The internet is full of shampoos and conditioners which claim that they will restore or grow your hair. However, as with anything on the internet, you should be a bit skeptical before shelling out your hard-earned cash on “miracle” cures.
That said, while shampoos and conditioners may not grow hair, some products can make your hair appear thicker and fuller, minimize follicle damage, and increase the strength and health of your hair.
Shampoos To Look For
When looking for a shampoo to improve the appearance of thinning hair, look for the following:
- Mild shampoos. Many shampoos are full of harsh chemicals and fragrances which can build up on your hair and damage the follicles. Try switching to mild, organic shampoos; even baby shampoo is a great alternative that will thoroughly clean your hair without the downside risks of hair damage.
- Hair-thickening shampoos. When you see the words “hair-thickening” when used with a shampoo, it is a bit deceptive. Such products don’t actually thicken your hair follicles, but they can do a good job of making your hair appear thicker, at least temporarily. Hair-thickening or volumizing shampoos work by artificially swelling the hair shaft and depositing a thin film of the active ingredients on your follicles. Again, such effects are temporary and cosmetic; these shampoos don’t do anything to slow or stop hair loss.
- Shampoo with natural preservatives. Like many consumer products, shampoos can contain chemical preservatives that, while extending the shelf-life of the shampoo, don’t extend your hair’s life and, in fact, may do the opposite. Look for shampoos and other hair-care products that contain natural preservatives, including essential oils such as eucalyptus, lavender, or rosemary, jojoba, Vitamin E, and grapefruit seed extract.
- Shampoos containing castor oil and argan oil. Castor oil is effective at killing bacteria which can cause hair folliculitis and also has the added benefit of relieving pain and itching where applied. Argan oil is rich in natural phenols which are beneficial to the strength and resilience of hair follicles.
Conditioners To Look For
When it comes to conditioners that can best improve the appearance of thinning hair, you want one that is both lightweight and very moisturizing, and full of ingredients that increase volume.
Look for conditioners that are rich in natural oils while avoiding ones with harsh sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate. The latter can strip hair of much-needed natural oils. If you have a particularly oily scalp, you may want to consider using an exfoliating formula that can unblock your follicles.
Conditioners infused with biotin (a vitamin that helps build protein) and proteins can add volume and reduce breakage, while leave-in conditioners can also further minimize damage and split ends.
Call The Miami Hair Institute Today To Schedule Your Personalized Hair Loss Evaluation
Our world-renowned hair restoration physicians at the Miami Hair Institute diagnose and treat hair loss cases that can’t be reversed at home. We can help patients suffering from hair loss through advanced hair restoration surgery techniques and alternative non-invasive treatments.
If you’re ready to do something about your thinning hair, contact us online or call our office directly at 305-925-0222 to receive a personalized evaluation and treatment plan.