Hair Products

Advecia is a natural, herbal, hair loss prevention whose company claims it works through chemical mechanisms by inhibiting the effects of 5-alpha reductase, and by increasing blood flow to the scalp through proper nutrition. It contains herbs, vitamins and amino acids including calcium, magnesium. Advecia comes in capsule form and has a recommended minimum use of 6 months

Avacor is a three-part system for hair loss. Its manufacturer, Global Vision Products, asserts that it is intended to re-grow hair. The system consists of DHT blocking tablets, a topical solution and a scalp detoxifying shampoo. Hair thickening serums and nutritional supplements are available as well.

Products include:
Avacor Topical Solution: active ingredient includes 5% Minoxidil which should be applied twice daily to the scalp in the area of hair loss.

Avacor Scalp Detoxifying Shampoo: should be used daily prior to the topical solution, and rinsed thoroughly with warm water.

Boost! Hair Thickening Serum: used before styling hair.

Avacor Therapy Shampoo: should be used at least twice per week.

Avacor Nutricap: a dietary supplement which should be taken twice daily.

Avacor Loses $50 Million Class Action Lawsuit
Six years after initial litigation, Global Vision Products Inc, the manufacturers of Avacor hair regrowth products, has lost its defense of a 50 million dollar, class action lawsuit. Global Vision Products, Inc. declared bankruptcy in January 2008.

It was alleged that the marketers of Avacor violated California law by including false and misleading statements and promoting unsubstantiated claims in connection with their advertising and marketing campaigns. Among other items, the company was accused of misrepresenting its product as “herbal based” and “all natural” but contains, among other things the drug Minoxidil, as an active ingredient, the side effects of which were not advertised.

References:
The National Hair Journal, Vol 12 No. 52 Winter 2009
USLaw.com

DNA Shampoo, which includes a combination of deoxyribonucleic acid and oxygenated liquids, claims to help promote the cellular health of the hair follicles. According to the manufacturer, one of the principal factors that influence hair loss is the absence of cellular oxygenation. DNA Shampoo also smoothes and conditions the hair.

Emu Oil is a refined food by-product obtained from the fat of the Emu, a large, flightless bird native to Australia, which has been used by Aborigines as a natural sun screen, skin moisturizer and in a variety of natural remedies for many generations. It is claimed, by the manufacturers, to be an all-natural tissue nutrient, that when applied to the skin, helps the skin become healthier. This, in turn, will supposedly help promote the growth and thickening of hair follicles.

Folligen had its beginning as a skin repair cream. Its manufacturer, Skin Biology, asserts it to be a non-drug therapy designed to improve scalp and hair follicle health and hair vitality. One of its primary ingredients is a high concentration of copper peptide (a combination of hydrolyzed soy protein and copper chloride). Folligen should be applied at bedtime several times per week. Barring irritation, it can be used in the mornings as well. It is suggested by the manufacturer that it works best in men age 25 to 45 and works well when used in conjunction with Minoxidil. Folligen comes in a lotion, cream, and therapy spray

HairPrime is a natural herbal treatment for hair loss and thinning hair. According to the manufacturer’s claim, it is both safe and effective as a product which “establishes a healthier environment for hair to grow,” rather than claiming to grow new hair. It is part of a four-step hair care program which includes an herbal shampoo; an herbal scalp primer, which contains a proprietary combination of herbs, green tea and spearmint oil; an herbal lotion; and herbal vitamin supplements. Directions include the cleansing the scalp with HairPrime shampoo, applying the herbal lotion, applying the scalp primer every other day for 6-12 months and daily taking the herbal vitamin supplements.

Helsinki Formula adheres to the (unproven) theory that by cleansing the scalp, you can create healthier, fuller, thicker looking hair. The two step platinum program consists of the Platinum Shampoo whose ingredients include Hyaluronic Acid, Saw Palmetto and Grape Seed Extract, and a Scalp Cleanser which is stated to be fortified with Silk Amino Acids and Horsetail Extract.

Kevis is a treatment program whose manufacturer claims their hair loss products are drug-free and, containing no harmful chemicals and that produce no side effects. They further claim that their products promote healthy hair growth and increase the hair’s beauty, health, and strength.

This program includes Kevis Shampoo, containing patented high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HUCP) which Kevis Rejuvenation Programs, Inc. claims to fight DHT by filling the follicle receptor sites where the DHT would normally lay; Conditioner, which contains vegetable proteins, sunflower extracts, silk proteins and French seaweed; Booster, a patented formula which uses natural enzymes to deactivate DHT; Accelerator, which claims to “hyper-clean” hair and strip away hair weakening scalp residue; and Scalp Lotion, which also contains HUCP, as well as proteins, carbohydrates and nutrients which is massaged into the scalp to help increase circulation

Nios Shield is a line dedicated to making hair styling products with built-in SPF 15 sunscreen. Protecting hair color and texture and the scalp from sunscreen and infused with Moroccan argan oil and vitamins, this all-in-one product keeps your scalp covered and your hair strong. The Whipped Hair Gel styles hair with a clean-cut, medium-firm hold and is formulated for shorter haircuts or for roots of longer ones where hold and volume is sought. The Leave-in-Conditioner tames frizz and adds a natural, healthy shine to hair and can also be applied to areas of scalp with more extensive thinning; it is therefore targeted at people with longer haircuts, children, or for men seeking scalp protection with no styling hold. Both products are not tested on animals, do not contain phthalates, synthetic dyes, nano-particles, sulfates, parabens or PABA. www.niosshield.com.

Nioxin the company, offers eight thinning hair treatment systems based upon your type of hair (Fine, color treated, etc.), all of which consist of a daily regimen of cleansing, moisturizing and nourishing the scalp, in order to help improve the appearance of thinning hair. The company claims to do this by “creating and maintaining an optimum scalp environment.”

All the Nioxin hair treatments consist of daily cleaning with their trademarked cleanser, to remove the residue, and provide vitamins, proteins and amino acids to the scalp. A conditioner moisturizes the scalp with essential oils, anti-oxidants, and enzymatic complexes. The third step is a daily leave-in scalp treatment that supplies the scalp with nutrients, vitamins, and anti-oxidants that the company claims acts as a preventative against residue and DHT build-up on the scalp. It is warned, however, that this third step may cause a temporary redness after the application

Procede is a topical hair care product that works to increase the hair shaft diameter to make your hair appear thicker and fuller. Procede has a shampoo and conditioner to help enhance the process.

Before using Procede it is recommended by the manufacturer that users perform a test of each formula on the arm to ensure there is no allergic reaction. Reactions can include severe redness or irritation.

If the recommended skin test has been completed and there has been no reaction, treatments can begin and the first formula can be applied. This may require the help of a partner. After an hour, the scalp is rinsed, and the user’s partner applies the second formula. Third/Fourth treatments are applied and after one-half hour, the scalp is rinsed again. This application is done every 90 days

Procerin consists of a two step program that, according to the manufacturer, is aimed at blocking DHT. Step one is a tablet taken twice daily. Its active ingredients are a proprietary blend of vitamins, minerals and herbs including Saw Palmetto Berries, Gotu Kola, Nettles, and other natural ingredients.

The second step in the program is the application of the Procerin Serum. This topical formula includes Gamma Linolenic Acid, Grape Seed Extract, Saw Palmetto Extract, and Avocado Oil among other natural ingredients.

The Procerin program is claimed to be all natural, containing herbal and vitamin ingredients and without harsh chemical additives. In addition, there are no fillers or artificial preservatives used in Procerin tablets.

Provillus for Men, is a capsule and topical application formula that works on the basis of blocking DHT (dihydrotestostrone). According to the manufacturer, Provillus for men supplies the proper nutrients to your body to help prevent hair loss. They feel that providing the proper nutrients encourages strong and healthy hair.

Active Ingredients in Provillus topical solution for men and women includes Minoxidil 5% and Azelaic Acid 5 also found in some whole grains. A research report by Stamatiadis in 1988 suggested that azelaic acid was a type I 5-alpha reductase (5-AR) inhibitor. Active Ingredients in Provillus capsules for men include; vitamin B6, biotin, magnesium, zinc, saw palmetto extract, nettle root, pumpkin, Siberian ginseng, Uva Ursi, and Muria Puama.

Provillus for Women is also in tablet and topical solution form which provides nutrients for optimal healthy hair. The topical solution in both the men’s and women’s treatment contains Minoxidil 5%. Active Ingredients in Provillus tablets for women include:  Vitamin B6, biotin, magnesium, horsetail extract and PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid).

Revivogen is an all natural, topical hair loss treatment, with shampoo and conditioner. According to the manufacturer, the Revivogen program focuses on reducing DHT production, blocking androgen receptors, and stimulating hair growth. It may be used by both men and women and has no known systemic side effects. For best results, it can be used in conjunction with other hair loss treatments including Procerin, Propecia, Minoxidil and Folligen.

Saw Palmetto is a small North American plant that is comprised of fatty acids and sterols. It has been previously marketed as an aphrodisiac for men and women, an anabolic to help build muscle tissue, a treatment for natural breast enlargement and a natural “Viagra”. It has also been marketed as an aid in the treatment of enlargement of the prostate gland, urinary tract infections and more recently hair loss.

The mechanism of action is thought to be the deceleration of the breakdown of testosterone to DHT and therefore minimize premature male pattern baldness. The exact mechanism of action is unknown. Saw Palmetto appears to be far more effective in alleviating the symptoms of prostate enlargement than for treating hair loss.

Scalp Med consists of several hair loss treatment products for both male and female hair loss, including VITADIL®, NutriSol-RM, Cortex Enlarger (Hair Thickening Spray), Scalp Med Shampoo, Scalp Med Cortex Enlarger Thickening Hair Spray, and NUTRISOL-RM, and Scalp Med® Detoxifying Cleanser Kit.

According to the manufacturer, these products promote hair growth and encourage thicker, cleaner, healthier hair. The active ingredient in VITADIL® topical products is Minoxidil. These products should not be used by anyone 18 years of age or under.

Manufacturers claim that the product does not irritate the scalp or cause itchiness and dryness, has no possible sexual side effects, or decreased libido.

Scalp Med’s Panthenol-Dx is designed to dissolve excessive sebaceous secretions which can gather at the opening of the hair follicle. They claim that this prevents proper hair growth. They also claim that it will unclog pores by dissolving the toxins and other environmental pollutants, as well as moisturizing and conditioning the scalp. It is cautioned that people with known skin conditions such as psoriasis consult their physician before trying Scalp Med

Spectral DNC is claimed (by its manufacturer) to work faster than Rogaine to grow normal, healthy hair. It is a topical compound whose main ingredients include Minoxidil 5% (Rogaine), Aminexil, Retinol, Nanosomes, Copper Peptides and vitamins and minerals. Studies on Aminexil are preliminary and have thus far only shown to prevent the rapid increase of hair loss on patients who had suddenly stopped taking Finasteride on a small group of test patients.

Nanosomes are microscopic, fluid-filled pouches smaller than liposomes, whose walls are very similar to those of a cell membrane. According to the Spectral DNC website, they are a method by which the active ingredients in their product are absorbed into the scalp. Retinol is also used to increase absorption.

Thymuskin is hair loss prevention system which includes shampoos, treatment lotions, conditioners and hair gels. The manufacturer states that ThymuSkin cleanses the scalp via tiny penetrating thymus peptides, which can diffuse into the hair follicle better than other shampoos/cleansers because of their small size.

Xandrox is the first Minoxodil hair loss prevention solution whose base liquid contains Minoxidil in a concentration that is higher than 5%. Xandrox comes in both a 12.5% and 15% solution. According to manufacturers, the Xandrox 15 contains 15% minoxidil and 5% azelaic acid by weight, as well as a carrier agent, 80% ethyl alcohol and 20% glycerin.

Ethyl alcohol is used to increase the absorption of minoxidil. Because ethyl alcohol is very volatile, the bottle should be tightly capped when not in use. It is best kept at room temperatures. Due to residual glycerin, the minoxidil, and azelaic acid, there may be a slight stickiness left on the scalp. Each bottle comes with its own medicine dropper or an optional dauber. It is suggested that the user does not shampoo hair one hour after use, so as not to remove the penetrating effects.

It is cautioned by the manufacturer that patients with a history of heart disease should not use Xandrox15, as well as those patients with a known hypersensitivity to any of its components including adverse reactions to minoxidil and azelaic acid.

Thymusil supposedly works “from the inside out” to help your body “normalize your immune function and reverse the process of hair follicle weakening” and to stimulate those follicles and promote new hair growth. It is claimed to help the cells recognize that your hair is not foreign matter or the “enemy.”

Thymusil™ contains botanical ingredients, but very little information is given on the websites as to what the specific ingredients are. The manufacturer claims it to be a treatment for Alopecia Areata.