aren’t an efficient delivery mechanism – even when the product’s ingredients could be helpful for certain conditions. Shampoo is in contact with your hair and scalp for only a few minutes, and it doesn’t absorb into the scalp long enough to prevent hair loss or stimulate fresh growth.

While there are shampoos that can improve the appearance of existing hair, there are very few that actually help your hair grow. And those only work for specific types of hair loss.

If an inflammatory scalp condition like psoriasis causes your hair loss, prescription shampoos containing topical steroids may be helpful. If hair loss is exacerbated by dandruff or similar scalp issues, shampoos containing the antifungal ketoconazole may be indicated. It’s wise to consult your doctor before using either type of product.

Does Minoxidil Shampoo Work?

Minoxidil foam and solution products are proven to be effective for several categories of hair loss – androgenic alopecia (male or female pattern hair loss), alopecia areata (patchy baldness caused by an autoimmune condition), and telogen effluvium (excess shedding due to one or more stressors on your body or scalp).

While minoxidil shampoo contains the same active ingredient, it is an inefficient delivery system at best. Like other types of shampoo, it only remains on your scalp for a few minutes and is rinsed away, with any helpful benefits swirling away down the drain. If your doctor has recommended minoxidil, it’s more effective to stick with its foam or solution forms.

What Shampoo Is Best For Hair Growth?

The shampoo that is best for hair growth is one that promotes a healthy scalp and doesn’t clog or stress hair follicles. Choose a product that doesn’t strip hair, leave a residue, or include scalp-irritating scents and chemicals. Don’t try to solve your hair’s issues solely with shampoo; instead, focus on proven treatments for your type of hair loss.

Even if you do everything right – keeping your scalp healthy and avoiding products that damage your hair – you may continue losing hair or see no regrowth. When that happens, we’re here to help you determine your best options for hair growth or replacement.

Austin Hair Clinic Offers Solutions To Restore Your Hair

At Austin Hair Restoration Clinic, we offer many services – both surgical and non-surgical – to restore your hair, including the minimally-invasive ARTAS® robotic hair transplant system. To learn more and schedule a consultation, contact us today.