Hair loss can affect both men and women. Whether the loss is due to simple hair breakage or a medical condition such as androgenetic alopecia, the most common cause of hair loss in men--also known as male pattern baldness--finding the right shampoo to treat the problem may help your hair grow faster and thicker.
Moisturizing Shampoos
According to MayoClinic.com, damaged hair is more prone to falling out. Chemicals, such as those used to perm, color or straighten hair, can cause damage to the hair shaft, as can excessive styling and brushing.
Stripping the hair of its natural oils can cause it to become brittle and break easily. Foaming shampoos often contain harsh detergents which can weaken hair shafts. Ensuring that hair is properly moisturized can add elasticity and resiliency to the shaft and prevent breakage. Shampoos containing silicone, ceramides and amino acids help add moisture to hair.
According to HairDtyleCity.com, the hair's normal pH level is about 5, which makes it slightly acidic. When hair's pH rises to more than 7, it becomes alkaline, which causes the cuticles to open and dry out. Using a shampoo with a low pH can help keep hair in the proper range.
Shampoos Containing Proteins and Peptides
Hair is composed largely of a protein called keratin. According to a 2007 article published in the "Journal of Cosmetic Science," shampoos containing keratin proteins, or peptides such as copper, can "protect hair from damage associated with chemical treatments such as perming and relaxation, help to restore the mechanical strength of damaged fibers and decrease fading of colored hair."
Medicated Shampoos
Minoxidil is a medication that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to help regrow hair. While normally ingested orally in pill form, minoxidil also comes in a topical application and can be used in combination with shampoos that stimulate hair growth. The most popular hair growth shampoo with minoxidil is Rogaine.
According to a Japanese study conducted in 2004 published by the Japanese Dermatological Association, ketoconazole, or KCZ, is an antifungal agent that is useful in treating seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff, but may also be effective in treating androgenetic alopecia. The study states that when ketoconazole was applied as a shampoo to mouse hairs, "repeated experiments confirmed the efficacy of KCZ as a hair growth stimulant." KCZ can be found in some over-the-counter medicated shampoos.
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