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An Honest Review of Happy Head’s Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner

Happy Head customers just like you give their Thickening and Volumizing Hair Shampoo and Conditioner set 5 star reviews. Made with Saw Palmetto and other growth boosting ingredients, you'll get the look you want right out of the shower.

Is your shower lined with bottles of partially full shampoo and conditioner? Mine is, and it drives my partner crazy. So, when I decided to try Happy Head’s new Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner, I got the “Really? Like we need more clutter” look.  Of course, I had a good reason for wanting to try it.  

About 13 years ago, I was diagnosed with Lichen Planopilaris. It’s an autoimmune disease and a type of scarring alopecia that occurs when your body attacks your hair follicles. Inflammation causes scars over the follicles, eventually closing them off so hair can no longer grow. You have to play beat the clock to get the inflammation under control so the hair follicles stay open. I was fortunate that my dermatologist was able to get my hair into remission and the damage was isolated to areas that I can cover with a good haircut. I was off all of my medications and done with treatments for over 10 years.

During Covid, though, my hair loss reared its ugly head. My dermatologist put me on a regime that included Finasteride and Minoxidil. Thankfully, the shedding slowed, and new hair started to sprout. For some reason, though, my hair felt really dry and didn’t look the healthiest. So, I decided to try out Happy Head’s shampoo and conditioner to see if it would help. Here’s my honest review.

I Tried Other Thickening Shampoos & Conditioners First

Weary paying a small fortune for my stylist’s overpriced recommendations that never seemed to work, I started cruising Facebook groups to see what fellow alopecia warriors were recommending. I finally settled on Bondi Boost after reading a lot of positive reviews about the brand. And, at first, I was happy with the choice. I really liked the peppermint scent and the clean, tingly feeling that the suds gave my head. My hair felt super soft, too. That all changed in the following weeks, though. I found that the shampoo left a film that was hard to wash out, and before I knew it, the build-up made my hair look just as dried out and blah as it did before I started using it.

Ingredients Matter When it Comes to Hair Care Products, Especially When You Have Alopecia 

Curious about whether Happy Head’s shampoo and conditioner would make my hair look healthier, I researched the formula.  Sure enough, I found plenty of intel on the ingredients that made me think, “Aha, this stuff might work.” Here’s what I learned.

The active ingredients in Happy Head’s shampoo and conditioner formulas are selected specifically for people dealing with thinning or balding hair. Every ingredient has a purpose. Let’s start with saw palmetto. Extract from saw palmetto, a tree with palm-like leaves that grows up to ten feet tall, acts as a DHT blocker.  It works like a mild, all-natural version of topical Finasteride to prevent Testosterone from converting to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).  

Collagen and keratin help thicken, volumize, and protect your hair. As you age, your body produces less collagen, which is responsible for helping your skin and hair maintain its elasticity. When applied topically, collagen can help replenish the cells in your dermis, keeping your scalp and hair follicles healthy, allowing for thicker, stronger hair to grow. 

Keratin is a fibrous protein found in your hair, skin, and nails. One research study published in 2017 in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that a keratin-based treatment significantly improved hair growth among men with male pattern baldness. After 24 weeks, the mean hair count increased by over 29 percent in the treatment group compared to almost 10 percent in the placebo group. The keratin-based treatment also significantly improved hair thickness and density.  Then, there’s argan oil and biotin, known for moisturizing and strengthening. 

Happy Head's Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner set give hair a voluminous, thicker finish so hair looks healthier overall and fuller. Plus, our shampoo and conditioner formulas are made by dermatologists specifically for your scalp. You'll also get a gentle boost for hair growth from the Saw Palmetto.

Happy Head’s Shampoo & Conditioner Duo Made My Hair Feel Softer and Look Shinier

After my experiences with other shampoos and conditioners, I had low expectations for Happy Head. Months later, though, I’m still using the Happy Head products and am pleased with the results.

Here’s what I found:

Happy Head’s shampoo and conditioner have a mild, fresh scent. I find the scent relaxing and peaceful, like a product you would find in an upscale spa. The system also gave me the results I was looking for in terms of making my hair feel soft and sleek, even months after using it. You know how gray hairs have a wiry texture that’s different from the rest of your hair?  They proudly stick out, announcing to the world, “Hello!  Here I am!”  Thankfully, Happy Head tamed those too.  

I Didn’t Expect Happy Head’s Shampoo & Conditioner to Reduce Shedding, But it Did

Now, here’s the best part. When I started using Happy Head’s shampoo and conditioner, my dermatologist told me my hair loss had stabilized. From her perspective, I was out of the woods, and she wasn’t concerned about shedding.  

My bathroom sink was telling me a different story, though. Every time I brushed my hair, I would find about 15 strands waiting to be cleaned up. A few weeks after using Happy Head’s thickening shampoo and conditioner, I noticed that the 15 strands were reduced to about three to five. 

There Are Some Tricks & Tips You Can Use to Help Make Your Hair Look Healthier

I used Happy Head’s thickening shampoo and conditioner as any other. The bottles come with handy pumps for easy dispensing.  My hair is short, so I only need one pump.  If your hair is long, you may need two pumps. Massage the shampoo evenly into your wet hair and scalp, and rinse.  Then, apply one to two pumps of the conditioner and massage it into your hair. This time, don’t rinse right away. Let the conditioner sit for a few minutes to let the formula absorb, then rinse.  

If you’re like me and wash your hair every day and occasionally twice on the same day, you may want to rethink that.  According to Dr. Ben Behnam, board-certified dermatologist, and Happy Head Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer, washing so often will strip your hair of essential oils that are needed to protect your hair against breakage. He suggests washing every other day instead.  If you’re like me and exercise a few times a week or are active, the idea of not washing your hair may make you think, “blech.”  If that’s the case, rinsing with water will do the trick without drying out your hair.  You can also rinse with water and use conditioner without shampooing.

Shampoo & Conditioners Are No-Risk Products

When you’re dealing with male or female pattern hair loss, alopecia areata, or any other type of alopecia, it’s only natural to question whether you should use certain products.  The idea of doing anything that could result in further hair loss is nerve-wracking. I’ve been there.

Here’s a reality check, though. The odds of shampoos and conditioners causing problems are minimal, if at all. You don’t have anything to lose. I’m glad that I tested out Happy Head’s new shampoo and conditioner, and recommend you try them too. There’s even a special introductory offer for 30 percent off on your first order when you add them to your cart.  

 

Disclosures:  Although I’m a writer, I’m pretty busy and rarely write product reviews. Between juggling work and family, I just don’t have the time.  However, when we launched our thickening shampoo and conditioner, I was curious to see how the products would work.  I had already tried so many.  What was one more?  Happy Head gladly gave me a set of complimentary bottles to try.  Happy Head,  however, did not ask me to write this review.  I volunteered to write it because I truly believe in these products.  

Now, I can’t guarantee that my results are typical and everyone will have the same experience.  As mentioned earlier, besides Happy Head’s shampoo and conditioner, my protocol includes Finasteride, Minoxidil, and other medications designed to stop my hair loss and promote growth.  As frustrating as it is, there are different types of alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss, alopecia areata, frontal fibrosing alopecia, etc.) and people’s body chemistry varies, which can affect the efficacy of hair loss products.  

If you decide to give Happy Head’s shampoo and conditioner a trial run, we’d love to hear from you.  Be sure to contact us and let us know what you think.

Choosing the Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair

If you have thinning hair, you probably shampoo your hair as gently as you can to keep as much hair on your head as possible. But are you using the right shampoo for your hair? There are a broad range of shampoo and conditioner options to help prevent further hair loss. However, the ingredients and results may differ for each. Understanding product contents and how they work can help you figure out which hair loss shampoos are best for you. 

How do shampoos for thinning hair prevent hair loss? 

Hair loss shampoos are also known as “hair thickening” shampoos. These products aren’t an overnight solution to thinning hair, but they can make a difference in two ways: 

  • Fortifying, thickening, and strengthening individual hair strands to give the illusion of thicker hair. Many hair loss shampoos work with the hair that you do have by making each strand fuller and thicker. Some ingredients in these hair thickening shampoos penetrate into the hair shaft and fill in any spaces, causing the strand to swell and bulk up. These thicker strands then create the appearance of more hair. 
  • Encouraging the growth of new hair. Over-the-counter shampoos for thinning hair aren’t typically medicated, but they do contain ingredients that promote hair growth. For example, some may include vitamins and minerals that are known to make scalp healthier and boost hair growth. 

Shampoos for thinning hair contain ingredients that are categorized as thickeners, but they may also contain ingredients called opacifiers. (01)  These ingredients are added to improve the appearance of the existing hair, like pearlescent flakes to make hair appear thicker and healthier. Before taking a deep dive into the ingredients of hair loss shampoos, it’s important to remember that most of the results from thickening shampoos are temporary. That said, they’re still an excellent choice for someone concerned about hair loss. 

Most Common Ingredients In Hair Loss Shampoos

What sets hair loss shampoos apart from average run-of-the-mill shampoos are their ingredients. (01) Average shampoos often contain elements that are too harsh for thinning hair, raising the potential of further hair loss. Hair loss shampoos are much more forgiving, cleaning the hair without disrupting the hair’s full life cycle. 

The following are the most common ingredients found in hair loss shampoos. 

Biotin

Look at any hair strengthening shampoo on the market, and you’ll likely find biotin on the ingredient list. Why? Because biotin deficiencies result in weak and brittle hair and nails. (02) Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a water-soluble vitamin that’s crucial for keratin production. Keratin and collagen are the primary structural components of each strand of hair, essential for hair growth. Many foods contain biotin, and this nutrient works best when consumed. Biotin is also available through supplements as a nutraceutical. However, hair loss shampoos and conditioners also contain biotin to help strengthen hair from the outside. 

Essential Amino Acids

Shampoos for thinning hair often include essential amino acids on their ingredient list. Like biotin, amino acids are vital for the production of keratin and collagen. Keratin and collagen require the following amino acids: (03)

  • Lysine
  • Arginine
  • Methionine
  • Cysteine
  • Proline
  • Glycine

To generate enough keratin and collagen needed for sufficient hair growth, the body needs a steady supply of amino acids. In particular, lysine and methionine are the most essential amino acids for hair. Hair thickening shampoos that contain these amino acids can help combat hair loss and encourage growth. 

Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto, also known as serenoa serrulata, serenoa repens, or sabal serrulata) comes from palmetto berries (also called serenoa repens, serenoa serrulata or sabal serrulata). Studies show this berry extract acts as an anti-inflammatory for the scalp and skin. Furthermore, saw palmetto extract decreases sebum production and increases hair density in cases of androgenetic alopecia and polycystic ovary syndrome. (04, 05)

Niacin

Niacin (Vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid)  is a common ingredient in hair growth shampoos because it increases blood circulation, especially through the scalp. Improved blood flow feeds nutrients to hair follicles and encourages hair growth. Niacin also repairs DNA and boosts keratin production, helping to keep hair strong. (03)

Caffeine

Caffeine not only boosts the energy in your body, but it can protect hair follicles from dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is converted from testosterone and – when linked to receptors in hair follicles – results in hair loss. By preventing DHT from negatively impacting hair follicles, caffeine encourages hair growth and retention in both female pattern hair loss and male pattern hair loss. Additionally, caffeine may stimulate already weakened hair follicles, potentially repairing damaged roots. (06)

Zinc

Known for its immune boosting properties, zinc is also a hair-strengthening mineral. Zinc balances sebum production and boosts scalp health. Many dandruff shampoos contain zinc because of its dandruff-busting capabilities. Shampoos for thinning hair, however, also include zinc for its ability to strengthen hair and keep hair follicles free from obstructions like oil and dandruff. (03)

Green Tea

Green tea is a popular drink, but it’s also a common ingredient in hair growth shampoos. Green tea inhibits the production of a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. The enzyme 5-alpha-reductase is responsible for the conversion of into DHT.  5-alpha-reductase inhibitors prevent the production of DHT, reducing hair loss. An additional benefit of green tea is its high antioxidant consent. Antioxidants combat environmental cell damage from free radicals, keeping your scalp and hair healthy. Green tea may also improve scalp health, balance sebum production, and treats dandruff. (07)

What to keep in mind when choosing shampoos for thinning hair? 

Choosing the right hair loss shampoo can be overwhelming, but following three simple rules can help you choose the one for you. 

Stick With Companies that Specialize in Hair Loss

When finding shampoos for thinning hair, stick to hair products from businesses that specialize specifically in hair loss. While cosmetic companies may know all about healthy hair, they may be unfamiliar with hair loss or balding. Whenever possible, take the time to find products sold or endorsed by reputable hair-loss companies. Although you may have to wait for shipping or make a special trip to another store, using shampoos from reputable companies that specialize in hair loss can make all the difference in how your thinning hair progresses. These companies understand hair loss and all its nuances, therefore their products are more likely to suit your needs. 

Pay Attention to the Ingredient List

Just like the way you check ingredient lists on food, you should check the ingredient lists on products you place on your body. When looking at the ingredient list, keep an eye out for items listed above. Furthermore, if you’re thinking about buying more than one product, keep using the same company product line. For example, a manufacturer of a hair loss shampoo may also have hair loss conditioner and hair loss hair spray from the same product line. 

Choose For Your Hair Type

Thickening shampoos may target various hair types. For example, one shampoo may be ideal for fine hair while another may be best for dry hair. Because these shampoos are formulated to work with a specific type of hair, you may need to find the one that matches with your hair type. The results can vary wildly depending on the different formulations, so finding the right shampoo for your hair type is essential. 

Don’t Wash Your Hair Away

Keeping your hair healthy means keeping it clean, but you don’t need to wash your hair away in the process. Finding an excellent quality shampoo for thinning hair may take some research, but it’s worth it to keep as much hair on your head as you can. Matching the right shampoo to your hair’s needs can help you resolve trouble spots and help reduce further hair loss. 

If you’re thinking you may need more than shampoo for thinning hair, contact our specialists at Happy Head. Our physicians tailor each hair treatment for every client, ensuring safe treatment aimed at your unique situation. Happy Head is so confident you’ll be satisfied with our services, we offer a six-month money-back guarantee. Contact us today for your personalized hair loss treatment! 

 

Resources:

(01) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4458934/

(02) https://www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/hair-loss/does-biotin-really-prevent-hair-loss

(03) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380979/

(04) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2840915/

(05) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2840915/#CIT2

(06) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32599587/

(07) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6930595/

5 Tips for a Healthier Scalp & Improved Hair Growth

A healthy scalp means healthy hair growth. To get your scalp back on track for great hair growth results, there are a few things our happy head dermatologists recommend.

Addressing hair loss means getting to the root of the problem. And, quite literally, that means taking care of your scalp. A healthy scalp means better hair growth results and it’s a key component to preventing future hair loss. To help you get started, our hair growth experts share insider information on what happens when we neglect our roots and their top 5 tips for a healthy scalp.

What’s at the Root?

It’s not just about your strands, but what’s inside each hair follicle that can impact hair loss or keep hair growing. Your hair follicles keep strands in place, add natural moisture to your hair, and grow strands. For hair to remain anchored and thriving, the follicle needs to be clean, unclogged, and nourished with the proper nutrients. (01)

Your Scalp is Alive, Your Hair…Not So Much 

Your hair alone isn’t a live organism but a strand of dead cells. That said, all the factors that keep hair growing depend on living cells. As the hair begins to grow, it nudges itself up from the base of the follicle and through the uppermost levels of the scalp. Small blood vessels feed the cells in each follicle, providing nutrients to keep your hair growing. (02)

Almost every hair follicle is attached to a sebaceous gland, also known as an oil gland. These oil glands secrete a substance called sebum which coats and moisturizes the skin and keeps hair shiny and healthy. A hair follicle blocked by excess sebum, dandruff, or dead skin can’t grow or hold hair effectively. (02)

5 Healthy Scalp Tips

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, taking care of your scalp can boost the health of your hair and, perhaps, even improve your self-confidence. The following are five tips for a healthier scalp and hair. (03)

1. Protect Your Scalp from the Sun

Although you diligently use sun protection and SPF on your body and face, you may forget about your scalp. Thinning hair or bald spots leave the scalp vulnerable to the sun’s UV rays. Also, even a head full of thick hair can still need shielding from the sun. Where your hair parts or the crown of your head needs extra attention because these areas can sunburn in direct sunlight. 

To protect your scalp from the sun, apply sunscreen onto the exposed areas on your scalp whenever you’re outside for prolonged periods. The following are a few sunscreen options for your scalp: (04)

  • Avoid standard sunscreens used for the body because they make hair oily. 
  • A stick sunscreen works for small areas (like the crown or part). 
  • Powder sunscreen options are excellent for both bare and covered scalp areas but can be pricey. 
  • Sunscreens with a spray or mist are a cost-effective choice but can weigh hair down. 

One practical method to protect your scalp is by wearing a hat or some other type of head covering to block the damaging rays of the sun. 

2. Wash Your Hair Regularly

Maintaining a clean scalp is a critical way to keep your scalp and hair healthy. Unwashed hair can lead to oil, dirt, and cell buildup, which blocks hair follicles. However, over-washing your hair can also lead to problems like dryness and flaking. To determine how frequently to wash your hair, you must figure out your hair type. (03)

Oily hair needs almost daily washing. Dry hair, however, may require twice or once a week washing, depending on the environment and your activity level. For example, people with dry hair who live in humid areas and exercise often may need to wash their hair more frequently than someone with the same hair type who lives in a dry, cool climate and doesn’t sweat. 

3. Choose Your Shampoo Wisely

It’s tempting to purchase whatever shampoo is on sale at the drugstore, but the ingredients in the shampoo matter. For instance, many shampoos have sulfates to create a thick “lather,” which leads people to believe their hair is getting “clean.” Sulfates create bubbles for lather, but bubbles aren’t what clean your skin, hair, or scalp. 

Unfortunately, the addition of sulfates can strip beneficial oils from the hair. People with sensitive skin may develop skin irritations from sulfate shampoos. Using sulfates can result in dull, dry, and brittle hair — which then lead to heart loss or thinning. 

You can boost hair growth, however, through quality ingredients. Some ingredients that may improve scalp health: (04)

  • Peppermint oil 
  • Tea tree oil
  • Vitamin E oil 
  • Rosemary leaf extract 

Finding quality ingredients will help you find the right shampoo to clean your hair without stripping it of healthy oils. 

4. Eat a Healthy Diet 

Your scalp needs specific nutrients. Oxidative stress, damage to the body caused by free radicals, can cause hair loss. A nutritious diet filled with fresh produce and low on processed foods can counter oxidative stress through antioxidant consumption. (05, 06)

Found in nuts, fruits, and vegetables, antioxidants fight oxidative stress. The following are some examples of antioxidant-rich food sources: (05, 06)

  • Kale
  • Strawberries
  • Artichokes
  • Spinach 
  • Blueberries 
  • Beans 
  • Red Cabbage

Another nutrient that may help to thicken hair and keep the scalp healthy are omega-3 fatty acids. Found in fatty fish, nuts, and plant oils, omega-3 strengthens cells throughout the scalp by stimulating circulation. Additionally, omega-3 reduces inflammation and makes the scalp less reactive to irritants. (07)

5. Treat Your Scalp to a Massage 

Massaging your scalp can result in thicker and healthier hair. According to a small 2016 study, men who received a daily 5-minute scalp massage for 24 weeks ended up with thicker hair at the end of the study compared to the beginning. Gentle scalp massage may promote hair growth in cases of thinning hair or hair loss, like alopecia. 

A scalp massage stimulates hair follicles and encourages blood flow through the area. Improved blood flow delivers nutrients to hair follicles and fortifies follicles. Regular scalp massages are easy to do yourself, using your fingertips or a massage tool. Be sure to use a gentle touch and avoid tugging your hair. (07)

Following the five tips above can help to keep your hair strong by giving you a healthy scalp. Your scalp is where your hair starts, so it should receive the same amount of attention you give your hair. 

What Unhealthy Scalp Looks Like 

Most people don’t inspect their scalp closely, but maybe they should! Spotting signs of an unhealthy scalp can alert you to possible sources of hair loss. By addressing problems before they grow, you can slow or prevent hair loss.

  • Itching: Itching on the scalp can be a sign of an unhealthy scalp condition. Itching often occurs because of skin dryness on the scalp caused by an irritant, like a harsh soap, shampoo, or hair product. If the itching involves large areas or remains for long periods, it’s best to see a doctor to rule out dermatitis or psoriasis. 
  • Redness: Red areas on your scalp may indicate inflammation. These inflamed areas can occur as a response to an irritant or as a response to an infection. Eczema, scalp ringworm (tinea capitis), and psoriasis are some common causes of redness on the scalp.
  • Pain or Burning Sensations: Pain or burning sensations are rarely a good sign, and your scalp is no exception. If your scalp feels like it’s on fire or is painful to touch, it’s likely a sign of infection that needs medical intervention.

Getting to the Root of It All

There’s more to hair than the strand of the hair itself. Keeping hair on your head starts from your hair’s foundation — your scalp. Furthermore, if you’re considering a hair loss treatment, a healthy scalp is a must. Topical treatments work best when your scalp is in good condition.

Happy Head individualizes every hair solution, ensuring the appropriate amount of medication for your situation. With a six-month money–back guarantee, we’re confident you’ll be satisfied with your results and if you have any questions your dermatologist can help. All you have to do is take our quick, 5-question quiz here to get started.  

Resources:

(01) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6369642/

(02) https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/science-hair

(03) https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/scalp

(04) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26278532/

(05) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5315033/

(06) http://Peppermint oil (04) Tea tree oil Vitamin E oil  Rosemary leaf extract (05)

(07) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4740347/#__ffn_sectitle