Nioxin Side Effects

Why Try Nioxin?

Nioxin—does it work?

Nioxin products started out initially as a treatment for thinning hair and troubled scalps. The superior ingredients in Nioxin formulas are used to combat hair loss and heal scalp inflammation. These shampoos, conditioners, and scalp treatments work to remove excess androgens such as DHT from the scalp as well as fortifying the hair and follicles with vitamins and nutrients that have been clinically shown to fight hair and scalp issues. Males and females alike can experience hair loss in their lifetimes; Nioxin attempts to be a preventative measure against the possibility of hair loss. Although these specific treatments are not being specifically promoted as scalp clarifying and fortifying, alongside scalp anti-aging claims, Nioxin's popularity in many salons serves to justify the company's claims.

Possible Nioxin Side Effects

Every person is different, and due to different body chemistries and medical issues some people may experience an allergic reaction or intolerance to some of the ingredients in Nioxin formulations. Therefore, Nioxin side effects can occur in just about anyone, although, due to the mild non-prescription ingredients in Nioxin products, these side effects are typically not severe.

Nioxin formulas contain special ingredients such as a trademarked component labeled CoZyme. This CoZyme formula is comprised of Co-enzyme Q-10, a powerful antioxidant, and nine other Co-enzymes and cofactors that are responsible for the uptake of the antioxidant. The Nioxin Glyco-Fused Complex contains an array of moisturizing herbs and natural botanicals that work to protect the scalp from various chemicals in the formulas. Since certain people have allergies to herbal botanicals as well as sensitivities to certain chemicals, the possibility of Nioxin side effects is forever present.

Nioxin formulas do not contain any animal by-products or Sodium Lauryl and Laureth Sulfates. Sodium Lauryl and Laureth sulfates are harsh detergents contained in many shampoos. Both of these chemicals have been known to cause scalp irritation as well as hair loss in some cases. So it is no wonder that these detergents have been left out of the Nioxin formulas.

The Nioxin company does market its products as hypoallergenic. However, hypoallergenic does not mean that the product will not cause allergies in all of its users. The term hypoallergenic merely implies that the likelihood of an allergic reaction is low.

Will Nioxin Cause Hair Loss?

The Nioxin company does warn customers that the beginning of a scalp cleansing and treatment program may actually cause more hair loss initially. This is due to changes in the scalp environment. However, this extra falling of hair should not exceed two weeks, according to the official company site. Should the hair fall continue past two weeks the product must be discontinued and users are encouraged to call their dermatologist.

Chemical Sensitivities

Is Nioxin bad for you? Nioxin products do contain Propylene Glycol. This chemical is a solvent, not an alcohol, and, like cetyl alcohol, this ingredient serves to moisturize the skin and hair while preserving the botanical components in Nioxin. Unfortunately, some people are chemically sensitive to propylene glycol and they experience scalp flaking and irritation. Be on the lookout for such reactions.

Scalp Redness

The most commonly experienced Nioxin side effect occurs after the use of the scalp treatment products, and it is manifested in the presence of scalp redness. This redness is typically related to the inclusion of niacin in the formulation. Niacin is one of the B-vitamins and it possesses properties that dilate blood vessels and enhance the circulation of blood to the scalp. Therefore it may have the ability to stimulate the activity of hair follicles and possibly improve hair growth. But anyone who has taken large doses of niacin internally has experienced the temporary skin reddening that occurs. Niacin has the same effect when applied topically with Nioxin. This side effect is temporary and should desappear within an hour of the product's application.

Where to Purchase

Nioxin products are only available through authorized salons and beauty supply stores. This is meant to ensure that the product is sold by educated stylists who can help consumers determine the best treatment for their specific hair needs.