September 19th, 2018 Written by Staff Members of Hair Loss in Women
We've spent countless hours researching and testing the top hair loss shampoos for women. Our selection process is based mainly on user reviews. However, our experience is that you have to experiment with different shampoos. So, keep looking until you find the one (or combination) that stops your hair from falling out and starts regrowing your hair.
We include the top active ingredients and any other information we deem to be pertinent. Such as whether or not a shampoo is gluten free (for those suffering from celiac disease), vegan, safe for color treated hair, or organic. Below our top 10 list is a glossary of the most common active ingredients.
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HairGenics Pronexa Clinical Strength Hair Regrowth Therapy Shampoos with Biotin
Price: $$$
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Sovanni Organic Argan Oil Shampoos
Price: $$
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Glossary: Women's Hair Loss Shampoo Ingredients and Important Terminology
Almond Oil
Almond oil has omega-3 fatty acids, phospholipids, magnesium, as well as vitamins E, D, B1, B2, B6. Most noteworthy, it acts as a moisturizer for your hair and scalp, preventing dryness and brittle hair.
Avocado
Avocado oil contains vitamins A, B, D, E, protein, amino acids, iron, copper, magnesium, and folic acid. These nutrients promote hair growth and are good for moisturizing dry, brittle, and damaged hair. It also adds shine to hair and it's great for scalp health.
Apigenin
An organic compound found in parsleyit has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties. In 2009, researchers from the Biospectrum Life Science Institute found that apigenin also stimulates hair growth through the regulation of TGF-beta1 gene.
Argon
Also known as "Morrocan oil," or "liquid gold" (because of it's color and benefits), it's high in fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E. Thus, it makes hair stronger and more elastic. Therefore the hair is less likely to break. In addition nourishes the scalp. Furthermore, it's antioxidants repair damage dues to heat and chemical treatments.
Biotin
Also known as "vitamin H," stemming from the German word "Haar," which means skin and nails). Biotin increases the elasticity of the hair cortex, thereby strengthening hair, minimizing hair breakage and helping hair grow longer, healthier and thicker. In 2012 The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology published a study that showed that biotin is especially effective for women to regrow hair. Especially relevant because women are more prone to biotin deficiency than men, especially after pregnancy.
Caffeine
A 2007 study from The International Journal of Dermatology found that caffeine stimulated hair growth by blocking the the effects of DHT. Noteworthy because DHT is one of the most common causes of hair loss.
Camellia Seed
Used for centuries in Japan and other Asian countries as a moisturizer and revitalizer. First of all, it's rich in vitamins A, B, C & E, several minerals, and it's mainly of oleic acid (80%). Oleic acid is of the most penetrative oils, which allows it to hydrate and clean pores and follicles without greasy residue. It's also a natural antioxidant that helps protect from UV exposure.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is antibacterial, helping to maintain scalp health. It also keeps the scalp and hair from drying out. In addition it's loaded with vitamins E, K, and iron. The fatty acids prevent breaking, consequently making it useful for caring for long hair. Coconut oil is also used to make hair shiny.
DHT Blockers
Scientific research on hair loss has shown that the number one factor in hair loss is the production of dihydrotestosterone or DHT. DHT is a male hormone which is present in small amounts in women. It restricts blood supply to hair follicles, as a result causing the hair to eventually die.
Jojoba
Jojoba oil is very similar to human skin oil. First of all, it has anti-inflammatory properties. Secondly it is an outstanding moisturizer. In addition it's full of vitamins such as E, many Bs, zinc, copper, silicon, and chromium. The vitamins are especially relevant because zinc is an important mineral for hair growth and vitamin E reduces inflammation and repair damage to the hair and scalp.
Keratin
Keratin is a structural protein which contributes to the composition of hair. Especially relevant because frizzy hair is often a result of insufficient quantities of keratin.
Ketaconazole
Ketaconazole is an antifungal medication used to control flaking. In addition it can reduce scaling and itching of the scalp caused by dandruff.
Nettle Extract
A natural DHT blocker (see DHT definition above).
Olive Leaf Extract
Olive leaf has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. In addition, it moisturizes hair and as a result helps it to become smooth and shiny. Its anti-oxidative properties help protect hair follicles from damage.
Peach Kernel
Has regenerative and moisturizing properties, and is great for sensitive skin.
PH (Potential Hydrogen)
The best pH levels for a shampoo are between 5 and 7 (with 1 being the most acidid and 14 being the most alkaline). Alkaline pH may increase the negative electrical charge of the hair fiber surface and increase friction between the fibers, consequently leading to cuticle damage and breakage (from the National Institutes of Health).
Procapil
Popular in Europe, Procapil is a DHT blocker. In addition it increases blood flow to the scalp, sending nutrition to the hair follicles. Furthermore it combines vitaminated matrikine with apigenin and oleanic acid. In addition, one study showes that it can boost hair growth by 121% and reduce hair loss by 58%.
There's no guarantee that hair loss shampoos will solve your hair loss issue, but many women that have regrown their hair use a hair loss shampoo as part of their regrowth regimen.
Plant Stem Cells
Plant stem cells are cells that have the ability to change themselves into different cells. Current research, especially from Japan, shows promise in stem cells being able to regrow hair. One type of apple in particular, Uttwiler Spätlauber, from Switzerland, is rich in epigenetic factors and metabolites and is being researched. However, more research is needed. Thus it will probably be a few years before we know if and how it could be a cure for hair loss.