Using Specialty Shampoos to Treat Alopecia
With the rise of social media, various shampoos and scalp treatments advertising hair growth benefits have gone viral. But can using specialty alopecia shampoos actually help slow or reverse patchy alopecia areata hair loss?
Claims of Over-the-Counter Alopecia Shampoos
The hair loss shampoo market is filled with products boasting medical-sounding ingredients and benefits. However, the evidence supporting these claims is typically weak. Manufacturers rely on compelling testimonials and emotional branding instead of proven research.
Common assertions from over-the-counter alopecia shampoos include:
- Blocks DHT to fight hair follicle miniaturization
- Cleanses build-up of follicular plaque
- Unclogs hair follicle shafts and pores
- Reduces scalp inflammation and irritation
- Stimulates blood flow to enhance growth
But dermatologists caution that shampoos likely only provide superficial or temporary improvements at best. They cannot treat the underlying autoimmune causes of alopecia areata. Managing expectations is warranted when evaluating various alopecia hair loss shampoos and products currently available.
Key Ingredients to Look For
While no shampoo produces new hair regrowth, some ingredients may support the scalp environment to help existing follicles. Examples include:
- Zinc pyrithione - Antifungal and anti-inflammatory to reduce flaking and irritation.
- Tea tree oil - Naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Biotin - B vitamin that assists keratin infrastructure for healthier hair.
- Jojoba oil - Mimics natural moisturizing sebum oil.
Specialty Alopecia Shampoos on the Market
Many shampoos now cater to those seeking solutions for patchy alopecia hair loss. Some top products include:
Nioxin Cleanser Shampoo System
This three-part shampoo system contains ingredients like peppermint oil and boswellia serrata extract chosen specifically to optimize the scalp environment.
Key features:
- Soothes scalp irritation and inflammation
- Thickens hair structure and follicle strength
- Includes scalp revitalizing conditioner and serum
- Helps cleanse follicle debris and build-up
Lipogaine Big 5 Shampoo
Lipogaine Big 5 includes emu oil, biotin, zinc and other ingredients to reduce hair loss from breakage while supporting regrowth.
Key features:
- Contains emu oil to reduce inflammation
- Includes zinc and biotin for hair infrastructure
- Blocks DHT with saw palmetto
- Clinically tested to reduce hair loss
Ultrax Labs Hair Surge Caffeine Shampoo
This popular shampoo harnesses caffeine compounds to stimulate blood vessels and cellular activity in the scalp and follicles.
Key features:
- Micro blend caffeine shampoo technology
- Contains essential oils and coconut oil
- Only requires brief 90 second application
- Recommended by many alopecia hair loss vloggers
DIY Alopecia Hair Loss Shampoo Recipes
Creating your own custom shampoo allows you to control the ingredients. This avoids unwanted chemicals or irritants found in commercial products. DIY shampoos also cost a fraction of expensive salon brands.
Three Oil Hair Loss Shampoo
This shampoo harnesses the cleansing and antimicrobial properties of castile soap blended with nourishing oils for the scalp. It helps remove follicle build-up while moisturizing.
Ingredients:
- Liquid castile soap
- Fractionated coconut oil
- Argan oil
- Lavender essential oil
Mix equal parts soap and oils. Shake before each use to incorporate. Apply to scalp for one to three minutes before rinsing.
Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
An apple cider vinegar hair rinse helps restore scalp pH after shampooing. This helps hair follicles remain strong and less prone to shedding.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 5-10 drops lavender oil
Mix ingredients into a spray bottle. Spray onto scalp and hair after shampooing once or twice a week. Do not rinse out.
Professional In-Office Alopecia Treatments
While a supportive shampoo routine helps optimize scalp health at home, those with alopecia areata require specialized medical treatments to regrow hair.
Intralesional Steroid Injections
Corticosteroids like triamcinolone get injected directly into bald patches on the scalp. This suppresses the autoimmune attack on hair follicles to enable regrowth in over half of patients.
Anthralin Cream Therapy
A dermatologist prescribes a topical cream containing anthralin to use on bald spots. Anthralin studies show up to 25% of those with alopecia areata regain a full head of hair with this approach.
Platelet Rich Plasma
In PRP therapy, a practitioner draws the patient's blood, spins it down and injects just the growth factor rich plasma back into bald areas. Multiple treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart reactivate follicles.
Combination approaches provide the best chance at significant, long-lasting hair regrowth. Be sure to consult a hair loss specialist to discuss comprehensive treatment options.
FAQs
What ingredients should I look for in an alopecia shampoo?
Choose shampoos containing soothing and cleansing ingredients like tea tree oil, zinc pyrithione, biotin, emu oil, and boswellia. Avoid harsh detergents, parabens, sulfates, and fragrances.
Can I make my own DIY alopecia shampoo at home?
Yes, mixing gentle castile soap with skin-nourishing oils makes an affordable shampoo tailored to your scalp's needs. Adding a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse helps restore pH balance too.
How often should I use a specialty alopecia shampoo?
Limit use to 2-3 times per week at most. Using some shampoos like Nioxin daily can irritate or dry out the scalp. Alternate with a milder shampoo on other days.
Can shampoos produce true alopecia hair regrowth?
No, shampoos can only optimize the scalp environment. They cannot treat the underlying autoimmune dysfunction causing alopecia patches. In-office steroid injections, PRP, or anthralin treatments are needed to regrow hair.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment