Hair Restoration Expert Reveals The Truth About Hair loss Shampoos

Hair loss shampoos are everywhere and they’re selling like crazy. People buy these products with the expectation of curing their hair loss. But do shampoos for hair loss really work? 

In a recent interview with People magazine, board-certified dermatologist and Ziering Medical’s lead hair transplant surgeon Dr. Craig Ziering reveals his expert thoughts on the benefits of hair thinning shampoos and their role for hair regrowth. 

Here’s what we can learn from his interview: 

Healthy Scalp, Healthy Hair

“Your hair and scalp care regimen and the products that you use are the foundation of having healthy hair and, even more so, if you are experiencing hair thinning and hair loss,” says Dr. Ziering.

What this means is that your daily hair care habits and choices really matter, especially if you’re dealing with hair thinning or hair loss. Some ingredients, like sulfates, parabens, and silicones, can do more harm than good by stripping your hair’s natural oils, irritating your scalp, and clogging hair follicles. 

Dr. Ziering also notes that “the scalp is skin and deserves the same attention that your face and body skin needs — that’s why optimal scalp health is always part of the hair growth conversation. 

He recommends using a good-quality hair care product with ingredients like biotin and caffeine, which strengthen, moisturize, and maintain balance in your hair and scalp biome. 

Do Hair Loss Shampoos Work?

Dr. Ziering emphasizes that hair loss shampoos will not fully address the underlying cause of hair loss. 

However, he also points out that a good shampoo with the right ingredients can help cleanse your scalp by removing excess oil, dirt, and buildup, reduce scalp inflammation, and some formulas might even encourage hair growth. 

Ketoconazole for example, a popular OTC anti-dandruff treatment, has been shown to produce some hair regrowth in some people. 

In one study, researchers looked at how ketoconazole 2% shampoo compares against minoxidil 2% topical solution (Rogaine) for treating hair loss. They found that both products improved hair thickness and size at a similar rate. 

Another study also compared the effectiveness of oral finasteride, minoxidil 2% topical solution, and ketoconazole 2% shampoo for treating pattern baldness (androgenetic  alopecia). 

Participants were divided into four groups, each using a different combination of these treatments. After a year, those using both finasteride and minoxidil saw the best results. 

However, even people using finasteride alone or with either minoxidil or ketoconazole had better outcomes than those using only minoxidil. The researchers also reported no serious side effects during the duration of the study. 

Additionally, an independent study suggests that Ketoconazole works similarly to finasteride. It reduces dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in the scalp, though not completely. 

DHT is the hormone that is linked to pattern baldness. It shrinks healthy hair follicles causing hair thinning or loss. 

The idea is that combining ketoconazole 2% shampoo with finasteride may completely stop DHT potentially improving the treatment of pattern baldness.

These studies show some promising evidence that Ketoconazole might actually be effective in reducing DHT and contributing to hair regrowth, but Dr. Ziering reminds patients that more research is still needed to establish its effectiveness and safety. 

Related Article: Is My Shampoo Causing My Hair Loss?

Hair Restoration Treatments that Actually Work

As a first line of defense against hair loss, Ziering Medical offers advanced and clinically proven hair loss treatments in our state-of-the-art facility in four locations. 

Dr. Ziering strongly encourages patients experiencing any form of hair thinning or loss to consult with a hair loss specialist as soon as possible because early detection is key to stopping hair loss in its tracks. 

Topical and Oral Medications

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a vasodilator that widens blood vessels. When applied to the scalp, it increases blood flow to your hair follicles, providing more oxygen and nutrients that nourish the follicles, and, in turn, encourage hair regrowth. 

It also extends the anagen or the active growth phase of the hair cycle, meaning that your hair may grow longer and thicker before it enters into the normal shedding phase. 

Some people see a slowdown in hair loss and even some new hair growth. Minoxidil is available in tablet form as well as the topical solution.

Finasteride

One of the most common and known oral medications is finasteride. This oral medication reduces DHT levels in the scalp and has been proven to slow down or even stop hair loss in almost 90% of men. 

Two out three of these men actually see some hair grow back. Most patients usually start seeing initial results in about 3 to 4 months and more noticeable results with continued use. 

Dutasteride

Another DHT blocker is dutasteride. It is considered to be more potent because it inhibits both types of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone to DHT, whereas 

Finasteride only blocks one type. Your Ziering physician may recommend that you switch from Finasteride to Dutasteride if Finasteride isn’t providing the desired results in terms of slowing or reversing hair loss.

Important Consideration:

Topical minoxidil may be purchased over-the-counter; however, ZMIN is a special, stronger blend that includes other ingredients to increase the penetration of the solution into the scalp and requires a prescription.  

Finasteride, dutasteride, and oral minoxidil require a prescription, so you’ll have to consult with a Ziering hair loss specialist. In addition, finasteride is only approved for treating male pattern baldness and when appropriate, post-menopausal women. 

Watch Dr. Ziering Explain Treatment Options for Women’s Hair Loss.

Laser Therapy In-Clinic

Laser treatment for hair loss is a great alternative to hair transplant procedures. Many people have experienced positive results with low-level laser light therapy, which is popular worldwide and offered by clinics like Ziering Medical.

At our practice, we offer a 50-session program that’s painless and non-invasive, with some patients seeing results in just 6 to 8 weeks. 

But if you are always on the go and want to enjoy the benefits of laser treatment for hair loss anytime and anywhere, Z CAP is for you. 

Z-Factors

This topical treatment offers a safe and advanced solution without the need for blood draws or anesthesia. 

Z-Factors are comprised of naturally occurring nanoparticles, exosomes, growth factors, cytokines, and hyaluronic acid and are applied topically to the scalp, to strengthen and revitalize your hair. 

This non-invasive treatment avoids the inflammation sometimes caused by PRP so it’s a safer and more reliable option for achieving fuller, healthier hair without worrying about side effects.  

Join the Thousands of Patients Who Restored Their Hair and Confidence at Ziering Medical.

When you come to one of our clinics, you will receive the most advanced hair restoration treatments and technologies, all designed to give you natural-looking results. Led by celebrity surgeon, Dr. Craig Ziering, you will have peace of mind knowing that your remaining hair will be in the hands of the best doctors in the field of hair restoration. 

Call us to book a consultation today and join the thousands of patients who have restored not just their hair, but also their confidence. We serve patients all over the greater Tri-state area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut as well as the greater Southern California area from Los Angeles and Beverly Hills to Newport Beach and San Diego.