Continuing the Thinning Hair Conversation

Thank you to everyone who shared the treatments and regimes that seemed to help with personal hair loss. By continuing the conversation, I think we all benefit from each other’s story. Clearly, there is not one answer to the problem. That being said, after reviewing the comments in the blog post and instagram on hair loss, there were a handful of products that received more than a fair share of mentions. I wanted to collect that information and share again here.

Personally, I’ve started with the Nutrafol supplements. More than a vitamin loaded with biotin and zinc, two key nutrients often associated with hair thinning, Nutrafol’s ingredients include stress adaptogens, DHT inhibitors, marine collagen and antioxidants. Clinical trial results can be found here and several readers had positive results.

For visually enhancing volume, the products in Living Proof’s Full collection received consistent high marks. In particular, the Full Thickening Cream was a hands down favorite. I’m testing the shampoo, conditioner, cream and volume blast.

Several elixirs, serums and topical treatments add another dimension to a protocol, and based on comments regarding side effects, are a personal preference. Rogaine (minoxidil), often prescribed by a dermatologist as part of a regimen, may provide good results for some. Renee Furterer RF80, Leonor Greyl and Kiehl’s Rosemary Oil are additional topical, drug free treatment options.

I’m a fan of laser therapy for my skin, so when a reader mentioned using a laser hair comb, my interest peaked. Further investigation found not only a comb, but a head band and even a cap with various strengths of diodes. Not an inexpensive option, so I’d love to know if any of you have had success with lasers.

A few readers talked about switching or no longer coloring their hair and claimed it made a big difference in the texture and amount of fall out. Specifically, one reader said using Hair Print, a food-grade, natural treatment for hair coloring made of botanical extracts, produced a significant change.

Lastly, and the most expensive option that a handful have had success with is PRP (platelet-rich-plasma). I’m scheduling a consultation to see if it’s right for me. I’d be happy to share my results if I venture down that path.

I’m in for the long haul on testing many of these products. Most don’t provide noticeable results right away and recommend a commitment of use for at least 120 days.

Below is the full list of suggestions collected from reader’s comments. Chime in if something’s worked for you.

Supplements:

Viviscal Professional: “Dietary supplement containing the proprietary marine complex AminoMar (450 mg per serving), along with Zinc, Vitamin C and Horsetail extract.” 

Nutrafol: “Physician-formulated to multi-target root causes that compromise hair health. Clinically shown to increase hair growth and improve hair quality.” 

Chelated Zinc: “Zinc contributes to healthy skin as well as supports cell growth and DNA formation. In addition it exerts antioxidant activity and can support a healthy immune system .”

Biotin:  “Biotin helps promote and support healthy skin, nails and hair. It is a B-Vitamin that is required for protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Biotin also helps support energy metabolism in the body as well.”

Topical Treatments:

Rogaine: Contains Minoxidil – FDA-approved proven ingredient to improve hair loss.

Leonor Greyl: “Packed full of Amino Acids derived from plant collagen, and regenerative botanical extracts, each vial strengthens and stimulates natural growth. These vials provide an effective treatment against fighting hair loss. Mimosa tenuiflora and collagen stimulate growth and tissue regeneration without weighing down the hair.”

Renee Furterer RF80: “A potent treatment to address the two underlying causes of sudden, temporary hair thinning with natural Pfaffia extract, Sage and Lemon essential oils and ATP Energie to promote a healthy scalp and hair environment.” 

Kiehl’s ‘Magic Elixir’: “Contains a potent concentration of rosemary leaves and avocado oils that penetrate your hair and scalp with therapeutic action.” 

Shampoo, Conditioner, Styling Products:

Living Proof Full Shampoo, Conditioner, Thickening Cream, “A lightweight cream that adds thickness with a hint of conditioning for natural, long-lasting body.”,  and Mousse: “contains Living Proof’s patented thickening molecule (PBAE), which creates thickening dots between hair strands so it feels like you have thicker hair.”

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging “DHT blocking shampoo that gives the appearance of fuller hair. Ideal for those with thinning hair.”

Bumble and Bumble Full Potential Shampoo: “Ideal for those with fine-to-thick, straight-to-curly, breakage-prone or thinning hair.What it does: Infused with the brand’s Hair Preserve Blend, this exfoliating shampoo removes buildup that can clog pores, creating the optimal scalp environment.” 

Devices:

Hairmax Laser Hair Comb; Headband: “FDA-cleared for both men and women, a targeted laser treatment delivering nourishing light energy directly to hair follicles to stimulate hair growth. Laser treatments may reduce the inflammation in follicles that inhibits them from regenerating.”