Ampoules for hair loss and hair growth

Cosmeceutical products - ampoules for hair loss and hair growth - when their contents are applied to the scalp and rubbed into the hair roots, they act directly on the hair follicles.

Due to their ease of use, these products are in great demand: according to the American Academy of Dermatology, from 16% of men aged 18-29 and up to 53% of men aged 40-49 suffer from hair loss problems. [ 1 ] How can you determine the best ampoules for hair loss, the most effective and fast-acting? After all, all manufacturers - despite the existing analogues - assure the unrivaled and even unique qualities of their products.

Random testing of medicinal cosmetics (which is not equated to clinical trials) is carried out on several dozen consumers, which does not guarantee their effectiveness for everyone. However, the EU has general rules, the Cosmetics Products Regulation, which regulate the stages of product development (including the choice of ingredients), and also determine the responsibility of manufacturers for their quality and safety.

But whether it is worth relying on the reviews that are rife on websites of the relevant subject, decide for yourself: most often they are part of advertising and are designed to take advantage of the ignorance and gullibility of buyers.

Indications for use

Among the substances that ampoules contain for hair loss and hair growth, there are both

Natural, plant-based, and synthetic; their various combinations are created in the laboratories of cosmetic companies, but most descriptions lack such characteristics as pharmacodynamics or contraindications for use - since they are not drugs.

Although indications for the use of all these agents include:

• slow hair growth on the head, thinning and/or increased hair loss (due to weakening of the hair follicles);
• androgenic alopecia associated with the aggressive effect of dihydrotestosterone on the receptors of androgen-dependent hair follicles in the frontal-parietal zone of the scalp);
• nesting or focal alopecia; circular alopecia (Alopecia areata);
• seasonal and stress-related hair loss or thinning of hair of hormonal origin (during menopause, with polycystic ovaries, thyroid disease) or during pregnancy (due to biotin deficiency, which occurs due to its increased consumption in the process of rapid cell division of the developing fetus);
• hair loss after chemotherapy.

However, it should be borne in mind that these agents are not effective in cases of hair loss of diencephalic-infectious or autoimmune etiology, as well as hair loss associated with a violation of the sympathetic innervation of the scalp.

By the way, such a form of release as ampoules makes it possible to increase the concentration of solutions and minimize the addition of preservatives to them (which certainly improves their skin diffusion) and ensures an accurate single dose. Despite the differences in the composition of the ampoules, it is necessary to follow the recommended duration of their use, method of application and doses (explained in the attached instructions). In particular, the contents of one ampoule are applied directly to the scalp and evenly distributed by massaging it at the hair roots.

Names of ampoules for hair loss, top products with aminexil

We will not just list the names of ampoules for hair loss, the top - that is, the very top in their numerous lists, but we will try to provide the full composition of the liquids contained in them and the principle of action of individual substances. It is unlikely that this will be a rating, but information about the components will help make a choice in favor of the most effective means.

What do the ampoules contain for hair loss and hair growth?

Let's start with aminexil (2,4 diaminopyrimidine oxide), which contains as its main active ingredient:

• Dercos ampoules – Dercos Aminexil Pro and Dercos Aminexil Clinical – from the French company Vichy (Vichy Laboratories);
• ampoules for hair loss Loreal aminexil – Aminexil Advanced L`Oreal laboratories:
• Kerastase (Kerastase Specifique Aminexil Force R) – ampoules against hair loss for men and women (trade mark L`Oreal);
• Revivexil ampoules (Anti Hair Loss Treatment Concentrate), Revlon Anti Hair Loss, Indian Matrix ampoules (MATRIX Biolage ScalpSYNC), etc.

Aminexil, which has an international patent but is not yet approved by the FDA (USA), is a vasodilator that activates blood circulation in the hair follicles and thereby restores their viability, preventing excessive collagen formation around them (perifollicular fibrosis). However, aminexil can cause side effects in the form of hyperemia, peeling and itching of the skin at the site of application, similar to allergic dermatitis. [ 2 ]

Also in the Dercos (Vichy) ampoules there are: patented molecules SP94 (which penetrate into the hair roots and transform into ceramides – the main lipoproteins of hair); [ 3 ] amino acid arginine (by stimulating the potassium channels of cells it dilates the blood vessels of the skin, promoting better tissue trophism). And vitamins for hair loss in Vichy ampoules (Dercos Aminexil Pro) that enhance nutrition of hair follicles are represented by niacin (vitamin B3) and pyridoxine (vitamin B6).

If pyridoxine helps prevent dandruff, then nicotinic acid in ampoules against hair loss (synonyms - niacin, vitamin B3, PP, nicotinamide, niacinamide) - dilates blood vessels, that is, allows you to "feed" the hair follicles. [ 4 ] In addition, as trichologists suggest, niacin reduces the accumulation of cholesterol in the sebocytes of the scalp, which is transformed into the enzyme 5α-reductase, directly associated with an increase in dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and hair loss in men and women. For more information, see - Androgenetic alopecia

In addition to aminexil, the anti-hair loss ampoules L'Oreal Aminexil - Aminexil Advanced L'Oreal - contain a complex of amino acids - copper-tripeptide-1, similar to the GHK-Cu complex contained in biological fluids of the body. This complex helps stimulate hair growth by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT. [ 5 ]

Kerastase Specifique Aminexil Force R ampoules contain two more important ingredients. Firstly, it is rhamnose – a natural deoxy sugar that stimulates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which in turn increases the vascularization of hair follicles and improves their nutrition. [ 6 ]

Secondly, it is madecasic (asiatic) acid, which contains phytosterols, from Centella asiatica, a plant with antioxidant and lipolytic properties known from Ayurveda.

Instead of aminexil, the Vichy Dercos Neogenic ampoules and Kerastase Densifique ampoules (L`Oreal) contain a new patented substance, stemoxydine, which awakens dormant CD34+ stem cells at the skin surface, which leads to an increase in the number and density of hair follicles. [ 7 ]

Ampoules with placenta for hair loss

Placenta ampoules for hair loss Placent Formula (Italy), Placentrix (Farmagan, Italy), Dikson Polipant ampoules (Dixon), as well as their analogues – Placenta Silhouette Plus Revitalizer (Schwarzkopf, Henkel Group, Germany), Placenta PLACO (Great Britain), etc. – contain a biostimulating extract of animal placenta proteins (including amino acids, hormones and growth factors). [ 8 ]

Nutrition and oxygenation of hair follicles can be improved by the formation of additional capillaries in the skin and the subsequent blood flow. But the result will be visible if these products are used daily and for a long enough time.

Therefore, experts warn that their use during pregnancy is contraindicated due to the risk of developing uterine or mammary gland tumors, and their use in children is unacceptable, since the hormones they contain can cause premature sexual development.

In the composition of the Placentrix classic intensive lotion (Farmagan, Italy), the action of the placenta is supplemented by niacin, tocopherol (vitamin E, which normalizes blood circulation and strengthens hair roots), [ 9 ] stimulating plant extracts, as well as zinc, which is a cofactor of many enzymes that ensure biochemical processes in the dermis and hair follicles.

Dikson Polipant ampoules also contain emulsions of castor oil and wheat germ oil; nettle and red pepper extracts; niacin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), inositol (vitamin B8).

Anti-hair loss ampoules containing saw palmetto extract

The fruits of the saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), which grows in the southeastern United States and is also known as Sabal serrulata, contain phytosterols – campesterol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, which reduce sebum production and 5α-reductase activity (see previous section), i.e. they are natural anti-androgens. They are also rich in unsaturated fatty acids. [ 10 ]

The extract of the fruits of this palm tree is included in the concentrate of Italian ampoules against hair loss Rinfoltil, BioKap (Naturalforme, France), Phytolium 4 Concentrate (Phyto, France), it is also contained in ampoules against hair loss for men Kemon Actyva P Factor System Uomo (Italy).

In addition, Kemon Actyva ampoules contain azelaic acid (also inhibits 5α-reductase, has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect); [ 11 ] proanthocyanidins of red grape seeds (with antioxidant properties); [ 12 ], [ 13 ] extracts of seaweed [ 14 ] and Chinese camellia (i.e. green tea, rich in catechins and ellagic acid, which exhibits phytoestrogen properties); [ 15 ], [ 16 ] vitamins E and B6; zinc and copper chelates.

And in Rinfoltil ampoules there are: caffeine (to stimulate hair growth); [ 17 ] extracts of ginseng roots (increasing blood supply to follicles), [ 18 ] tea leaves and ginkgo biloba (to reduce oxidative stress of cells) [ 19 ], [ 20 ] and nasturtium leaves (rich in selenium). [ 21 ]

Anti-hair loss ampoules from Italian manufacturers

The prevalence of androgenetic alopecia in men is 67.1%, in women - 23.9%. The prevalence and severity of androgenetic alopecia correlates with age in both sexes. [ 22 ] Up to 13% of premenopausal women have some signs of androgenetic alopecia. However, the incidence of androgenetic alopecia in women after menopause increases significantly, and, according to one author, it can affect 75% of women over 65 years of age. Among Italians, the prevalence of androgenetic alopecia is estimated by experts at 12.4% of the total population (higher only in Germany - 12.8%); for comparison in other countries: the USA - 11.8%; Great Britain and Sweden - 11.7% each; Canada - 11.5%; Spain - 11%; Australia - 10.3%.

So Italy produces ampoules for hair loss in large quantities and of various compositions.

Keranove ampoules slow down hair loss, stimulate intra-tissue energy metabolism and accelerate the telogen phase thanks to 2-aminopentanedione (glutamic) acid, which provides cells with sulfur, activating hair growth. [ 23 ] The composition also includes the Trichodyn complex, which includes isoflavones, terpenoids and tannins from the extract of the heartwood of the marsupial pterocarpus (Pterocarpus marsupium) - an East Asian tree of the legume family. The product is used no more than twice a week.

Ampoules for hair loss and growth Collistar Anti Hair Loss Revitalizing Vials contain the Trichogen VEG complex, which stimulates the functions of hair follicles and consists of extracts of ginseng and burdock roots, amino acids (arginine, tyrosine, ornithine), soy protein, biotin (vitamin B7 or H, which promotes the regeneration and differentiation of epidermal cells), nicotinamide, pantothenic acid and zinc. [ 24 ]

The lotion contained in the Selective ampoules (Stimulate Intense lotion SELECTIVE) by Selective Professional (Tricobiotos SpA) restores hair growth. As indicated in the description, the lotion contains special complexes: stimulating ONcare StimulFLUX and protective DefenseFLUX with vitamins and plant extracts. Among their main components are: flavonoid apigenin from lemon extract (to improve microcirculation), [ 25 ] fatty oleic acid from the extract of the roots of the Hemsley amabilis plant of the pumpkin family (inactivates the enzyme 5α-reductase), [ 26 ] amino acids (glycine, histidine, lysine) and biotin.

Also under this brand are produced ampoules against hair loss for men Powerizer lotion, the stimulating effect of which is provided by caffeine, menthol, turmeric, extract from guarana fruits (Paullinia cupana), extracts of ginger roots and angelica (Angelica archangelica). It is recommended to conduct courses of treatment twice a year, method of application and dosage: three times a week apply the contents of one ampoule to the skin - for three months.

Extracts of ginger and calamus roots, as well as eucalyptus oil, menthol, piperine, sodium hyaluronate, glutamine and a set of vitamins are included in the solution contained in the OPTIMA Hair Loss Treatment ampoules.

Vitamins C, E, B1, B5, B6, niacin, biotin, cypress and saphora essential oils, as well as camphor and menthol contain Constant ampoules for hair loss (Constant Delight).

Kaaral Lotion K05 or K05 ampoules improve blood supply and trophism of hair follicles due to extracts of mountain arnica, stinging nettle, tea tree essential oil and capsaicin of hot pepper. [ 27 ]

Ampoules for hair growth

Strengthen hair roots with Ducray ampoules - Ducray Anastim lotion concentrate (Ducray laboratories, France), which contains biotin, nicotinic acid, vitamin E; enzyme activity regulating complex GP4G (diguanosine-tetraphosphate), as well as plankton extract (Artemia extract) and butcher's broom root (Ruscus aculeatus), rich in plant steroids.

Hair Loss Therapy 1 month ampoule concentrate by Yves Rocher reduces sebum production and stimulates microcirculation of the scalp due to the presence of extracts of white lupine (a legume with a low content of isoflavones) [ 28 ] and the Ayurvedic medicinal herb Swertia chirayita of the Gentian family.

Swertia extract is also used in the ProYou Anti Hair Loss Treatment ampoules (Revlon Professional). In addition, this product contains rosemary extract (which reflexively dilates skin capillaries) [ 29 ] and hop cone (fruit) extract, a source of phytoestrogen. [ 30 ]

Hop cone extract in combination with pantothenic acid are the active ingredients of the Kapous Professional lotion, which is contained in the Kapous ampoules (made in the Russian Federation).

Salerm Biokera Intensive Specific Hair Loss Lotion ampoules (Salerm, Spain) promote hair growth due to the local action of terpene compounds, [ 31 ] fatty acids and phytosteroids from extracts of rosemary, thyme, bergamot and African plum (Pygeum africanum).

Joc ampoules (JOC Energizing Treatment), Ariva Skin Care (USA) – strengthen hair follicle papillae and counteract their age-related atrophy. Among the active ingredients, the manufacturer names a vitamin complex, cinnamon, [ 32 ] ginger extract and sulfur-containing amino acids, including cysteine [ 33 ] (which makes up a third of hair proteins) and methionine. [ 34 ] It has been proven that cysteine helps stimulate hair growth, and methionine increases the intensity of blood supply to the scalp and hair follicles.

Stimulate microcirculation in the scalp and amino acid tyrosine, [ 35 ] which is contained in the solution of Phyto ampoules or PhytoCyane Revitalizing ampoules for hair loss (France). Also in the list of active components of this product are extracts of ginkgo biloba and viburnum bark, polyphenolic compounds of red grapes (procyanidins), pantothenic acid and pyridoxine. [ 36 ]

Ginkgo biloba extract, methionine and biotin are included in the ampoules of Priorin Bayer (Germany).

Anti-hair loss ampoules from Faberlic (Faberlic JSC, Russia) contain a concentrate consisting of the Procapil complex (biotinyl-GHK + citrus flavonoid apigenin + oleanolic acid from the roots of Chinese hogweed Heracleum hemsleyanum diels). The solution also contains pantothenic acid, soy lecithin [ 37 ] and essential oil of Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba).

Phytocomplex in ampoules produced in the Russian Federation "Agafia's First Aid Kit" - ampoules of Grandma Agafia - is represented by oil from blackcurrant seeds, wheat germ and rose hips; oil extracts of nettle and milk thistle seeds (Silybum marianum); rosemary essential oil and vitamins A, E and F.

Storage conditions and shelf life

The optimal conditions for storing ampoules against hair loss and for hair growth are a place away from heat and light sources, temperature – from +15 to +25°С.

On the packaging of each product, manufacturers indicate the expiration date of the ampoules. An opened ampoule cannot be stored: its contents are used as a single dose.