Trichologist William Gaunitz explains, “Hair growth shampoo can work under very specific circumstances; however, the vast majority of the time, shampoo is the low man on the totem pole as far as efficacy when trying to regrow hair.” It’s mainly used as support for a hair growth serum or medications that help to address the underlying reason for the hair loss.
The reason being that shampoo itself doesn’t make much of an impact on the scalp, unless there is an inflammatory scalp condition, like seborrheic dermatitis, excessive bacteria and fungus, excessive oil, or Demodex parasites. Gaunitz adds, “If there’s an active ingredient in the shampoo that will help manage those items, it will usually improve hair growth.”
How does hair-growth shampoo work?
Per Gaunitz, hair growth shampoo works by supporting a healthy scalp microbiome, reducing oil, fungus, bacteria, and parasites, and decreasing inflammation. Often, these shampoos will include ingredients like saw palmetto, arnica, tea tree oil, and a host of other natural anti-inflammatory or antiseptic ingredients that are beneficial for the scalp.
Keep in mind that for hair growth shampoos to be effective, the active ingredients must penetrate the skin and enter the hair follicles. “This is why many hair development treatments are typically left on the scalp for a specific period before rinsing for more effective absorption,” says Dr. Doshi.
What should you look for in a hair-growth shampoo?
When shopping for a hair growth shampoo, Gaunitz recommends seeking natural active ingredients that minimise inflammation and reduce microbial overgrowth on the scalp. “Ingredients such as 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 per cent of the product, so ensure they lean toward the natural side and do not contain harsh surfactants or parabens.
What is biotin?
“Biotin, usually 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 signalling,” 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 is naturally found 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 under investigation, and outcomes may vary among individuals.
What causes hair loss?
There are a ton of reasons why you may experience hair loss, ranging from genetic predispositions to medical conditions, stress, dietary deficiencies, and hormonal changes. Gaunitz breaks it down into three main components: genetic sensitivity, nutritional hair loss, and inflammation.
