Category: Hair Products

Dear Dr Rassman,

I am a regular reader of your blog, so first of all let me congratulate you on the highly informative and useful resource you have created.

I am a 21 year old male with thinning at the crown and right-had side of the scalp. My question regards shampoo and hair loss.

I came across this article which describes the alleged effect of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) found in most commercial shampoos nowadays. Apparently due to the acidic nature of the chemical, it could be blamed for accelerated hair loss.

First of all, I’m not suggesting that MPB in men is caused by this chemical, otherwise we’d all be bald! The bit of the article that interests me is the part which suggests that it (SLS) can cause damage to hair follicles which have just shed their minaturized hair due to MPB, thus accelerating the balding process.

All in all, I’m simply seeking your medical opinion on this issue and asking if you think it’s worth trying an SLS-free shampoo.

Keep up the good work

Based on the article link you sent, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) does not look like a safe additive in shampoos, BUT by using the powers of the Internet (*cough* Google search), I have found that this is nothing more than an urban myth. Yes, it is true that SLS is used in de-greasers and yet is also found in shampoo (and toothpaste), but it is found in the personal hygiene products at much lower levels than the stuff used to clean your garage floor. If you have very weak and miniaturized hair, you can try using an SLS-free shampoo to see if that makes a difference. I don’t have an answer one way or another, and if you are concerned, using SLS-free shampoo shouldn’t be a problem. There are a number of shampoos that do not contain SLS, marketed perfectly for people that buy into hysteria. However, I think it is way overblown and wouldn’t concern myself with it.

You can find much more information about SLS at Snopes.com, a great site for debunking myths. Also, HairSite.com has a good point / counterpoint breakdown showing both sides of the argument. Even the American Cancer Society has spoken out on how the SLS rumor is completely false.

I just somehow wondering what are the benefits of Nizoral shampoo in preventing hair loss are there any benefits from it, where I know that Nizoral shampoo is just for avoiding or solving dandruff. So just, I want your help Dr. Rassman in suggesting which is best shampoo to drawn for helping or to be harmonious with the drug that I use then for my hair loss (Regaine and Propecia). Thanks for your time.

People use Nizoral (ketoconazole) shampoo and rave about it, but it is a drug used mostly for fungal infections. There is also a Nizoral shampoo designed for dandruff that would work. Generally, I feel that any good quality shampoo works for washing the scalp, but I would not count on it to prevent hair loss.

For more info, please see MedicineNet.com – ketoconazole.

two weeks ago I noticed that my scalp was pink and I heard that this is a sign that your hair is thinning. I have no severe itching or flakes. People always tell me that I shouldn’t have to worry about it because I have a full set of hair, but I want to get professional advice to make sure. I did change my shampoo about the same time. Could the reason be that my shampoo is irritating my scalp or could I be thinning?

I don’t really know what you are seeing. If you are looking at your scalp after a hot shower, the scalp may be pink in color. If you have an allergic reaction to the shampoo, it could cause a pink color in a white skinned person. Best to have a doctor look at your ‘pink’ scalp as it may be something there that is wrong. This is not a sign of balding, though.

I read your answer to another problem that dandruff is caused by exposure to the elements i.e. the sun, UV rays, etc. I don’t buy this or else similarly situated people would have the same amount of dandruff.

We are all different and we manage our skin differently. Dandruff is caused by the accumulation of dead skin cells on the scalp, often in dry scalps. There are good shampoos for this and I would suggest that you try them serially until you find what works for you.

Hello NHI team,
I have recentaly bought Wellman tricologic tablets, are for helping to maintain healthy hair follicles and existing hair growth. The tablets utilises Keratone, a combination of ligans, amino-acids, PABA(para-aminobenzoic acid) and pantothenic acid for the maintenance of natural hair colour. Here is some of what the tablets contain and this is what the box says and their website:

KeratoneTM includes;
• Standardised Lignan Extract – lignans (including the special compound Secoisolariciresionol Diglucoside) have been shown to help to naturally balance the conversion of testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is implicated in the male hair growth cycle.
• N-acetyl-cysteine – this amino acid supports hair growth, and hair shaft diameter for fuller hair.
• L-cystine – this amino acid dimer of cystine is integral to disulphide bonding in the keratin of the hair, supporting its strength.
• L-methionine – an essential amino acid that must be provided from the diet and participates in a wide range of hair related biochemical reactions.
• L-lysine – as essential amino acid.
• Choline – a constituent of lecithin in cell membranes. A lack of choline can influence hair growth and hair pigmentation
• Inositol – a constituent of lecithin in cell membranes and a growth factor for rapidly dividing hair cells. A lack of inositol can influence hair growth and skin health

Silicon – Silicon is the third most abundant trace element of the human body and is important in the structure of hair.
Iodine – Iodine plays a role in metabolism and required for hair growth to proceed at optimal levels.
Antioxidant vitamins C, E and Beta-carotene – help to protect against the damaging effects of free radicals, which can lead to premature ageing. Vitamin C is also essential in forming the connective tissue of the skin while Vitamin E may help support skin repair. Beta-carotene provides a source of vitamin A, which helps support scalp oil production and skin health.
B-vitamin complex – Essential in the health and growth of rapidly dividing cells such as those present in the hair follicle

Recognising the concerns many men have about hair growth and hair condition, Wellman Tricologic® has been developed by leading scientists. Each specialist formula tablet provides 29 bio-active ingredients including essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients designed to nourish hair by maintaining healthy hair follicle metabolism.

My question is, what are your views on these tablets and how effective would they be. Would they be good if used with propecia/avodart. What is your opinion. Please, please reply. Thank you NHI team.

The list of ingredients excluded the kitchen sink, but I doubt that adding it would help with genetic hair loss. If there were deficiencies in diet in any of these areas, it would impact your overall health, of which your hair is clearly an important element. The problem with many of these ingredients is that the scientific connection between their availability to your body and hair loss or hair regrowth is just not there.

For those interested, a list of how much of each supplement is available here. This product appears to only be sold in the UK and/or European markets.