Thinning hair can be caused by any number of factors, from genetics to more complicated medical disorders. A number of consumer hair care products appeal to those whose follicles are on the sparse side. Nioxin hair treatments have a reputation among consumers as being a cure for thinning hair.
The Nioxin Story
Nioxin has been in the hair care business since 1987, with the goal of providing a solution for those with fine, thin-looking tresses. The privately-held company, founded by Eva Graham, was acquired by Proctor & Gamble in September 2008, which announced plans to expand the Nioxin portfolio and make it available through more distributors. Nioxin Research Laboratories, Inc., do not conduct animal testing, and in March 2008, the line began carrying the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) logo on all product packaging. As of October 2009, Nioxin hair treatments are sold in the United States and 39 other countries.
Nioxin Claims
The Nioxin website states that most people with healthy scalps lose up to 100 hairs daily and that those who use Nioxin can expect to see results after several weeks of appropriate cleansing. Nioxin claims to stimulate hair growth by "releasing" hair trapped in the telogen (resting phase of hair growth) by reducing buildup on the scalp that inhibits hair regrowth. Nioxin also purports to cleanse the scalp and hair from excessive amounts of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) produced in the sebum--another cause of thinning hair. Nioxin claims that independent research shows nine out of 10 people who used the three-part system noted a thickening effect when using the products daily.
The Product Line
The cornerstone of Nioxin is its three-step system, which is comprised of a cleanser, rinse-out scalp therapy and leave-in scalp treatment. There are eight different daily-use Nioxin "systems" formulated for various hair types. Products are tailored for those with fine to normal or medium or coarse hair, hair that's thin-looking or noticeably thinning and even a system for chemically treated hair. Additionally, Nioxin makes other hair products, including intensive/hydrating hair masques, an array of styling products, and a Scalp Recovery line appropriate for those with dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.
What Cosmetic Scientists Say
The cosmetic scientists behind The Beauty Brains, a website that educates consumers about the true benefits behind their favorite beauty products, note that although Nioxin has a reputation of having medical benefits to cure thinning hair, the products are not approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to treat thinning hair. While too much DHT--the cause of male pattern balding--is indeed one cause of thinning hair, the Beauty Brains points out that almost any shampoo can remove DHT from the scalp. As for the perceived thickening effect? The leave-in treatment of Nioxin's three-step regimen contains proteins that cost the hair and provide a "mild styling effect," notes the Beauty Brains. Those who use it perceive hair as being thicker and having more body.
What Doctors Say
Mayo Clinic experts state that there's no cure for baldness, but some hair loss treatments can promote hair growth (or hide obvious hair loss). Medical treatments approved by the FDA include the topical drug minoxidil (Rogaine), which is sold over-the-counter. Prescription treatments may include the oral drug finasteride (Propecia), which is available only to men, and topical anthralin cream or ointment (Dritho-Scalp). Monthly cortisone injections can also treat thinning hair specifically caused by alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder. The Mayo Clinic notes that when using topical hair loss treatments, it could be as long as 12 weeks before new hair growth appears.
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