Half of the men between the ages of 20 and 30 can expect to lose their hair. Where 100 hairs a day is normal – only when the number is noticeably higher should you think about ways and means against hair loss.
What causes hair loss in men in the first place?
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Stress, certain medications, or an insufficient supply of nutrients can be responsible. In men, however, genetic hair loss is usually behind the threat of baldness. “The reason why some men lose their hair and others not has been only partially understood correctly in the last few decades.
Scientists have long assumed that too much of the male sex hormone testosterone would be the trigger. Now it has been discovered that it is not testosterone but its breakdown product, the so-called DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is the main cause of hair loss “, knows Kevin Murphy, star hairstylist and founder of the hair care brand of the same name.
How do products against hair loss work?
The expert explains the process from full head to baldness as follows: “If DHT accumulates in the hair follicles, they shrink and wither to miniature size. This results in a shorter life cycle for the hair and the new hair now grows back thinner and softer.” This is exactly where the majority of new anti-hair loss products come into play. Other products, on the other hand, improve the blood circulation in the scalp and thus the supply of nutrients to the hair roots – for this they use the power of caffeine or essential oils.
We took a close look at the shampoos and tinctures. We present the most promising of them here. So that you know exactly what you can spend your money on with a clear conscience.
1. Minoxidil is considered to be the most effective remedy for hair loss
Minoxidil is considered to be the most effective agent to date against hereditary hair loss. “Regaine Men” contains 5 per cent of it. The foam must be applied to the scalp twice a day. This is how it works: Minoxidil expands the capillaries of the hair follicle and promotes the blood and nutrient supply.
Whoever starts therapy first needs strong nerves. Before hair growth starts again, there is increased hair loss. This so-called shedding shows that the therapy is working. The old hair is shed and the hair follicles are prepared for new hair to grow. It pays to persevere – results will show up after six months. But: As soon as Minoxidil is stopped, the hair loss starts again. Incidentally, numerous clinical studies have proven that minoxidil works.
2. Caffeine hair tonic for hair loss
Power for the hair roots: Shampoos with caffeine against hair loss stimulate the blood circulation after about 2 minutes, but usually only work properly in combination with caffeinated hair lotions. Because only the tincture can supply blood to deeper layers of the scalp so that still active follicles can produce stronger hair, which results in a fuller hair appearance. Unfortunately, many tonics dry out the scalp. Not so with the new “Hybrid Caffeine Liquid” from Alpecin, which even soothes an irritated, itchy scalp and brings it back into balance. Here we have put together the best men’s shampoos.
3. Natural remedy for hair loss
This spray works against hair loss without any hormones. This is made possible by the patented active ingredient MKMS24, which is obtained from lentils, thyme and bamboo. “MKMS24 can stimulate the hair directly at the root. At the same time, it enables the anagen hair growth phase to be lengthened, thus ensuring significantly less hair loss and more growth,” says the manufacturer’s website.
Can that work? We were sceptical, but let a colleague test it. It is easy to use. For the first 4 weeks, 6 splashes should be applied to the affected areas twice a day. Then only once a day – preferably immediately after washing. The manufacturer recommends using a silicone-free shampoo so that the serum can penetrate the scalp as well as possible and develop its full potential.
And what’s the point? With our tester nothing at all for 4 weeks. After that, the hair loss decreased noticeably and after 6 weeks, more and more small baby hairs grew in the hereditary receding hairline. After 2 months the corners are visibly full. We stay tuned and order a second pack.
With the recommended intensity of use, a bottle lasts about 3 months. So just under 50 euros a month. With the recommended intensity of use, a bottle lasts about 3 months. So just under 50 euros a month. With the recommended intensity of use, a bottle lasts about 3 months. So just under 50 euros a month.
4. Hair growth spray
This anti-hair loss spray stops the accumulation of DHT in the hair follicles. At the same time, according to the manufacturer, it uses Biotinyl-GHK, a tripeptide – women may know the active ingredient from eyelash serums, which make the hairs grow thicker and fuller.
For this to work with the head, the spray must remain permanently on the scalp for the first 14 days. In plain language: spray on daily at the beginning and after 2 weeks only after every hair wash. If you only wash your hair every other day, you only have to use the spray that often.
5. Scalp serum for fuller hair
If your hair loss is just starting, L’Oréal Professionnel has an adequate solution: The serum “Serioxyl Denser Hair” contains 5 per cent Stemoxydine and, according to the manufacturer, improves hair density in just 6 weeks by stimulating the dormant follicles to produce hair. For this to work, the tincture should be put into the scalp and the roots of dry hair twice a day. Tip: Massage the scalp well afterwards. This promotes blood circulation and thus also stimulates hair growth.
6. Hairdressing care for noticeably thicker hair
Hair needs a healthy breeding ground to grow. “The scalp is an extension of the facial skin and therefore requires the same intensive attention and care,” explains Kerstin Meyer-Lipp, Head of Research and Development at Wella Care & Styling. “Most people concentrate mainly on their hair in their daily care routine and neglect the scalp.
Targeted treatment of the scalp, however, is fundamental for healthy hair growth and should always be the focus when looking for beautiful, vital hair.” That is why the manufacturer Wella has developed “Nioxin”. The system care is available in 6 different versions: tailored to the hair density, texture and condition of the scalp.
That’s why you shouldn’t buy just any variant, Instead, let a trained hairdresser advise you in advance on which variant suits you best. Each set consists of shampoo, conditioner and leave-in scalp care. What they all have in common: They promise thicker (attention, no more) hair in 4 weeks. By the way: This is how a hair transplant works
7. SnS Commerce Panthrix – hair restorer for women and men
The second product in our comparison is the hair restorer SnS Commerce Panthrix, which contains 3 per cent Redensyl. The active ingredient consists of glycine, zinc and two patented molecules. It wasn’t until 2014 that the product received the In-Cosmetics Silver Award because Redensyl convinced the experts. According to the manufacturer, the agent activates the inactive hair follicles and stimulates them to grow. This in turn promises relief from hair loss, receding hairline, light and bald spots.
You need to massage in the hair restorer from SnS Commerce twice a day. It is best to use it in the morning and the evening. The manufacturer recommends using five to six pump doses at a time. With the content of 100 millilitres, you are supplied for 2 months, whereby you can count on the first results after 2 to 3 months. Not only do men benefit from the product, but women can also use hair restorer.
So that you can be sure that the Panthrix hair restorer works, the manufacturer gives a satisfaction guarantee. You can return the product within one year and receive a full refund of the purchase price. However, SnS Commerce states that it is important to note that you must adhere to the recommendations for use, otherwise the onset of action may be delayed.
8. Vitamaze Biotin – vegan hair restorer in tablet form
The hair restorer Vitamaze Biotin made it to third place in our large comparison. As the name suggests, the main active ingredient is biotin – also known as vitamin H or B7 – which has a positive effect on hair, skin and nails. For even more nutrients, the product also contains zinc and selenium, which are said to influence healthy growth.
All ingredients together contribute to the normal functions of the psyche, the nervous system and the mucous membranes. Also, the zinc it contains is important for maintaining bones and eyesight as well as for the function of the immune system. Selenium, on the other hand, is an anti-stress agent for the cells and supports the function of the thyroid gland.
The biotin hair restorer contains 365 tablets, of which you take one daily with sufficient water: the manufacturer recommends 400 millilitres to minimize the risk of suffocation when swallowing. One pack of the hair restorer is sufficient for one year, you must not exceed the amount of one tablet per day under any circumstances. You also receive a free right of return for 30 days if you are not satisfied with the result.
The product presented here is a product from Germany. The high-dose biotin hair restorer from Vitamaze is registered with the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety. Male and female sufferers can benefit from the promising product, but pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid it.
