Nioxin Shampoo Review

About Nioxin Shampoo

Nioxin is a brand that specializes in creating personalized remedies for alopecia and hair thinning. They formulate solutions for men, women, and even teenagers who are tired of pulling out their troublesome strands and scratching itchy scalps.

Nioxin boasts an impressive following of 49.8K on Instagram and recently won the Stylist Choice Award for the 16th consecutive year for their trailblazing hair care products.Nioxin has also attracted attention from many media outlets, including Hello! magazine, Allure, Forbes, and Bustle.

Looking to infuse some life back into your hair? This Nioxin shampoo review will take a closer look at the brand, its products, customer ratings, promotions, and more to help you decide if their formulas are worth the buy.

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Overview of Nioxin

Eva Graham came across an unexpected problem. After losing most of her hair during pregnancy, she was having no luck with finding any viable solutions to restore the remaining locks to their former glory.

By attending a range of dermatologist appointments, medical conventions, and even listening to select radio podcasts, Graham soon realized that “the scalp is simply an extension of the face: it needs gentle ingredients to breathe and function correctly.”

Hair loss is a frequent problem with psychosocial implications. According to the American Hair Loss Association^[1], two-thirds of men will experience hair loss by the age of 35. On the other hand, a study^[2] conducted in Australia found that 32% of women have some grade of alopecia. The condition’s prevalence increases with age and the emotional impact on those who suffer from it is undeniable.

A survey^[3] recently conducted in Nepal among patients with alopecia areata (a type of hair loss) showed that 67% of respondents experienced symptoms of depression while 73% had anxiety. Fortunately, there are several treatment options to prevent or reduce hair loss and increase hair growth. While hair care products help support the treatment a consultation with a dermatologist is recommended for a correct diagnosis and therapeutic plan.

Speaking of treatment options… With a simple idea and only $500 in seed money, Graham began experimenting with botanicals and herbs found at home. Her business quickly grew with the help of an expansive network of biologists, chemists, pharmacologists, and dressers.

So, in 1987, Nioxin’s first products arrived at salons, accompanied by the words “The Science of Living Hair.”

Nioxin was the first to produce like-type cleansers, exfoliants, and anti-aging ingredients within their formulas.

With its head office in California, the brand is now available in several countries and continues to be on top of the latest technology in hair loss and thinning treatments. 

“Nioxin began with one woman’s wish to make people feel good about themselves. Inspired by her own experience, Eva Graham made it her life’s mission to help men and women keep their hair,” via a statement made by Nioxin.com. 

Before we get into this Nioxin shampoo review, let’s go over some initial highlights:

Highlights

• A variety of products meant to reduce hair loss and thinning, for both men and women 
• The brand’s formulas are made using natural botanicals and herbs to help strengthen the hair.
• All products are free of parabens, sulfates, and colorants 
• Systems are separated according to extent of hair loss and type (also accommodates bleached or colored hair) 
• Online hair consultation for customers to use on the brand’s website 
• The brand provides a plethora of resources and helpful guides related to alopecia and hair health online 
• Positive customer reviews

Confidence has a lot to do with physical appearance. While it may seem superficial at first, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to take care of yourself—especially when it comes to basic skincare and grooming.

Maintaining your hair is another great example, as voluminous, shiny locks can do wonders for your mood and overall ego. But for those who suffer from thinning and gradual loss, don’t throw in the towel just yet.

Nioxin has a variety of effective formulas invented for people suffering from alopecia. Offered for customers who have natural, colored, or bleached hair, their products are split into two categories: light thinning and progressed thinning.

Moving forward in this Nioxin shampoo review, I’ll introduce you to a selection of their bestselling items that you may want to check out for yourself.

Nioxin Hair Products Review

Shampoos, conditioners, and leave-ins are considered the holy trinity of hair care products. It’s a good thing to know that Nioxin carries all three within their collection that target hair loss.

Each formula targets specific hair needs and concerns. This Nioxin shampoo review will take a look at some of their most popular items down below.

For the purposes of this article, we will only be providing sources that customers can access when purchasing online.

Nioxin System 1

Extensions and wigs can be seen as temporary solutions for thinning hair. For a more permanent alternative, you might want to look into Nioxin’s System 1 set.

Containing one bottle each of shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in treatment, this kit is made for those with natural hair and suffer from light thinning. 

System 1 contains ingredients such as Salicylic acid, Peppermint oil, and Camellia sinensis Leaf Extract (green tea),  Salicylic acid^[4] is a keratolytic agent that improves dandruff. In animal studies^[5], peppermint oil increased hair growth, dermal thickness, and hair follicle number. A preclinical study^[6] evaluating the effects of green tea on hair loss found that those animals exposed to topical green tea experienced greater hair growth than those exposed to 2.5% minoxidil.

As a thickening formula, I’ve found that this 3 step regimen is king at reducing breakage and fallout. The shampoo cleanses your scalp of dirt, sebum, and environmental pollutants, while the conditioner is built to provide resilience and hydration from root to tip. 

Offered at Amazon and Ulta Beauty, this Nioxin scalp treatment kit costs $30 in total. 

Nioxin System 2

Hair clogged combs, shedding on pillows, and a more visible scalp; all effects of alopecia. While it may seem terrifying at first, I’ve discovered there are ways to actually prevent it from happening. 

This System 2 collection features a shampoo for purifying, a conditioner for improving elasticity, and a leave-in treatment for additional nourishment. This set is most compatible with natural hair with progressed thinning. The formula contains ingredients such as peppermint oil, vitamins, botanicals, SPF 15 sunscreen, cysteine, and white tea extract. A recent review^[7] describes how hair suffers photodamage when exposed to UV rays, such as degradation of hair proteins and discoloration. The use of sunscreen protects the hair cuticle and prevents photodamage.

If you aren’t sure if the Nioxin 2 kit is right for you, the brand offers a guide for customers to use on their website. Ready to give this collection a try? You can purchase the System 2 set at two different price points:

• Amazon: $30 
• Ulta Beauty: $45 

Nioxin System 3

Nothing is more exciting than changing the color of your hair. Pink pastels? Adorable. How about deep emerald green? You’re practically emanating mermaid vibes. While it’s fun to wear “multiple hats”, your roots and ends.

Over bleaching and styling can often lead to gradual hair loss, breakage, and thinning. If you suffer from all 3 symptoms, it may be time to use the System 3 set from Nioxin. It’s specially formulated for color-treated hair with light thinning. This formula has many components like antioxidants, botanicals, vitamins, cystine, white tea extract, and peppermint oil.

This Nioxin 3-step treatment helps to impart some strength and elasticity to result in a shiny, voluminous body. Thickening even the weakest of strands, the System 3 set is offered at:

• Amazon: $30 
• Ulta Beauty: $45

Nioxin System 4

Hands up if you’re guilty of over-dyeing, bleaching, and styling your hair. I get it, it can be an absolute thrill changing the ‘do once in a while—I simply just don’t feel myself without a few highlights. But if you find your locks thinning over time, consider it as a warning sign. 

In order to give your roots and ends a fighting chance, the System 4 set introduces resilience and shine throughout its formula containing vitamins, botanicals, SPF 15 sunscreen, cystine, white tea extract, humectants, and peppermint oil.

For colored treated hair with progressed thinning, this 3-step process refreshes the scalp while eliminating toxins and environmental debris locked away in the cuticles and roots. 

To return your locks  back to their healthy state, purchase the System 4 set in one of two ways:

• Amazon: $30 
• Ulta Beauty: $45

Nioxin System 5

Whether you like your hair straight, curly, or wavy, there’s a price that comes with creating the perfect look. Even if you’re blessed with salon-like results at home, that doesn’t necessarily mean you bypass the consequences.

Bleaching, perming, and any other chemical treatments can lead to weak ends and overall breakage. But there’s a way to prevent this—and it’s called the System 5 set from Nioxin. 

Made for bleached and chemically treated hair that showcases light thinning, this regimen amplifies structure and pliability. As it deeply rinses the roots and cuticles, this kit provides moisture balance and color protection during the lathering process.

Ingredients include antioxidants, botanicals, vitamins, silk amino acids, kukui nut oil, white tea extract, humectants, peppermint oil, and more. Although there is a lack of clinical studies, kukui nut oil^[8] (Aleurites moluccana) has traditionally been used to reduce hair loss and increase hair growth.

Purchase the System 5 collection on Amazon for $30 or through Ulta Beauty for $45. 

Nioxin System 6

If you’re no stranger to perms, it may be common to see hair loss over time. Still, it doesn’t have to be that way! The System 6 set is optimized for bleached and chemically treated hair that displays progressed thinning.

Inspired by common skincare routines, this collection is specifically designed to thicken weak roots and ends while delivering hydration and glossiness.

Effective in removing pollutants, excess sebum, and dirt, this formula gently refreshes the scalp while increasing the volume of your individual strands. Some components include vitamins, botanicals, SPF 15 sunscreen, silk amino acids, kukui nut oil, white tea extract, humectants, and peppermint oil.

If you’re on the road to healthier hair, the System 6 collection is available at two pricing options:

• Amazon: $25 (down from $30)
• Ulta Beauty: $30 

Nioxin Scalp & Hair Leave-In Treatment System 2 Review

Last but not least, let’s check out Nioxin’s 3 part regimen. This Scalp & Hair Leave-In Treatment System 2 is made specifically for natural hair with progressed thinning.

This specialized formula is made to reinvigorate the scalp while promoting volume and strength to dull and brittle locks. For optimal results, I’ll note here that brand recommends using it on a daily basis. 

This is best used on wet hair, specifically after applying the Nioxin shampoo and conditioner. This concoction doesn’t need to be rinsed out as opposed to other formulas.

As a finishing touch to your shower routine, the Scalp & Hair Leave-In Treatment System 2 can be purchased at two different locations:

• Amazon: $22
• Ulta Beauty: $26 

Nioxin Cleanser Shampoo System 2 Review

The shampoo is essential to all shower routines. Made to rid your scalp of any impurities, it’s important to get a kind that doesn’t lead to gradual loss.

With that in mind, the Cleanser Shampoo System 2 is intended for natural hair with progressed thinning. Created as Nioxin’s first step in your daily regimen, this product is necessary if you want to achieve that bounciness.

This professional derma-purifying cleanser can provide texture to your tresses while strengthening from the inside. To complement this product, customers can choose from a range of Nioxin conditioners readily available on their website.

The Cleanser Shampoo System 2 formula is offered at two competing price points:

• Amazon: $17 (originally priced at $20)
• Ulta Beauty: $20

Nioxin Scalp Recovery Anti-Dandruff System Kit Review

It’s not pillow fluff, as you hoped it would be. The Scalp Recovery Anti-Dandruff System Kit is formulated to deliver permanent relief for those who suffer from itchy and flaky roots. Remedying several issues such as dry textures, or helping with seborrheic dermatitis, this set contains Nioxin’s special brand of shampoos, conditioners, and serums.

Built to control moisture, this kit is great for colored or permed hair as it reduces breakage from scalp itching. In a review^[9] published in the Journal of Dermatology Treatment, the active component of this formula, pyrithione zinc, has been found effective for the treatment of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

Enhanced with green tea extract, the Scalp Recovery Anti-Dandruff System Kit can be bought at two different pricing options:

• Amazon: $39 
• Ulta Beauty: $46

Nioxin Shampoo Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

Does Nioxin work? To put it quite simply—yes. According to the majority of positive testimonials online, a majority of customers have said that their products worked for them.

Nioxin before and after videos on the official website provide visual proof of the product’s efficacy. The site also showcases reactions from customers loving their healthy and voluminous hair. One reviewer wrote for the System 1 set:

“I can’t say enough good things about the Nioxin hair care system. Not only does it smell great, it feels very invigorating on my scalp. Also since using this system, my hair doesn’t fall out half as much as it used to. And my curls look amazing. My hair feels so healthy and clean after as well.” 

The praise for Nioxin continues on retail websites such as Beauty Brands and online blogs like Lady Alopecia. On Beauty Brands, a good amount of their best-selling products garner hundreds of reviews.

For instance, after looking into the System 2 Cleanser, I found that it holds over 134 comments in total with an overall score of 4.5/5 stars. The author of Lady Alopecia stated that Nioxin formulas give the appearance of thicker hair as a result. 

“From my own research and my own use, I found this hair loss shampoo to be pretty effective. I used Nioxin hair care products long after the takeover in 2008 and they worked for me,” reads a testimonial by Lady Alopecia. 

This Nioxin shampoo review uncovered a few red flags and complaints online. On Lady Alopecia, the writer states that she didn’t experience total regrowth.

There are also some less than savory comments on Influenster, in which some users reported that a few products led to their hair worsening even further. The side effects included:

• A burning sensation on the scalp
• Dry textures
• More fallout

That said, Nioxin Hair Regrowth Treatment received 4/5 stars out of 571 reviews on Amazon. It seems that there are more positive experiences with Nioxin than negative ones overall.

Is Nioxin Worth It?

Does Nioxin really work for thinning hair? Based on the number of positive testimonials online, this Nioxin shampoo review seems to think so.

This brand stands out from the competition because it focuses on producing cleansing formulas suited specifically for hair loss and thinning.

Most of their products serve the same purpose: they purify the scalp while developing the body and sheen for strands. However, each treatment is quite different from the others, as all of their regimens are separated by hair type to the degree of thinning.

It’s a far cry from other competing companies who try to remedy a myriad of issues at once.

Nioxin also provides resources that can help educate customers on issues related to hair health and alopecia. For instance, they offer online consultation for those unsure of what products to use and a useful guide that gives buyers free tips and advice. 

All in all, if you’ve tried every hair-thickening formula on the market and found no visible results, Nioxin could very well be a gamechanger.

Nioxin Promotions & Discounts 

This Nioxin shampoo review hasn’t come across any deals, discounts, or coupons on their website so far. However, you can follow them on their social media platforms to be notified of any current promotions.

Where to Buy Nioxin

While products cannot be purchased on Nioxin.com, you can find their formulas in select retailers such as:

• Amazon 
• Ulta Beauty 
• Sally Beauty
• Wellastore 
• Chatters
• Walmart
• Trade Secrets
• Shoppers Drug Mart 

FAQ

Does Nioxin grow hair faster? 

The company holds no claims that their products can help grow hair out faster. With frequent use, customers have noticed results within weeks.

Can Nioxin regrow hair? 

Some Nioxin products claim to regrow hair, such as the Hair Regrowth Treatment. 

Does Nioxin regrow hair in bald spots? 

This Nioxin shampoo review found out that only the Nioxin Hair Regrowth Treatment can help treat cases of baldness in some people. On Amazon, one 5-star reviewer shared:

“I’m 48 and really started noticing my hair thinning along with my crown and part. I tried vitamins, various shampoos, etc and nothing was working. I’ve been using it 2x day for a month and I’m thrilled with the progress. Easy to use liquid that you rub in well. No odor and no side effects for me.”  

What are the side effects of Nioxin? 

Based on reviews posted online, some customers reported:

• Redness
• Inflammation
• Itching
• Swelling
• Hair loss
• Flaking
• Dry scalps
• Brittle hair

This Nioxin shampoo review recommends discontinuing use immediately if you experience any allergic reactions or warning signs.

What happens if you stop using Nioxin? 

This Nioxin shampoo review found out that there are no worrisome side effects associated with discontinuing the use of their products. Your hair will simply return to its previous state.

What is Nioxin’s Shipping Policy?

Because Nioxin does not allow customers to directly purchase on their website, the company offers no shipping policy on their website.

What is Nioxin’s Return Policy?

Customers can only purchase Nioxin products in select stores, and not on the company website. Because of this, the brand does not have a return policy.

How to Contact Nioxin

For inquiries unrelated to this Nioxin shampoo review, you can contact the company through:

• Email: [email protected] 
• Filling out their message form online  

Looking for more ways to boost hair rejuvenation, elasticity, and growth? Here are a few options to consider:

Hairburst

Hair Club

Sugar Bear Hair

Viviscal Hair Growth

Hairfinity