Can a hair loss shampoo really have any effect? How can you decide whether the claims are genuine or not? How does a hair loss shampoo differ from regular hair shampoo?
Many people shampoo their hair on a daily basis or at least a number of times a week. Generally speaking this shouldn't harm the hair. However some alkaline based shampoos can actually harm the hair and the skin so using these regularly can destroy the hair.
Understanding the pH factor when choosing a shampoo can help you avoid selecting one that could cause damage.
The term pH refers to the 'potential hydrogen' of a liquid and measures the degree of acidity or alkalinity. Measured on a scale from 0 to 14, the substance is more acidic closer to 0 and more alkaline nearer 14.
Most hair has a pH range of 4.5 to 5.5 so if the shampoo you choose has a pH close to the range of your hair there should be no problem. A mild shampoo will typically have a pH of 4.5 to 7.
Quality shampoos clean the hair of the usual dirt from day to day living, especially in an urban environment, and they also remove any excess sebum, the natural oil produced in the hair follicle which gives a protective coating to the hair.
However, when it comes to hair loss there is a major culprit which needs to be dealt with - DHT!
DHT, short for Dihydrotestosterone, is the resulting product of direct contact between the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase found in the skin and scalp with the hormone testosterone.
DHT can bind to receptor sites on the scalp and cause the cells responsible for normal hair growth to malfunction.
One key difference then between a hair loss shampoo and a regular shampoo is that the hair loss shampoo should have special ingredients to neutralize surface DHT.
Deep cleansing hair loss shampoos get rid of the combination of sweat, oils, dirt, and DHT, thus contributing to a healthy scalp.
However, in the war against hair loss this is only a part of the battle strategy. When a person pays attention to diet and exercise, so the blood supply to the hair follicles gives the nutrients and oxygen needed for healthy hair growth, an individual can do much to minimize or prevent hair loss.
Hair loss shampoos can work on the outside, proper diet and exercise make sure things are healthy on the inside!
Caution is needed though in selected a hair loss shampoo. The industry that has sprung up around the hair loss problem has a fair share of shady, profiteering marketeers making all kinds of sensational claims.
Hence it is necessary to do careful research and use common sense before reaching into the pocket.
For example, what are the ingredients in the hair loss shampoo? Do research on them and see if any medical journals or articles have commented on them.
Check to see if a clinical trial was carried out and whether the results were published in a scientific or medical journal. Often, the resources have standards that must be adhered to for a study to be published. Also, when results are made public other researchers can and do go over the details with a fine tooth comb so any unfounded claims can be exposed.
Learn to use the internet to research, there is a wealth of information out there, and scams are often identified on hair loss forums and discussion groups.
So does hair loss shampoo work?
In conclusion, a hair loss shampoo can be an effective part of the battle plan against hair loss. However, as with any health related product, careful research is necessary beforehand to establish the credibility of the company producing it.
Be realistic in your expectations as every individual is different and may respond in a different way. A money back guarantee on the product can give peace of mind in the event the product does not work for you.
Check the resource box below for clinical trial results of one hair loss shampoo that appeared in the Medical Post.
By: Mike Jones
The NewHair Biofactors system uses a deep cleansing shampoo which stops hair loss within 1 week guaranteed - Click here: www.1bodycare.com/newhair.htm Read the Medical Post article on NewHair Biofactors results: www.4-hair-loss-solutions.com/baldness-medical-post.html