There are a number of hair loss products – shampoos, creams, lotions and drugs, that claim to stop hair loss and in some cases promote new hair growth. Scientific studies have yet to prove that any of the over the counter products sold for hair loss including ones that say they are the best hair loss shampoo actually have any real effect on your hair loss. There are only two drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating hair loss. One originally marketed under the prescription name, Rogaine, is commonly known as minoxidil and the other is known as Propecia (finasteride). Both of these have shown in clinical studies to slow hair loss and in some cases even help the user to promote new hair growth. Unfortunately, these results only last as long as the medications are taken on a regular basis. Upon discontinuing these prescription treatments will have the result of your hair loss continuing and any new hair growth will stop as well.
Minoxidil is available in both prescription and non prescription varieties depending on the strength of the solution. It is a topical ointment meant to be rubbed on the scalp at least twice daily. It is a vasodilator, in other words it promotes blood flow to the area it is applied to. It has been shown to slow hair loss particularly on the crown of the head. Receding hairlines are not helped by the use of minoxidil. For ease of use, the best hair loss shampoo will have a high concentration of minoxidil and is easier to use than a topical crème.
The Hair Club for Men offers several products in the Extreme Hair Therapy line that claim to help alleviate hair loss. There are shampoos, conditioners, thickening treatments and more. Their best hair loss shampoo does contain minoxidil but the rest of the EXT line of products does not and has not been proven to actually stop hair loss or promote new hair growth.
Organic Hair Shampoo
The debate over the use of term “organic’ has been going on for several years.
The debate centers over what by law constitutes an organic product. When it comes to fruits vegetables and the like, the United States Department of Agriculture sets strict federal standards for organic food labeling. For anything outside of food, the Department of Agriculture has no jurisdiction. Organic has come to mean a particular type of lifestyle and as such can be applied to products that are not wholly organic as the food definition suggests.
Organic hair shampoo will have some petroleum based chemicals as cleaners along with some natural ingredients to lend it an organic flavor or scent. Whole Foods Market prides itself on its extensive line of organic prepared food products and produce. Their philosophy on organic hair shampoo and other personal care products is to not sell items from those companies that are just using “organic” products for marketing, but to seek out companies that use as many natural ingredients as possible along with no petroleum derived or based colors, dyes and scents.
The Organic Trade Association was formed to help make guidelines for certifying organic products for sale to protect the consumer as well as those companies already following the rules on their labeling. Attempts to get a consensus from all of the major manufacturers never got off the ground, but here is what is currently accepted to label your organic hair shampoo. To be “certified organic” a product must contain at least ninety five (95%) certified organic ingredients and a product with at least seventy (70%) percent certified organic ingredients can be labeled “containing organic ingredients”.
Water is a wild card and has not been addressed for consumer products like shampoo and conditioners. Food manufacturers can not use water in their percentage calculations and herbal teas are some times counted as water for organic labeling purposes.