Are Certain Types of Shampoo Better or Worse for Hair Loss?

Lots of people with hair loss ask about shampoos: What should I use? What should I avoid?

Dr. Ken Washenik, the medical director at Bosley, is the world’s most experienced hair restoration expert. Here, he provides a few basic rules about shampoos and hair loss:

• Avoid shampoos that irritate your scalp. Some people have sensitive scalps that can become inflamed by the detergents or other chemicals used in certain shampoos.
• Use medicated shampoos for certain scalp conditions. If you have dandruff or have been diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis, then a medicated shampoo is your best choice.
• For everyone else, the best shampoo is one that cleans your hair fibers and your scalp. You can choose shampoos or conditioners labeled as volumizing to make your hair look thicker. Though it’s only cosmetic, volumizers do give your hair a fuller appearance.

Keep in mind that shampoos generally do not cause hair loss. Most hair loss is hereditary. But the right hair and scalp care products can slow down hair loss and even encourage new hair growth in many people.

In the following video, Dr. Washenik answers commonly asked questions about hair loss and shampoos.

For premium hair and scalp care, we developed our five-step Professional Strength for Men and Professional Strength for Women products. This comprehensive hair treatment system goes far beyond traditional shampoos. How does it work?

Step 1 is a nourishing, sulfate-free shampoo that safely cleanses your hair and scalp. It includes algae extract to help reduce the ravaging effects of the DHT hormone, one of the prime reasons for thinning hair follicles and hair loss.

Step 2 is a hair volumizing treatment. This step immediately gives your hair a thicker, more vital appearance.

Step 3 is a hair regrowth treatment containing minoxidil, an FDA-approved topical solution that has been shown to stop hair loss and help hair growth on the vertex (top back section) of the scalp. When the treatment is applied twice a day, most users see significant results within four to six months. The Bosley hair regrowth treatment uses minoxidil in different strengths for men (5%) and women (2%).

Step 4 provides dietary supplements formulated to strengthen and nourish your hair. This collection of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and herbs helps build the proteins that encourage stronger, healthier-looking hair.

Step 5 is a hair follicle energizer. This scalp-activating solution targets areas of thinning and low-density hair, strengthening roots and repairing hair follicles.

One way to complement any shampoo is to use Bosley Hair Thickening Fibers. This product contains keratin-based hair fibers that immediately blend and cover thinning and low-density areas of hair for a thicker, fuller look. The fibers are charged with static electricity so they intertwine and bond with your natural hair. This treatment lasts until your next shampooing.