Thinning Hair Shampoo: Shampoo for hair that’s lost its vitality

Thinning Hair Shampoo is a fortifying shampoo created by Dr Peter Proctor, one of the leading experts in hair care. It’s particularly for damaged hair showing signs of a lack of vigour, strength and shine.

The origins of Thinning Hair Shampoo: a hair loss professional

With two PhDs in medicine and pharmacology from the University of Texas, Dr Peter Proctor is a renowned US pharmacologist, toxicologist, biophysician and doctor whose work has truly made a mark on the scientific world. Researching fields as vast as neuropsychiatry and organic electronics, he is also very interested in the problem of hair loss.

While conducting pioneering research into the effects on the body of oxidative stress, he discovered the unexpected potential of spin traps and spin labels, including those based on nitrone and nitroxide. He then developed various hair treatments that before long were universally acclaimed by hair professionals. Creator of multiple patented, anti-hair loss treatments, his products are today the envy of major pharmaceutical laboratories.

Thinning Hair Shampoo: a cutting-edge aid to achieving radiant hair

In order to restore healthy, luminous hair you need a treatment that tackles the root of the problem. Developed by Dr Proctor himself, Thinning Hair Shampoo capitalises on the agents identified by research as the most effective for hair:

• pyridine-N-oxide 2-carboxylic acid: better known as NANO, this is widely referred to as ‘natural minoxidil’ by hair experts. Fully restoring strength to hair, this advanced anti-hair loss compound is trademarked by Dr Proctor (1) ;
• arginine: present in nuts, this semi-essential amino acid plays a role in synthesising nitric oxide (NO), a molecule involved in small blood vessel dilation. It’s now known that a scalp with a good blood and nutrient supply is vital for ensuring strong, shiny hair (2) ;
• superoxide dismutase: produced naturally by the cells of living organisms, this enzyme, first identified in humans by scientists Joe McCord and Irwin Fridovich, continues to be the subject of scientific research, particularly in the field of cellular ageing. Mouse studies appear to confirm its effect on greying of the hair (3).

We recommend washing your hair with this revitalising shampoo 3 times a week.

What causes hair loss?

Hair renewal follows a theoretically well-determined cycle of production. Each hair follicle houses a hair shaft which grows for 2-7 years (the anagen phase). Growth then stops (the catagen phase), quickly followed by the death of the hair which then falls out (the telogen phase). It’s therefore completely natural to lose approximately 100 hairs a day. Each follicle is then able to start a new phase of growth.

Unfortunately sometimes, this well-oiled machine becomes prematurely exhausted. The hair appears weaker and more brittle. Over time, the hair on the top of the scalp gradually thins - this is what we refer to as alopecia or going bald. Though more common and extensive in men, it can sometimes affect women when the ‘right’ hormonal conditions are present (such as the menopause).

The origins of hair loss remain poorly understood because the hair cycle is governed by many factors. However, heredity appears to be a key factor: hereditary-pattern baldness is common, sometimes skipping one or more generations. In men, a predisposing gene has been identified on the X chromosome passed on by the mother. (4)

The hormonal element also plays its part. In some cases, the receptors on the hair follicle surface are unusually sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a testosterone derivative. This results in the hair getting progressively thinner and hyperactivity of its production cycle which precipitates hair loss. (5)

Note: a severe physical or psychological shock can result in sudden hair loss (telogen effluvium). This is the consequence of a temporary dysfunction in the hair cycle, which usually normalises within two to four months.

What natural ways are there of fighting hair loss?

If you’re keen to prevent hair loss, try adopting these simple, everyday tips:

• avoid harsh styling devices. Using very hot hairdryers, brushes, hair straighteners or curling tongs damages and weakens the hair shaft. Instead, dry your hair at a slightly cooler temperature by holding the hairdryer 15cm away from your scalp (6) ;
• use a soft brush and the right brushing technique. Don’t tug at your hair when brushing but instead hold each strand between your fingers to avoid pulling at the roots. Take care too with clips and elastic bands when styling your hair as they put excess pressure on hair follicles;
• massage your scalp when you shampoo your hair. By using circular movements with your fingertips, you’ll be activating the microcirculation in the scalp and naturally stimulating hair regrowth. (7) ;
• eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants to maintain the vitality of your hair (8).

Other supplements to try to help achieve beautiful hair

If you want to go a step further with your hair care, try these targeted hair supplements :

• an advanced formulation from Dr Proctor, Thinning Hair Treatment is applied to the worst-affected areas which need extra help;
• A trace-element essential for health, zinc helps to maintain healthy hair (9). Supplementing with Zinc Orotate, a form of zinc with excellent bioavailability, can provide invaluable support.

1. Rajput RJ. Controversy: is there a role for adjuvants in the management of male pattern hair loss?. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2010;3(2):82-86. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.69016
2. Rossi A, Magri F, DI Fraia M, Caro G, Fortuna MC, Piacentini M, Celleno L. A new combination of molecules for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium: a double-blind randomized, monocentric, placebo-controlled study. Ital J Dermatol Venerol. 2022 Feb;157(1):78-83. doi: 10.23736/S2784-8671.21.06915-7. Epub 2021 Apr 21. PMID: 33878855.
3. Emerit I, Filipe P, Freitas J, Vassy J. Protective effect of superoxide dismutase against hair graying in a mouse model. Photochem Photobiol. 2004 Nov-Dec;80(3):579-82. doi: 10.1562/0031-8655(2004)080<0579:PEOSDA>2.0.CO;2. PMID: 15623346.
4. Lolli F, Pallotti F, Rossi A, Fortuna MC, Caro G, Lenzi A, Sansone A, Lombardo F. Androgenetic alopecia: a review. Endocrine. 2017 Jul;57(1):9-17. doi: 10.1007/s12020-017-1280-y. Epub 2017 Mar 28. PMID: 28349362.
5. Ustuner ET. Cause of androgenic alopecia: crux of the matter. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2013;1(7):e64. Published 2013 Nov 7. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000000005
6. Lee Y, Kim YD, Hyun HJ, Pi LQ, Jin X, Lee WS. Hair shaft damage from heat and drying time of hair dryer. Ann Dermatol. 2011;23(4):455-462. doi:10.5021/ad.2011.23.4.455
7. Koyama T, Kobayashi K, Hama T, Murakami K, Ogawa R. Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue. Eplasty. 2016;16:e8. Published 2016 Jan 25.
8. Guo EL, Katta R. Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2017;7(1):1-10. Published 2017 Jan 31. doi:10.5826/dpc.0701a01
9. Kil MS, Kim CW, Kim SS. Analysis of serum zinc and copper concentrations in hair loss. Ann Dermatol. 2013;25(4):405-409. doi:10.5021/ad.2013.25.4.405