On the market, there are numerous shampoos claiming to alleviate or prevent hair loss, and many people use them. These shampoos emphasize their ability to help with hair loss, but how effective are they, really?
Can Hair Regrowth Shampoos Help with Hair Loss?
To cut to the chase, there is no scientifically proven shampoo that can prevent or improve hair loss. In South Korea, most hair regrowth shampoos fall under the category of functional cosmetics regulated by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
What are functional cosmetics? Functional cosmetics are cosmetics that claim specific efficacy and effects specified in the Cosmetics Act and its enforcement rules and are subject to safety, quality, and efficacy assessment by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
Functional cosmetics may play a supportive role in addressing specific symptoms, but they do not serve as a fundamental treatment or cure. If a shampoo were proven to effectively prevent hair loss or significantly improve hair loss symptoms, it would likely require a prescription and be regulated as a medication. Many shampoos advertise ingredients like copper peptides, phytoncides, caffeine, etc., for hair loss prevention, but these ingredients do not fundamentally improve the condition.
Currently, the only fundamental medication for hair loss includes oral medications like Finasteride, Dutasteride, and topical medications like Minoxidil (Rogaine). If these treatments do not work, hair transplantation might be the most effective solution.
Is it Worth Buying Hair Regrowth Shampoos?
When purchasing hair regrowth shampoos, it's essential not to expect dramatic effects on hair loss. Instead, choose shampoos based on personal preferences like fragrance, texture, and how your hair feels after use. Of course, for a shampoo to qualify as a functional cosmetic, the effectiveness of its ingredients should be scientifically proven. However, as previously mentioned, these shampoos only play a supplementary role and have minimal impact on the body. Even if they have a positive impact, it is usually minor.
Remember that using shampoos alone should not raise unrealistic expectations for hair loss improvement. If you are genuinely concerned about hair loss, consider proven medications or hair transplantation as more viable options.