Shampoos

[VictoriaG]

I am officially a convert to sulfate-free shampoos, but I still alternate with Nizoral. I used to use the Nizoral every other shampoo (I try to skip 2 days between shampoos), now I use it every third time. The hairloss in the shower on the Nizoral days seems worse now. Does that make sense? Or is everything just picking up speed now - the hair, my eyebrows and eyelashes?

I don't think the Nizoral is helping with the shed, but I like that it keeps flakes at bay. I have dry scalp and mild scalp psoriasis, no dandruff. Will the sulfate-free shampoos help keep my scalp cleaner -in other words, any reason to keep using the Nizoral?

Thanks for your thoughts:o

[Women's Hair Loss Project]

I am officially a convert to sulfate-free shampoos, but I still alternate with Nizoral. I used to use the Nizoral every other shampoo (I try to skip 2 days between shampoos), now I use it every third time. The hairloss in the shower on the Nizoral days seems worse now. Does that make sense? Or is everything just picking up speed now - the hair, my eyebrows and eyelashes?

I don't think the Nizoral is helping with the shed, but I like that it keeps flakes at bay. I have dry scalp and mild scalp psoriasis, no dandruff. Will the sulfate-free shampoos help keep my scalp cleaner -in other words, any reason to keep using the Nizoral?

Thanks for your thoughts:o

Hi Vicki -

I used to use Nizoral but I never noticed any hair loss improvement from using it so I stopped using it in favor of typical thickening hair shampoos. I do like the way Nizoral smells though, also I think if you have scalp dryness or itching that it probably is a good shampoo to use or at least to alternate with.

What are some sulfate-free shampoos you have used? I don't think I've tried any.

[VictoriaG]

I use the Aubrey Organics Balancing Shampoo and Naked Naturals Awapuhi & Lavender for color treated hair. I like them both! I'd seen the Aubrey mentioned on WHLP which is why I tried it!

[BluzGirl76]

I have tried the Aubrey Organics and I love the GPB conditioner. I'm not as much a fan of the shampoos though, because I like to have suds! I found Avalon Organics Thickening Biotin Shampoo, and I really like it so far. It doesn't have Sodium Laurel Sulfate, but it has another type of sulfate. So what I've been doing is using about 1/2 Avalon & 1/2 Aubrey when I wash my hair, so I still get some sudsing but I'm limiting the sulfate exposure.

[VictoriaG]

I'm so glad you said that - I thought I was crazy, where were the suds?? That's a great suggestion, thank you!

[kittykat]

I have been using a "hair plumper" from vichy and it has done a nice job of adding some weight to my fine, thin hair. I'm on my second bottle but am thinking of trying something different.

Prior to buying the vichy product I also decided that I was going to steer clear of any shampoo/conditoner that contained sulphates. I figured that removing chemicals from the equation would be a good thing.

That being said, since i am almost out of shampoo i think im going to try something from the Burt Bee's line. I was very *close* to buying nioxin but am glad after reading some feedback that I didnt go that route.

[grankat]

I was told by my derm to use Free And Clear shampoo. There is a generic form which is cheaper at Walgreens. This has none of that bad stuff in it. It cleans nice and leaves no residue. Let me know if anyone else has tried it. I'm always looking for other shampoos to try on my very fine very thin hair.

[finaleofseem]

Just wanted to chime in with my favorite sulfate-free shampoo -- I use the Giovanni line of products. They make them for all hair types, I think, but I use the tea tree oil shampoo, because it makes my scalp tingly.

I'm not really sure that I've noticed a difference in shedding from switching, honestly, but my scalp feels healthier and my hair is softer and shinier, so I think I may be a permanent convert.

Or, it could be that the improvement I'm seeing is because the products I'm using now are just higher-quality all around, regardless of sulfates.

[Elissa]

I use the Giovanni line of shampoo as well.. The Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo. I am a big fan :) I finally broke down and got some Head and Shoulders because I have been feeling itchy/flaky recently.. But i want to use it very sparingly because I am scared .. not sure if it will help or hurt the hair loss situation. Maybe I'll use it once a week? I have no idea. I wish this werent all so confusing!

[finaleofseem]

I know what you mean, Elissa. I stopped using Nizoral (for a flaky scalp) for the same reason. I'm back to using it once or twice a week now, and I can honestly say I haven't seen much of a difference in my shed. So don't worry!

[RMM]

I was just sold a line of products from a hair restoration facility that I am going to. The brand is Therapro Mediceuticals. The shampoo is called Folligen, the conditioner is called Vitatin and the last bottle is "Cellagen Bioactive Follicle Stimulator." I may use it for a few months. I couldn't find any consumer reviews online about these products. So this is not an endorsement. After I've used the products for a month or two, I will post what I think about them.

[finaleofseem]

It's worth a shot, right? It's just shampoo -- can't do any harm. :) I know a woman who uses Folligen, and says that it helps with inflammation that's generally associated with losing hair.

I'm looking forward to your update!

[VictoriaG]

I've cut back on the Nizoral, I use the Aubrey for the most part. I've been reading good things about the Giovanni products, too - does anyone know if they have one for color-treated hair? Or, because it's sulphate-free, will it really not matter? THanks!

[RMM]

Yes, as you say, it's just shampoo and can't hurt to try. A 12 oz bottle costs about $20. That is about what I was paying for my Aveda products.

So here is what the Therapro Mediceuticals Folligen shampoo bottle says: "You have selected the finest professional products for treating thinning hair, common scalp disorders and unhealthy hair conditions...Offered exclusively through fine spas and salon. Mediceuticals progressive dermatological science features Triaminocoptonal Compound (trademark) with proprietary copper peptide technology proven to help prevent hair thinning and premature hair loss. These restoration solutions contain Femmigen (trademark), a specialized Phytoflavone complex specifically developed to combat female hair loss. Healthy, gentle Sodium Lauryl Sulfate free formula. Weightless formular rinses 100% clean. Anti-fade Color Retention Comples (Trademark)."

It doesn't have Sodium Lauryl Sulfate but it does have Sodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfocactate and Sodium Lauryl Sarcosinate. It has a lot of western and Chinese herbs, which I like.

The Vitatin conditioner bottle text is much the same, and it too has a lot of western and Chinese herbs.

The last product is Cellagen. You spray it onto your scalp on the thinning areas. Your hair can be wet or dry when you apply it. You use it in the morning and at night. I put it on my scalp after getting out of the shower, and then again when I come home from work, before I start making dinner. The bottle's chief claim is that it will "help inhibit harmful DHT formation." I read the ingredients but I don't know which ingredient would be the one to help prevent DHT formation.

You do need to make sure it doesn't get onto your face, ears or neck, as it will leave a reddened area. Some of it dripped onto my forehead and now the skin there is red. Easy to cover with makeup, but still.

Lastly, I have decided to stop blow-drying my (short) hair and let it air dry. I hate that though. My hair looks much fuller and nicer when I blow-dry. While the hair is air-drying, the thinning is very noticeable, so that's a tortuous hour or two. After it's dry, I fluff it with my fingers and a wide-toothed comb (pick).

[finaleofseem]

RMM -- I don't blow-dry mine anymore, either. Though that my change, as I'm done with school for the year and am working at a judge's office this summer. Mine's in a stacked bob right now -- there's really no length in the back (the longest layer is right at my hairline), and at the front it hits my jaw.

These products sound very interesting. I'm afraid I don't know much about ingredients either. Have you noticed any difference in hair texture or shedding?

Also: Victoria, I use Giovanni products. I think they might have one for color-treated hair, but I know that all the ones I've tried have been very gentle, so it may not be an issue.

[RMM]

Finaleofseem, I haven't used the Therapro products long enough to say. I am going to give it a 4 to 6 weeks and then post the results in this thread.

[Dara]

My hairdresser sold me "Power Plus" shampoo. She told me it would help regrow my hair. Of course I didn't believe her. If it regrows hair, everyone here would already know about it! I do like it though. There is a lotion that you put on after shampooing and it does seem to make the sparse amount of hair I have on the top of my head seem thicker. I tried to figure out if it has sulfates and I don't think I saw it in the ingredients. The print is so small I had to use a magnifying glass.

[alchimera]

I used to use Nizoral a lot last year, and also began to notice more shedding on certain days. It also left my hair looking a little greasy and weighed down, so I stopped....

In the last month, I've been rotating between a garlic shampoo (yup, believe it or not!) and the 'BIG' shampoo from LUSH. Both have left my hair feeling soft and appearing more full, and since I started the garlic one, my scalp has been itching less! It's also helped quite a bit with the flaking and dandruff....

If the dandruff is from a fungus, the garlic should help out.

[VictoriaG]

I was in a little beauty-supply store about 10 days ago and they recommended a shampoo called Alterna Hemp Organics Colr Hold Shine Shampoo - it's sulfate free. I bought a travel-size bottle (just in case it was a bomb). I've used it twice. I love it!!! It does make my hair shiny, I have not noticed any color fading since I've used it (3 times so far), and it makes my hair feel clean longer. My hair also seems to have a little more body. It's not cheap, but I will buy more because it's good.

[kdwmw]

I've been using it for about 6 months. I can't say it has had any effect on my hair, but Dr. Redmond mentions it in his book & it claims to block dht. Is there something I don't know?

ps I'm totally new...just found this site & 1st time to post

[VictoriaG]

I read Dr Redmond's book too, and read about Nioxin. I've also seen it mentioned quite a bit in the past on the WHLP network. I started using Nizoral based on my own research, and while it's not helping, it's not hurting. I haven't tried Nioxin only because I was trying so many other products! Good luck.

[kellyjean]

I just started using Head and Shoulders 2-in1 Antidandruff and Restoring Shine shampoo & conditioner. Never had dandruff before my hair started falling out and I fear H&S is making it worse. My hair seems to fall out more. I want to switch back to my Dove shampoo, but I can't very well walk around with dandruff, can I?

:/

[VictoriaG]

I used to like the Dove shampoo too. Now I alternate the Nizoral with Neutrogena T-Gel and with sulfate-free shampoos, they're less drying. I'm not sure what we're experiencing is really dandruff, but whatever the flaking is, my regimen seems to help.

[Sammy7]

Has anyone had any luck with a leave in conditioner? I am using one called Strickly Curls by Marc Anthony. It makes my hair soft and is does not appear to increase the dredded shedding! :( I avoid any shampoo with suflates. I tried baby shampoos but... yuck too many fly aways. I am curently using- Live Clean (clean air) volumizing shampoo. It seems to help (No SLS) and is available at Wal-mart. For a conditioner I use Joico it has the keratin we require!

[finaleofseem]

I make my own weekly leave-in conditioning treatment from honey and olive oil. I'm a big fan, as it super moisturizes and leaves my hair shiny. I leave it in for about half an hour, and then wash it out. It doesn't seem to weigh my hair down, either.

[Sammy7]

How do you make your olive oil and honey conditioning mixture? Also how often do you wash your hair?

[finaleofseem]

Sammy,

I wash my hair every day or every other day. I was using SLS-free shampoos for a while, but honestly didn't notice much of a difference in my shed or how my scalp felt. I loved my SLS free shampoos, but I'm a student and they're expensive, so I switched back to Tresseme. What DID make a difference for me was adding some baking soda to the shampoo. For my family-sized bottle of shampoo, I added maybe 3 or 4 tablespoons?

For the honey and olive oil, it depends on how dry my hair is that week. If it's super dry (like in the winter) I use a 2:1 proportion of olive oil to honey (so, 1/2 cup olive oil to 1/4 cup honey). If I'm more concerned about shine, I switch that proportion around to use more honey and less olive oil. I've also done a 1 to 1. You just have to play around with it and your hair, and what works best for you, I think. I have, however, found it's much easier to start with the honey and add the olive oil -- it will mix better.

[ouchy]

If you have flat hair there is one called Follicure that you can get at Sally's for very cheap, they claim it clears clogged follicles. Also I do use nizoral and it does help for me. But it can leave my hair feeling flat.

I also have the wallgreens generic version of free and clear and like that as the other poster above had spoken about it.

[kellyjean]

It's official. Head and Shoulders doubles the amount of my hair loss.
GEEZ.
I can't get any relief.

[Sammy7]

How often is everyone shampooing their hair? I try every 2 days because if I go every 3 days the amount of hair that my head sheds is twice as bad. :( Also the itching can drive you crazy! Yes I have found the days I use Head n' shoulders I shed more as well!

[kellyjean]

I shampoo every other day. I have a naturally oily scalp, so I can't really prolong it without looking gross.

:]

[Sammy7]

I tried Nizoral yesterday for the first time and had a bad reaction.

I folled the directions and left it on for 3 minutes instead of the 5 they recommeneded on the box. My head was tingly, flat and it took the curl out of my hair and my shed was 3 times as worse and I thought well this is normal by what I have read on the internet. The problem was when I went to sleep...

About an hour into my sleep my scalp felt like it was on fire! I tried to ignore it but my brain was telling me something is wrong. :( So I had to take another shower and wash my hair again (this time with baby shampoo and organitic conditioner) and run my head under cold water for 15 minutes to stop the fire feeling My hair looks awful this morning! Has anyone experienced this?

[feelingwiggy]

no, it sounds like a nightmare... I hope it gets better for you! :) Judy

[Sammy7]

Thanks! :)

It is nice to have someone understand what you are going through. I did not want to wash my hair again this morning (groan) but I just reconditioned it and rinsed it again with straight cold water. It feels much better! The kerosene burning is subsiding!

In the email you sent me you mentioned Aveda's powder to pump up my hair volume. Where do I purchase that?

[feelingwiggy]

Hey there,

Aveda stores are usually the bigger malls. Some places have Aveda Salons. But I bet if you went online, you could purchase it. :) I'm just past the point of those products helping- they did at one time... J

[Dara]

Something similar happened to me, not with Nizoral, but when I used Nioxin. The shampoo and conditioner were ok but when I applied the treatment lotion, my scalp and my face where it had touched the skin, turned bright red and itchy. I ended up rinsing it off and taking a benadryl. And it was not the first time I had used it.

Dara




I tried Nizoral yesterday for the first time and had a bad reaction.

I folled the directions and left it on for 3 minutes instead of the 5 they recommeneded on the box. My head was tingly, flat and it took the curl out of my hair and my shed was 3 times as worse and I thought well this is normal by what I have read on the internet. The problem was when I went to sleep...

About an hour into my sleep my scalp felt like it was on fire! I tried to ignore it but my brain was telling me something is wrong. :( So I had to take another shower and wash my hair again (this time with baby shampoo and organitic conditioner) and run my head under cold water for 15 minutes to stop the fire feeling My hair looks awful this morning! Has anyone experienced this?

[Sammy7]

Thanks for letting me know because I was going to try that next to see if I react. Now I know to stick to just tea tree oil shampoo or just dandruff shampoo. I know I get better results with Nizoral in the long run... but this shampoo is just not right for me :(

[deafsinger]

I ordered a product by WEN on QVC that is sulfate free to try . It's supposed to come this week & I pray that it will agree with my hair & scalp , and not smell like perfume or scents. It does not lather at all , so we shall see !

One thing that you might want to consider if you have not thought about it before , is to use a shampoo or conditioner that does Not have sunscreen in it. the same goes for bodifying agents , gel & hairspray ! Sunscreen is usually PABA based which can cause allergic sensitivities. My scalp would sweat & itch like heck when I even walked out the door for 2 minutes.
So I figure since we all have hair issues, our scalps are going to be more sensitive than most , so why add to an already difficult situation?

I'm new here , will write something about myself in the next day or so.

[kdwmw]

I tried the WEN line because it was sulfate free, too. The directions say to scrub your scalp vigorously for 2/3 minutes to get your hair clean. Since there are no sulfates, no suds (is that a word?). Anyway, I was scrubbing away & gobs of hair was coming out. I couldn't believe it just didn't stop. I kept sticking it to the side of the shower because I wanted to keep track of how much I lost, of course. Seriously, it was about 300 hairs when I got out. Then, even gently combing, I probably lost 100 more. I was so freaked out, I put it all in a tissue to show my Mom. I did come to my senses later & threw it out w/out showing the hair wad to anyone else. Who would want to see that? yuck!! Anyhoo, it did make my surviving hair shiney & soft, haha. I think it is a great product for people not suffering from hair loss. I was too lazy to send it back, so now I use it as a conditioner just on the lower half of my hair. Intellectually, I know all that hair was going to come out anyway, but I just couldn't stomach seeing it all at once! Now I use a product called Kerastase. I use bain desensitive for thinning hair, but there is also one for dandruff & one for sensitve scalp. I don't think it is sulfate free, though. I also wonder if I had just sucked it up & used the Wen for a few weeks if it would have worked out?? Let me know what you think after you try it...k

[Hair Worrier]

I suffer from a dry flaky scalp, before i noticed my hair loss shed I tried everything, such as Nizoral, coal tar soap, neutragena, and the usual anti dandruff products. Tresemme as awful, it made my scalp even worse. Now i use Kerastase for my hair loss, and it is taming my scalp a lot, I use bain de prevention from their range, but their volume active shampoo was also good at keeping dandruff at bay- but which ever you choose would I guess depend on whether you want to protect the hair or volumise it. As conditioner I use ciment anti-usure, and washing twice a week keeps my scalp happy.

[ouchy]

I recently tried Jason Dandruff shampoo it's all natural and like wen it is not a big sudsy shampoo. It will suds just not like normal shampoo and it does leave hair very shiney and healthy and the smell is very nice and herbal. I got mine off ebay from club natural they had the best price. I could not find it in any local health food shops

[justbeth]

I just recently ordered Avalon Organics-Biotin B Complex shampoo online. It has biotin, niacin, panthenol, rosemary, saw palmetto, jojoba oil, and aloe vera.

Has anyone tried this before?

:>

[feelingwiggy]

I think because my mom and aunts ended up in a wig... I knew this was always coming... That said, I haven't fooled much with hormones, vitamins etc. I did you men's rogaine and it just gave me baby hair at the hair/ear line. Maybe I should have tried harder. And I hated the Rogaine as it made my hair sticky and was a pain. Guess you could say I'm just /or have become very lazy about my hair. :confused: Judy