Perhaps the best known brand of hair growth shampoo is Alpecin caffeine shampoo. As a sponsor of sports teams, it gets a lot of publicity. But does this notoriety make it an effective treatment for hair loss? We found out for ourselves.
When it comes to finding effective solutions for hair loss and promoting hair growth, there are several shampoos on the market, each with its own approach and blend of ingredients. In addition to Alpecin, Neofollics, Revita and Veta are popular choices. Below, we compare these four shampoos to help you choose the best option.
What makes a good hair growth treatment?
Hair loss can be combated in a number of ways. Inhibiting the hormone DHT is one of the most important actions of hair growth treatments. Especially if hair loss is hereditary. DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a by-product of testosterone. Hypersensitivity to this hormone causes the hair follicles to come under attack. This makes it increasingly difficult for them to produce hair, after which it eventually disappears. Ensuring that DHT cannot attack the hair follicles therefore attacks the cause of the problem.
Hair also needs proper nutrition. Certain vitamins and minerals have a positive effect on hair growth and hair quality. In addition, scalp problems can also affect hair growth. That is why it is important to have a healthy scalp, free of dandruff and flakes.
How do the shampoos work?
Alpecin shampoo: Strengthens hair roots and stimulates hair growth thanks to its nourishing ingredients.
Neofollics Hair Growth Shampoo: Inhibits DHT, stimulates new hair growth and nourishes hair follicles with active ingredients that combat hair loss.
Revita Shampoo: Combats hair loss but also stimulates hair growth with ingredients such as biotin and copper tripeptide.
Veta Hair Stimulating Shampoo: Combats genetic and environmental factors of hair loss. Combats the first signs of hair loss.
Neofollics offers a more comprehensive approach than Alpecin by promoting hair growth in addition to blocking DHT. Revita and Veta not only treat hair loss, but also ensure a healthy scalp to prevent further problems.
What active ingredients do the shampoos contain?
Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo: caffeine, zinc, niacin
Neofollics Hair Growth Shampoo: Ecklonia Cava, niacinamide, EGCG (green tea extract), Saw Palmetto
Revita Shampoo: Biotin, Caffeine, Zinc, Apigenin, Procyanidin B2, Niacinamide
Veta Hair Stimulating Shampoo: trichogen, caffeine, saw palmetto, biotin, arginine
Each shampoo has a unique composition of active ingredients. Alpecin focuses primarily on caffeine, while Neofollics uses a wider range of ingredients, such as ecklonia cava and saw palmetto. These are natural DHT inhibitors. Revita and Veta combine ingredients that stimulate hair growth, such as niacinamide and biotin, to combat hair loss.
Alpecin contains the ingredient sodium lauryl sulphate (SLES). This is a sulphate that has a strong cleansing effect. It also foams. Because it is cheap to produce, it is widely used in shampoos. But it is an aggressive substance that can irritate the skin. Read more about it here.
How effective are the shampoos?
Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo: Moderate, caffeine acts mainly as a stimulant, but scientific evidence of long-term results is limited.
Neofollics Hair Growth Shampoo: Very high, thanks to the combination of ingredients that block DHT and stimulate hair growth.
Revita Shampoo: High, the combination of niacinamide and biotin makes it effective against hair loss and inflammation.
Veta Hair Stimulating Shampoo: High, targets early signs of hair loss and improves the overall hair structure.
Neofollics and Revita are emerging as the most effective options for long-term hair growth and hair loss reduction.
Price
Alpecina Caffeine shampoo: between 7 and 12 euros per 250 ml
Neofollics Shampoo for hair growth: 25–30 euros for 250 ml
Revita Shampoo: 25–30 euros for 205 ml
Veta Hair Stimulating Shampoo: 25–30 euros for 250 ml
Alpecin is the cheapest option, but Neofollics, Revita and Veta, although more expensive, offer more advanced formulas and better results for long-term hair care.
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Table
Feature |
Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo |
Neofollics Hair Growth Shampoo |
Revita Shampoo |
Veta Hair Stimulating Shampoo |
Active Ingredients |
Caffeine, Zinc, Niacin |
Ecklonia Cava, niacinamide, EGCG (green tea extract), Saw Palmetto |
Biotin, Caffeine, Zinc, Apigenin, Procyanidin B2, Niacinamide |
trichogen, caffeine, saw palmetto, biotin, arginine |
Price |
€7-€12 for 250 ml |
€25-€30 for 250 ml |
€25-€30 for 205 ml |
€25-€30 for 250 ml |
Effectiveness |
Moderate to low |
Very High |
High |
High |
Conclusion: Alpecin vs. Neofollics, Veta and Revita
Neofollics hair growth shampoo and Revita shampoo offer the most complete formulas to combat hair loss and promote hair growth. Veta is a solid choice, especially for the early stages of hair loss and for those who prefer natural ingredients. While Alpecin remains an economical option, it offers less long-term benefits compared to the more advanced formulas from Neofollics and Revita. The efficacy of caffeine has been demonstrated, albeit to a limited extent, in scientific research. Caffeine is well absorbed by the hair, but this does not automatically mean that caffeine-only shampoos actually stimulate hair growth.
