Nioxin Shampoo Review

Written by Sophie Diego

Sophie Diego

Sophie Diego is a Toronto-based writer who loves all things related to beauty, skincare, and fashion. If she isn't on her computer, she's probably sewing, looking at Vogue Runway collections, or spending time at her local Sephora.

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Reviewed by Dr. Maria Carla Lapadula

Dr. Maria Carla Lapadula

Maria Carla Lapadula is a family physician from Argentina. As a general practitioner, her area of expertise is Protection and Health Promotion. She has recently completed a Certificate in Applied Clinical Research at McMaster University.

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Anna Chacon

Dr. Anna Chacon

Dr. Anna Chacon, MD is a Dermatologist in Miami, FL and has over 10 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Chacon has extensive experience in Cosmetic Skin Procedures, Skin Conditions, and Skin Cancer & Excision. She graduated from Brown Medical School medical school in 2012.

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Edited by Juilee Raje

Juilee Raje

Juilee discovered a love for editing while working for arts publications. Over the last four years, she has edited reviews, features, interviews, and more. At HBR, she enjoys the diverse range of topics that fall on her desk.

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Edited by Colin Dempsey

Colin Dempsey

I write about fitness, health, nutrition, fashion, and more. Sometimes I write about these topics well. Other times I write about them really well.

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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.

That’s fortunate because according to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, approximately 6.8 million people in the United States are affected by alopecia areata, which is a type of autoimmune disease that causes hair loss on the scalp and other areas of the body. This includes both men and women of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds.

One of those women was Eva Graham, who, after losing most of her hair during pregnancy, was having no luck with finding any viable solutions to restore the remaining locks to their former glory.

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. 

Looking to infuse some life back into your hair? This Nioxin shampoo review will take a closer look at the brand, their ingredients, how to use the products, their best-selling items, customer ratings, promotions, and more to help you decide if their formulas are worth the buy. Let’s start by looking at their pros and cons.

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Pros and Cons of Nioxin

Nioxin is a brand of hair care products that is specifically designed to address hair thinning and loss. Here are some potential pros and cons of using Nioxin:

Pros:

1. May promote healthier hair growth: Nioxin products contain ingredients such as biotin, niacin, and panthenol, which may help to improve the health of the hair and scalp and promote hair growth.
2. Offers a range of products: Nioxin offers a range of products, including shampoos, conditioners, and treatments, which can be tailored to individual hair types and concerns.
3. Non-invasive: Using Nioxin products is a non-invasive approach to addressing hair loss and thinning, which may be preferable to some people compared to more invasive treatments like hair transplant surgery.

Cons:

1. May not work for everyone: Like any hair care product, Nioxin may not work for everyone. Some users may not see significant improvements in hair growth or thickness.
2. Can be expensive: Nioxin products can be relatively expensive compared to other hair care brands, especially if you need to use multiple products to achieve the desired results.
3. May cause scalp irritation: Some users have reported experiencing scalp irritation or dryness after using Nioxin products. This may be due to the active ingredients in the products, or to an individual sensitivity or allergy.

It’s important to keep in mind that everyone’s experience with Nioxin (or any other hair care product) will be different. If you’re considering using Nioxin to address hair thinning or loss, it may be helpful to talk to a dermatologist or other healthcare professional to determine if it’s the right choice for you.

Ingredients

Here are some of the key ingredients found in Nioxin products and links to studies that support their potential benefits for hair and scalp health:

1. Biotin: Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is an essential nutrient for healthy hair growth. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, biotin supplementation can improve hair thickness and reduce hair shedding in people with thinning hair.
2. Niacin: Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, helps to improve blood flow to the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. According to a study published in the International Journal of Trichology, topical application of niacin can increase hair growth and improve hair density in people with androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness).
3. Panthenol: Panthenol, also known as provitamin B5, is a humectant that helps to improve the moisture content of the hair and scalp. According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science, topical application of panthenol can improve hair strength and reduce hair breakage.
4. Zinc pyrithione: Zinc pyrithione is an antifungal and antibacterial agent that helps to reduce scalp inflammation and promote a healthier scalp environment. According to a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, zinc pyrithione can help to reduce the severity of dandruff and improve scalp health.
5. Saw palmetto: Saw palmetto is a plant extract that is believed to block the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can contribute to hair loss. According to a review published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, saw palmetto may have a modest effect in improving hair growth in people with androgenetic alopecia.

Features

Nioxin has several unique features that set it apart from other similar brands:

1. Scalp-focused approach: Nioxin products are designed with a scalp-focused approach to hair care. This means that they are formulated to help improve the health of the scalp, which in turn can promote healthier, fuller-looking hair. Nioxin’s cleansers, conditioners, and treatments are all formulated with ingredients that are specifically chosen to target the scalp and improve its overall health.
2. Customized systems: Nioxin offers several different systems for different hair types and levels of thinning. Each system includes a shampoo, conditioner, and treatment that are formulated to work together to address specific hair and scalp needs. By offering customized systems, Nioxin allows individuals to select the products that are best suited to their hair and scalp type.
3. Scientifically proven ingredients: Nioxin products are formulated with a range of scientifically proven ingredients, including niacin, caffeine, and saw palmetto extract, among others. These ingredients have been shown in studies to help improve hair density and reduce hair shedding.
4. Multi-step approach: Nioxin’s systems are designed to be used in a multi-step approach, with a shampoo, conditioner, and treatment all working together to improve the health of the scalp and promote healthier-looking hair. This multi-step approach can be particularly beneficial for individuals with thinning hair or hair loss, as it allows for a more comprehensive approach to hair care.

Overall, Nioxin’s unique features, such as its scalp-focused approach, customized systems, scientifically proven ingredients, and multi-step approach, make it a popular choice for individuals looking to improve the health and appearance of their hair and scalp.

How to Use Nioxin

Here are the general steps for using Nioxin products:

1. Choose the appropriate Nioxin system for your hair and scalp needs. Nioxin offers different systems based on hair type and level of thinning, so it’s important to select the system that is right for you.
2. Shampoo your hair with the Nioxin cleanser. Wet your hair and apply a small amount of the cleanser to your scalp. Massage gently with your fingertips, focusing on the scalp, and then work the lather through the length of your hair. Rinse thoroughly.
3. Apply the Nioxin scalp therapy conditioner. After shampooing, apply a small amount of the conditioner to your hair, focusing on the scalp. Leave it on for 1-3 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.
4. (Optional) Apply the Nioxin scalp treatment. Some Nioxin systems include a scalp treatment that is applied after shampooing and conditioning. This treatment is massaged into the scalp and left on without rinsing.
5. Style your hair as desired.

It’s important to note that the specific usage instructions may vary depending on the particular Nioxin system and products that you are using, so be sure to follow the instructions on the product packaging for best results. Additionally, if you have any questions or concerns about using Nioxin products, it may be helpful to consult with a hair care professional or dermatologist.

5 Best-Selling Nioxin Hair Products

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, I 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 $43 in total.

Customers say: “This stuff always makes the hair loss stop after a couple washings. It helps with my dry scalp also. It really helps clean the scalp. I enjoy the tingling sensation from it. My hair looks good too!” 

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: $53 
• Ulta Beauty: $35 

Customers say: “I’ve noticed little to no hair loss and my daughter says that the problem areas are really improving.”

Nioxin System 3

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: $43 
• Ulta Beauty: $55

Customers say: “My hair is very fine and straight. I have been using the Nioxin shampoo and conditioner for a few years now and my hair is noticeably thicker and even has more body.“

Nioxin System 4

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: $43 
• Ulta Beauty: $55

Customers say: “This stuff has worked for me! I have 1″ hairs sticking up all over my head in only 6 weeks! I now use no other shampoos or conditioners. There is no medicine smell and my hair is beautiful and shiny.“

Nioxin Scalp & Hair Leave-In Treatment System 2 Review

The 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: $40
• Ulta Beauty: $26 

Customers say: “I love this product! I have very thin hair so I squirt a little of the foam on top and crown, spread around with fingers, comb through, and let dry while doing my makeup. It adds light body so I can tease my hair, or just comb through to look fuller.“

Who is Nioxin For?

The products in this Nioxin review were designed to help anyone experiencing hair loss or thinning hair, regardless of gender. They’re also ideal for anybody who’s suffering from damaged hair after coloring or bleaching it.

Who Should Avoid Nioxin?

The only people who should avoid Nioxin are those with open wounds on their scalps as Nioxin’s products can impact healing.

What Are Some Alternatives to Nioxin?

Here are three brands with products that can treat similar conditions:

• Hairburst: UK-based company selling hair-strengthening shampoo, conditioner, and gummies.
• Hairfinity Vitamins: hair loss and thinning hair treatment products designed with collagen, MSM, and horsetail
• Keeps Hair: distributor of Finasteride and Minoxidil at lower prices than what’s available through pharmacies

What Do Experts Think?

Nioxin products have been the subject of research and discussion among hair care experts and scientists. Here are some examples of what they have to say, along with associated links:

1. In a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, researchers found that a scalp treatment containing niacin, caffeine, and other ingredients (similar to those found in some Nioxin products) improved hair density and reduced hair shedding in men and women with androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness).
2. In a review published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, dermatologists noted that Nioxin products can be helpful for people with thinning hair or hair loss, particularly when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes other interventions such as medication or hair transplantation.

Overall, while some experts and studies have suggested that Nioxin products can be beneficial for hair and scalp health, it’s important to keep in mind that individual results may vary and that Nioxin products are not a replacement for medical treatment for hair loss or other scalp conditions.

Nioxin Shampoo Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

Does Nioxin work? To put it quite simply—yes. According to the testimonials as of April 2023, 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 130 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. 

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 more than 570 reviews on Amazon. It seems that there are more positive experiences with Nioxin than negative ones overall.

One customer on Amazon wrote this glowing Nioxin review. “Great stuff. Love this product and I will continue using it. Since I’ve used it, not only has there been zero hair at the bottom of the drain (zero! how can that even be possible?) but my hair dresser noticed new growth.“

Is Nioxin Worth It?

Does Nioxin really work for thinning hair? Based on the number of positive testimonials online, it appears so.

Nioxin 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