Are you looking for a new shampoo that can help with hair loss? If so, you may have come across Actiiv Hair Science shampoo. This shampoo claims to be able to fight hair loss by containing DHT-fighting ingredients. It is also vegan and cruelty-free. But is it worth investing in?
In this article, you’ll learn more about Actiiv hair loss shampoo and its unique ingredients that promote hair growth. I’ll also discuss its pros and cons and give you my final thoughts if it’s worth your money.
Best ACTiiV Hair Science Shampoo for Hair Loss
DHT and Hair Loss
Androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern hair loss, is the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women. For men, the condition is called male pattern baldness, and its effects are more noticeable and severe.
So, what exactly is male pattern baldness, and how does it cause hair loss?
Male pattern baldness is hereditary. If your father had it, you might too. Male pattern baldness is a condition that causes men to lose hair as they age. Hair loss caused by this condition follows a distinct pattern, hence, the name. The pattern progresses as follows.
First, the hairline recedes, starting from the temples. Then a bald patch starts forming at the top of the head. Hair loss in these areas will continue until both areas meet, leaving the front and top entirely devoid of hair.
This type of hair loss usually arises from a person’s sensitivity to a hormone produced by the body called dihydrotestosterone. Dihydrotestosterone or DHT, helps maintain the reproductive system in male adults. However, as important as DHT is, it also causes men to lose hair.
DHT is produced in many parts of the body, such as in the prostate, skin, and hair follicles. But excess DHT produced in the scalp causes irritation resulting to follicle shrinkage and hair loss.
Today treatments for male pattern baldness include ingredients that limit the production of DHT. But medications such as DHT blockers work by targeting the overall production of DHT in the body. Thus, DHT supplements carry risks relating to male reproductive health.
For this reason, topical DHT hair loss treatments are much preferred by some. And this is where Actiiv Hair Science Shampoo comes in.
What is Atiiv?
The Actiiv Hair Science is a hair care brand founded by microbiologist Jared Reynolds. They have two main hair loss product lines, the Actiiv Recover and Actiiv Renew. These hair care lines combine the latest hair science and the power of nature to create the best hair products.
Below let’s discuss the hair loss benefits of the Actiiv Recover Line.
ACTiiv Hair Science Recover Line
ACTiiV’s Recover Line is a topical hair loss treatment system in a shampoo and conditioner form. ACTiiV Shampoo and Conditioner uses many natural and plant-based compounds – known to minimize the effects of male pattern baldness.
It uses a patented green tea delivery system to open the scalp and access the follicles. Once the active ingredients have reached the follicles, it cleanses the latter of DHT, promoting new hair regrowth.
Actiiv Thickening Cleansing Treatment
The Actiiv Shampoo is also called a cleansing treatment, and it offers two options, one for men and women. Both have the same ingredients but different types of fragrances.
ACTiiV Shampoo Ingredients
ACTiiV Shampoo uses natural and synthetic ingredients and solutions that contribute to hair and scalp health while combating hair loss.
Panthenol:
Panthenol is a compound used in hair products due to its ability to improve hair’s shine, softness, and strength. One study has found that Panthenol could help increase the diameter of thinning hair strands.
Aloe Vera:
Everybody has surely heard about aloe vera’s healing properties. Aloe vera has been a long-time treatment for burns, but it can also work wonders for your hair and scalp.
Aloe vera cleanses hair quite well because it is mild and gentle, unlike other chemicals. In addition, aloe vera contains anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants that help prevent further inflammation on the scalp. It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals which can contribute to healthier hair growth.
Bacopa Monniera Leaf Extract:
Leaf extract from the Bacopa Monniera has been used in ancient Indian Ayurvedic herbal medicine. A recent study has shown that it contains alkaloids that could activate hair growth proteins.
Trifolium Pratense (Red Clover) Flower Extract:
This is another main ingredient in ACTiiV Shampoo that has shown promising results for hair growth and growth. Although more research is needed to back up its potential hair health benefits, it’s been used in many proprietary hair loss treatments like Capixyl™.
Serenoa Serrulata (Saw Palmetto) Fruit Extract:
A recent study has shown that Saw Palmetto extract can be used to treat an enlarged prostate. This fact classifies it as a possible DHT blocker that is used in prostate treatments. And as established above, DHT blockers can help reduce the effects of male pattern baldness.
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract:
Like aloe vera, lavender is another herbal remedy with a long history. It makes a good calming tea and has antimicrobial properties beneficial for the scalp. The lavender extract also calms skin inflammation, and according to a 2016 study, lavender oil can also stimulate hair regrowth.
Camelia Sinensis (Tea) Leaf Extract:
ACTiiV Shampoo uses this ingredient to deliver the other active ingredients deep into the scalp and into the hair follicle, where they can do their work. Aside from this, tea leaf extract contains polyphenols that support healthier hair growth.
Full List of Actiiv’s Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Glycerin, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Isostearamidopropyl Morpholin Lactate, Panthenol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Bacopa Monniera Leaf Extract, Camelia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract, Serenoa Surrulata Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Germ Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Polyquaternium-7, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Aspartic Acid, Arginine, PCA, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Proline, Threonine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Glycol Dystearate, PEG-150 Distearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Amodimethicone, Laureth-4, Trideceth-12, Cocamide MEA, PEG/PPG-4/12 Dimethicone, Cetrimonium Chloride, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Hippophae Rhamnoides, Methylisothiazolinone.
How Does Actiiv Recover Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner Work?
The active ingredients in the Actiiv Recover Line help heal the inflamed follicle by reducing DHT formation. Consistent use of shampoo and conditioner can further prevent the formation of DHT on the scalp.
When the hair follicles are free from DHT, the healthy follicles can then produce healthier and stronger hair strands.
How to Use Actiiv Shampoo and Conditioner
- Wet hair with warm water.
- Apply an ample amount of the ACTiiV Recover Shampoo Treatment, rubbing into hair and scalp.
- Let sit in hair for 5 minutes for optimal results.
- Wash out the Shampoo Thickening Treatment.
- Follow with the ACTiiV Recover Unisex Conditioner.
Where to Buy Actiiv Shampoo and Conditioner
ACTIIV Recover Thickening Cleansing Hair Loss Shampoo Treatment for Men can be purchased from Amazon for around $65 a bottle. I highly recommend that you consider purchasing the ACTiiV Recover Conditioner as well.
Pros and Cons
Pros of the Actiiv Shampoo and Conditioner:
1. Contains clinically proven DHT-fighting ingredients
ACTiiV Hair Growth shampoo and conditioner’s anti-hair loss system contains natural ingredients that have been proven effective in blocking DHT formation. In addition, the formula only blocks DHT production only on the scalp while leaving other DHT-producing organs in your body, such as the prostate, untouched.
2. Uses Natural ingredients & Vegan formulated
ACTiiV offers a formulation that is taken from natural ingredients. ACTiiV shampoo and conditioner is also vegan formulated and exists as an option for those who are conscious of maintaining a vegan lifestyle.
3. Non-daily use
You won’t have to use it every day. Hence, you would consume the shampoo and conditioner at a much slower rate. This could be good since the 2-step ACTiiV shampoo and conditioner system is a bit on the hefty side, price-wise.
4. 2-step, 5-minute process
It’s quick, fast, and easy. You won’t have to fuss too much to bet on the full benefits of the product.
5. SLS-Free
This is an important one and definitely what caught our eyes when researching this product. Since SLS is present in almost every commercial brand of hair cleansing products, customers who are susceptible to scalp irritation caused by SLS are rather limited in their choices when it comes to hair loss remedies. ACTiiV offers them a product that is SLS-free and available to them.
6. Alcohol-Free Salon Professional Results
Because the ACTiiV shampoo and conditioner system is alcohol-free, it won’t strip your hair and scalp of its natural oils, leaving it dry and susceptible to irritation.
Cons of the Actiiv Shampoo and Conditioner:
It is quite a pricey product. The shampoo costs around $70 for a 6 Fl Oz (177 mL) bottle, which is around three-quarters of a cup. Aside from the shampoo, a conditioner is also required to get the full benefits of the product. The conditioner is around $30 for a 5 Fl Oz bottle. Having to use both just once every other day does help with the cost bit.
Actiiv Shampoo Side Effects:
ACTiiV Shampoo is essentially a decoction of multiple herbal hair loss remedies. Thus, it is important for possible users to check if they are allergic to any of the listed ingredients.
Before using it on your hair, it might be wise to test it out on a small area or your arm to see if you might have an adverse reaction to it.
When in doubt, it is always good to ask your doctor if ACTiiV Shampoo is safe for you.
Other Actiiv Hair Products
Actiiv Renew Line
Actiiv Hair Science has another product line that’s created to heal damaged hair and promote hair growth as well. This product is best for people with chemically and color-treated and damaged hair.
Actiiv Healing Shampoo – Cleansing Hair Treatment
This Actiiv Healing Cleansing Treatment is best for people who want to grow hair and repair hair damage as well. Just like the Recover line products, it uses different plant extracts to nourish hair. But I find that the ingredients of this Healing Treatment Shampoo are almost the same as the Recover shampoo, but it contains silicone-based ingredients that help soften hair.
Unlike the Recover shampoo, the Healing Treatments is not for daily use. You can use it every other day or three times a week.
Actiiv Healing Conditioner
You can amplify the benefits of the Healing Shampoo by using the Healing Conditioner. There are fewer plant extracts compared to the Actiiv shampoos, and there are more synthetic compounds that moisturize your hair and leave it soft and manageable. I recommend that you use this product after using the healing treatment.
FAQs about Actiiv Thickening Shampoo
Does Actiiv Shampoo Work?
Based on the user reviews and before and after photos of verified users, I can say that Actiiv Shampoo works on most people. The majority of Amazon users left high ratings and positive feedback on its product page. If you love alternative ways to heal hair loss, I recommend that you try this product in addition to stress management techniques and proper nutrition.
Does Actiiv Regrow Hair?
The main action of the Actiiv ingredients is to prevent the formation of DHT, which is the leading cause of hair loss. If this is your main issue, Actiiv can definitely help regrow your hair.
Actiiv Shampoo vs. Nioxin: Which is Better?
Actiiv and Nioxin are both effective solutions for hair loss for most people. Nioxin uses Minoxidil, an FDA-approved medication that has been proven to block the formation of DHT. But if you want to avoid Minoxidil because of its side effects, you might want to try the Actiiv Shampoo instead.
Actiiv vs. Rogaine: Which is Better?
Just like Nioxin, Rogaine uses Minoxidil as an active ingredient. Rogaine is a more potent and clinically proven hair loss solution, but it has a lot of side effects. If you want to avoid these, the Actiiv shampoo is a much better alternative for you.
Actiiv Shampoo for Hair Growth: Final Verdict
The Actiiv Hair Loss shampoo is a premium formula that contains DHT-fighting ingredients. It’s a great alternative if you have terrible reactions to minoxidil and if you have an extra budget. While the shampoo may not work for anyone, there’s no denying that it’s a good shampoo. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and SLS-free.
That being said, if you’re looking for a gentle hair growth shampoo that won’t produce worrisome side effects, Actiiv Recover Shampoo and Conditioner is definitely worth trying. And even if it doesn’t work miracles, your scalp will definitely thank you.
