Clarifying the scalp for hair growth?

For those with hair loss issues, have you found that clarifying the scalp helps? I was reading on-line reviews for the Aqua Glycolic shampoo, and the reviews seem to be mostly positive. What people are saying is it helps to clarifying the scalp, and therefore aid in hair growth. These are the ingredients:

Amino Methyl Propanol, Water (Purified), Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Disodium Cocamphodiacetate, Ammonium Glycolate, Fragrance 4925, Propylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben

Here is another one:
Glycolix 10% Elite Shampoo: Lauryl Polyglucose, Purified Water, Sodium laureth sulfate, Glycolic Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Ammonium Hydroxide, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Fragrance

These probably sound like a nightmare for those avoiding chemicals or sulfates, but the reviews from those with scalp issues were that it helped clear them up.

So far my favorite shampoos for my hair type (oilier at roots, drier at ends, prone to shedding, sensitive to certain ingredients) have been Curelle Energe Shampoo and Klorane Nettle. Both cannot be purchased in the United States & paying both the high price & shipping costs is getting to be too much. They both helped me reduce the amount of shedding I was experiencing, though. I am hoping to find something similar around here, but have yet to find a shampoo that either doesn't contain sodium chloride, silicones, or an ingredient list a mile long.

For reference, my skin generally tolerates glycolic acid pretty well & I actually prefer some sulfates, like sodium laureth sulfate, over sulfate free shampoos (with the exception of Curelle). My hair & scalp don't seem to tolerate sodium chloride, baking soda, vinegar, a ton of essential oils or botanicals, long ingredient lists or silicones very well.

What do you guys think? Is there a simpler way to clarify the scalp, or would you try one of these shampoos?

Last edited by renia22; Today at 10:35 AM.

New Member Join DateAug 2012Posts14

With all things being equal and no challenges from meds, the environment or physical issues (extreme stress, anxiety, pregnancy, etc) when dealing with hair loss one of the very first and easiest to rule out is hormonal imbalances. Women suffering from unexplained hair loss should pay a visit to their Doc and request a blood panel for not only estrogen but also testosterone. Both are naturally present for women however as a woman matures although testosterone production does not increase, estrogen production naturally drops which can lead to an upside down ratio of the two. This natural decrease in estrogen production by default allows a woman to become testosterone dominant which has the potential to create symptoms very similar to male pattern baldness with thinning/loss of hair around the crown and regression of the hairline at the the temples.

Men experiencing hair loss, should request a blood panel reflecting testosterone levels and DHT levels. DHT is a natural metabolite of testosterone and it is exponentially stronger than testosterone. Among the many things it does to men, including benign prostrate enlargement is to shrink the hair follicles of the scalp causing male pattern baldness bit at the same time has the reverse effect on body and facial hair making them thicker and coarser. The same drugs used to alleviate the benign prostrate enlargement also have the the positive side effect of hair regrowth. Proscar/Propecia are FDA approved for treating male pattern baldness.

Unfortunately for women not as much has been invested. Most all of the meds approved for men are not approved for women capable off bearing children due to the high probability of birth defects in male children.

If is isn't a hormonal imbalance treating hair loss at home can be nothing more than Russian roulette. Just as you would see a dermatologist for a skin disorder when it comes to treating unexplained hair loss, seeing a trichologist would be the best investment.

Hi fairview- thanks for the reply. I probably should add that I am in good health, I get bloodwork checked every 6 months (hormones within normal ranges, thyroid levels good, not anemic, vitamin D levels within normal range, I eat plenty of protein, have normal periods, not menopausal, etc),

I have been using an Apple cider vinegar mixture on my hair about once a week with baking soda, and I really like it! I have noticed that I often do lose more hair after I deep condition my hair and scalp with natural oils, so I'm thinking that I'm going to start being more careful with anything I apply to my scalp. Using Rosemary and lavender on the scalp can be helpful as well. Since bacteria can sometimes form on the scalp and cause hair loss, I think that clarifying can be good sometimes to help clear the scalp and prevent this. Although I am trying to avoid washing my length as frequently and also trying to learn to do more scalp only washes instead.

Lady Randiriel, Shepherdess of Tithenmamiwen, in the Order of the Long-Haired Knights
Currently: mid-thigh length Next Goal: Knee length Final Goal: terminal length

New Member Join DateOct 2012Posts9

I have a purifying shampoo from Sukin that is really good. Its doesn't have harsh chemicals. Take a look online and tell me what you think. I also use their protein conditioner.

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