A human head has approximately 100,000 - 200,000 strands of hair. Normally, we lose 50-100 strands a day. Some people suffering from dandruff, aging hair, hormonal imbalances, stress, pollution, or genetic predisposition lose more than 100 strands a day.
There are many ways to deal with hair loss. One of the most common solutions is to use an anti-hair fall shampoo. With so many in the market, it actually becomes difficult to choose one. At Vanilla Luxury, we do our very best to narrow down options for you.
The overall rating of a shampoo is a perfect 8 on 8. We divided this into the three most important aspects that we look for in a shampoo.
1. True Effectiveness, Benefits and Total Solution - When we use shampoo, we look for one that gives us multiple benefits. We want a shampoo that cleans our hair, makes it soft shiny and beautiful, also one that stops our hair fall. That's not too much to ask, right? (4 points)
2. Buzz - How popular is a shampoo? How many people are using it? Who is talking about it? (1 point)
3. Chemicals, Side effects and Withdrawals - When a shampoo with harsh chemicals comes in contact with your skin, it can damage the skin. Certain chemicals may have side effects which lead to acne and breakouts and sometimes dries out our scalp and induces dandruff. Many shampoos show good results up till the time you use them. Once you stop using the product, the hair and scalp issues resurface. (3 points)
Keeping these points in mind, we sought out the popular hair loss shampoos and evaluated them.
1. BioRoyale Groback Shampoo
True effectiveness, Benefits and Total Solution - In most cases it reduces hair loss in just a week. Regrowth of hair is seen in a few months. It improves the overall quality of hair, making it soft, shiny and healthier. It cleanses the scalp and hair well. It increases volume and prevents split ends. 3.4/4
Chemicals, Side effects and Withdrawal - It is free of harsh chemicals like sulphates and parabens with no harmful side effects which are a super plus side. On withdrawal of the shampoo, the hair and scalp issues do not come back. 2.5/3
Buzz - It’s a relatively new entry into the market. Not many people know about it and hence are hesitant to try it out. 0.4/1
Bottom Line - A good shampoo that delivers more than it promises. A strong word-of-mouth publicity is helping it grow.
Total Score - 6.3/8
2. SMIB Coral Calcium Shampoo
True effectiveness, Benefits and Total Solution - This high-quality Coral Calcium Shampoo from Korea has sold over 1 million of its hair regrowth treatment sets till date - if that doesn’t spell efficacy, they’ve even done a study to prove it. A clinical test report showed that when used together as a complete set, SMIB’s hair loss shampoo and products helped to soothe the scalp, reduce the number of missing hair, improve scalp elasticity and increase tensile strength. It boosts your roots to grow hair faster and stronger while reducing hair loss and easing itchiness. 3.3/4
Chemicals, Side effects and Withdrawal - SMIB does not add silicones, or any of the 23 harmful chemicals to their products and instead uses hair nourishing ingredients such as Coral Calcium, Zinc Pyrithione, Niacinamide and Biotin. 2.5/3
Buzz - With over a million sets sold in Korea, and gaining equal popularity in Singapore, SMIB’s affordable hair regrowth treatment is a popular hair loss route to take 0.8/1
Bottom Line - An effective shampoo that comes void of harmful ingredients and contains groundbreaking Coral Calcium. SMIB products work towards cleansing your scalp well and in turn giving you lesser hair loss, stronger hair and soothing of the scalp.
Total Score - 6.6/8
3. Phyto Phytocyane Shampoo
True effectiveness, Benefits and Total Solution - Phytocyane is effective in reducing hair loss within a few weeks of use. It cleans the hair and scalp well, leaving the hair stronger, thicker and shinier, and reduces split ends too. Though most users did not see much hair regrowth and some complained about the ‘runny’ nature of the shampoo which makes it difficult to handle. 2.8/4
Buzz - Phytocyane has created quite a buzz among people with hair loss and is among the best brands in the market. 0.8/1
Chemicals, Side effects and Withdrawal - Phytocyane shampoo has SLES which is much gentler and doesn't strip the epidermis of any excess moisture, leaving it feeling soft, smooth, and nourished. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is actually the parent chemical that is modified to make Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). 2/3
Bottom Line - Phytocyane is an effective shampoo for hair loss.
Total Score - 5.6/8
4. Nioxin
True effectiveness, Benefits and Total Solution - The results it gives are questionable. The company claims that 9 out of 10 people experience a thickening effect. According to thebeautybrains.com ‘Nioxin is a good example of why you have to read claims very carefully so you understand what’s really being said and so you aren’t fooled by what the advertiser is implying’. 1.5/4
Chemicals, Side effects and Withdrawal - Though the manufacturers claim that there are no severe, lasting side effects from it, consumers have reported side effects such as scalp redness, itching, swelling, flaking, tenderness, dry and brittle hair and even hair loss. 0.2/3
Buzz - Even though it has side effects and skin irritants, Nioxin is popular among people losing hair and has managed to keep people’s interest in its hair fall treatment. 0.8/1
Bottom Line - People are talking about Nioxin and believe it to be the solution to male pattern baldness. No concrete proof has been given to show its effectiveness.
Total score - 2.5/8
5. Pregaine
True effectiveness, Benefits and Total Solution - Pregaine cleans the hair and scalp well by removing all the dirt and oil build-up. According to blogs on sgforums.com and hardwarezone.com it has reduced hair fall in most users. The results are seen best when it is applied with the Rogaine solution. 2.8/4
Chemicals, Side effects and Withdrawal - It contains SLS which causes skin irritation. Some people have reported hair loss after using Pregaine. 0.6/3
Buzz - Most people using Rogaine have been using Pregaine. Most forums on hair fall have members recommending this shampoo. 0.8/1
Bottom Line - It has created a good impression on most consumers.
Total score - 4.2/8
6. Rene Furterer Forticea Stimulating Shampoo
True effectiveness, Benefits and Total Solution - Most users have seen mixed results. A majority say that it increases volume but there is no difference in hair thinning issues. It has a scent which lasts long and leaves hair feeling fresh all day long. Few people felt it dried their hair too much. It improves shine and strength too. 2.9/4
Chemicals, Side effects and Withdrawal - It contains SLS which is a known skin and scalp irritant. Some cases of dandruff were reported too. 0.6/3
Buzz - Rene Furterer is a well-known brand. Their products are upmarket and well-advertised. People are definitely talking about its products. 0.9/1
Bottom Line - A great shampoo. People love the effect it has on their hair. When used with the complete system of hair fall treatment, it gives excellent results.
Total score - 4.4 /8
7. Naturvital
True effectiveness, Benefits and Total Solution - It is effective against hair loss but leaves the hair very dry. The packaging boasts 83% effectiveness. According to one blogger after initial results, the shampoo’s ‘effectiveness’ dropped. 2.7/4
Chemicals, Side effects and Withdrawal - It contains Sodium Laureth Sulphate which goes against it is a natural shampoo. 0.8/3
Buzz - With its range of different shampoos for different hair troubles, Naturvital has created a market for itself. 0.8/1
Bottom Line - An effective shampoo that shows a certain amount of hair growth along with the reduction in hair loss.
Total score - 4.3/8
8. L’Oréal Hair Expertise EverStrong Thickening Shampoo
True effectiveness, Benefits and Total Solution - This shampoo has mixed reviews. A few people said that the shampoo leaves their hair soft and manageable with an earthy and nice scent to their hair. Others have disliked the shampoo saying it left their hair feeling heavy and limp. Most people also did notice lesser hair fall within a few weeks of use. 2.9/4
Chemicals, Side effects and Withdrawal - The best thing about this shampoo is that it has no sulphates but a few users have experienced breakouts. 2/3
Buzz - L’Oréal is an internationally well-known brand and is quite popular among women. Hence most people trust its products. 0.9/1
Bottom Line - The mixed reviews have left doubts over the shampoo's claims of hair loss. The best part is that it is free of sulphates and other harsh chemicals.
Total score - 5.8/8
To summarise, most of the shampoos will help reduce your hair loss but will expose your skin and scalp to harmful chemicals hence it's best to choose a shampoo that is free of chemicals.
*This article is a consolidation of personal opinions from the editorial team.