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.