Can Folligen grow hair?

Today Im reviewing Folligen. It was invented by Dr. Loren Pickart. Folligen is a topical. It comes as a cream, spray or lotion. It contains copper peptides to stimulate hair growth. It can be used in conjucntion with Minoxidil, and DHT inhibitors like Propecia.


Folligen rebuilds the protective acid mantle of the scalp that shampoos and conditioners remove. The acid mantle is the combination of sebum (oils) and perspiration, on the skin's surface that protects the skin and renders the skin less vulnerable to damage and attack by environmental factors such as sun and wind and less prone to dehydration. The mantle also has strong anti-oxidant properties and is itself oxidized to protect the skin from oxidation. Sebum is naturally white but air oxidation turns it black (this is why "whitehead comedos" turn into "blackhead comedos"). Normal skin and scalp pH is somewhat acid and in the range of 4.2. to 5.6. It varies from one part of the body to another and, in general, the pH of a man's skin is lower (more acid) than that of a woman's. The acid mantle inhibits the growth of foreign bacteria and fungi and the skin remains healthier, and has fewer blemishes. Acne, allergies and other skin problems become more severe when the skin become more alkaline. Folligen adjusts the scalp pH into the acid range of optimal scalp health at about pH 5.0.

The ingredients are designed to help create an environment that improves scalp health, hair health, vitality, reduce hair loss and shedding. Folligen products are used both by women for stress and estrogen-related hair loss and men for male pattern baldness caused by DHT.

The product claims to do the following:

* Markedly reduces hair loss in about three weeks
* Improve scalp health and reduce irritation
* Thicker head of hair in about four months
* Often reduces itching and flaking associated with scalp
inflammation

Clinical Studies - None were found
Side Effects - Makes scalp itchy if using the spray. The cream and lotion are a bright green color so are not suited to be used in the morning. They should be used at night with some pillow cover as the green color can rub off on pillow cases. Folligen is easily washed off in the morning, but some people with very light blonde hair do report having a greenish tinge on their hair. If you have this hair color you should not use this product.

Cost - $99 for a 2 month supply. Can be bouhgt at Folica
FDA Approved - No

Summary - Found 1 small photo on their site showing results. Also found a few testimonials in hair loss forums stating that users were pleased with results. The price is about $100 for a 2 month supply for the whole kit. For best results you should be under 45 and used in conjuction with other hair loss treatments such as Rogaine or Minoxidol.

Based on my research the product doesn't show enough evidence of actual hair growth. It's more of a scalp cleanser in my opinion.

Hair Loss & Scalp inflammation: Deadly Duo

Can scalp inflammation cause your hair loss?

We all know that DHT is the main factor in hair loss. It attacks our hair follicles preventing them from growing. But did you ever consider that scalp inflammation could also be involved in your balding?

Alopecia areata is a disorder characterized by inflammation of the bulb, which shrivels and ultimately stops producing hair. There’s accumulating evidence that the role of inflammation in the etiology (the cause or origin of disease) is present in hair loss. Data that leads us to believe that inflammation which actually accompanies alopecia is an important factor. Inflammation can actually increase the progression of your hair loss by promoting telogen effluvium (an abnormal loss of hair due to alteration of the normal hair cycle) Normally, most of the hairs are in the growth stage and only one hundred hairs per day fall from the scalp. When telogen effluvium occurs, a greater proportion of the hairs enter the resting phase of the cycle and hair shedding is greater than normal. Inflammation can also induce perifollicular fibrosis (the enlargement of the follicular dermal sheath composed of collagen bundles which form to develop excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ and scarring).

The fact you might see some redness in an individual whose losing his hair is indicative that inflammation is a factor. DHT causes a change in the hair follicle. It’s still uncertain as to why the change takes place but the change sends a signal to our immune system to attack the hair follicle. The attack causes inflammation.

If you suffer from excessive scalp tenderness, itchiness and/or scalp pimples, you may be showing symptoms of DHT inflammation

It’s fair to say if you don’t stop DHT entirely, inflammation will still occur. thus producing hair loss. There are numerous hair loss products on the market today. One such product that addresses these two issues is RK19. It blocks DHT driven inflammation at the root. Thereby allowing the necessary nutrients to reach your dead hair follicles and reviving them. RK19 has worked on individuals who’ve been balding for over twenty years.

Before taking any medications always consult your physician first.