Hair Force: Products to Help You Fight Hair Loss In and Out of the Shower

One of the things experts do agree on is that the earlier you take note of hair loss, the better success you’ll have with treating it. “Practise self awareness,” says L’Oréal Professionel’s Liam Whelan. “With just over 50 per cent of the population with hair loss or thinning during their lifetime, prevention is the best action.” So, if we wait too long before beginning treatment, reversing hair loss becomes more difficult.

Thankfully, there’s plenty of ways to stay ahead of hair loss. Here, we take a look at some of the latest innovations from shampoos designed to thicken hair to supplements that provide key nutrients for hair growth.

Wash With

1. Vichy Laboratoires Dercos Densi-Solutions Thickening Shampoo 

This Densi-Solutions thickening shampoo addresses thinning and weak hair with Rhamnose, a plant-based sugar, and Filloxane, a molecule that binds itself to the hair follicle to create a thicker strand.

2. Kérastase Genesis Bain (shampoo)

Designed to treat the hair from root to tip, with edelweiss flower, ginger root and Aminexil, which work together to increase micro-circulation at the root and nourish the follicle, as well as being rich in antioxidants, which can help to prevent breakage.

Condition With

 

1. Viviscal Gorgeous Growth Densifying Conditioner

This weightless conditioner is great for thin hair, adding thickness and fullness. Containing the company’s Ana:Tel Complex, which is blended with hair-, skin- and nail-boosting biotin, keratin and zinc.

2. Nioxin 5 Colorsafe Scalp

Therapy Conditioner for light thinning and chemically treated hair. Taking a skin-care approach and recommended by the Institute of Trichologists, this formula contains “smoothplex” technology to provide moisture balance and smoothing control.

Treat With

1. Serioxyl Denser Hair Serum

L’Oréal’s researchers have developed Stemoxydine, an active ingredient that, according to Whelan, imitates the optimal environment of stem cells in hair follicles, revitalizing hair that has become dormant. Resveratrol – also found in red wine – is another active ingredient, which L’Oréal says has clinically proven its capacity to increase hair density (or the number of visible hairs) in six weeks. In three months, hair begins to grow in fuller from the scalp; it also acts as an antioxidant and is suitable for sensitive scalps.

2. Nioxin Intensive Therapy Night Density Rescue

Springboarding off the body’s natural propensity to regenerate while asleep, the company has infused this overnight serum with Nioxydine24, a mix of antioxidants to neutralize free radicals on the scalp’s surface. According to the company’s tests, it’s proven to promote hair density in three months.

3. Rogaine 5 Foam for Men

Applied twice daily to the scalp, the foam contains Minoxidil – a happy accident that the company says was discovered during clinical trials of meds for high blood pressure, where it showed to have the ability to stimulate hair growth, and wake up the follicles from the dormant stage to the growth stage. Results anywhere from eight to 16 weeks, so patience is definitely required.

Leave In

 

1. Kérastase Défense Thermique

Formulated to help prevent breakage and also ideal for detangling, hydration and has heat-protection for up to 230 celsius.

2. AG Root Thickening Serum

To bump up the appearance of volume of fine or thinning hair, applied directly to the roots. The product’s regenerative complex features pea sprout extract, ginseng and ginger to boost scalp health.

Supplement With

 

1. Lorna Vanderhaeghe Collagen Plus

This liquid formula contains choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid, which feeds into your body’s building blocks for collagen; and biotin, an ingredient we are more familiar with, a nutrient that’s key to healthy hair, skin, nails and bones.

2. Nature’s Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies

An option for those who may not want to pop another pill, the gummies are fortified with biotin, for the maintenance of healthy hair, and vitamins C and E, to help with connective tissue and bones. It’s also said to aid in metabolizing carbs, fats and protein.

3. Viviscal Man or Viviscal Woman Hair Growth Supplement

A minimum three-month supply is recommended, taken twice a day. It should be taken a few hours before or after other vitamins, iron supplements or medication, and if you’re allergic to shellfish, steer clear.

A version of this article appeared in the Sept/Oct 2020 issue with the headline, “Hair Force,” p. 24.

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