Shampoos, Hair Care Products, and Medical Trichology Treatments

📌 Patient Information Section: What Are the Actual Limits of Cosmetic Shampoos' Efficacy?

Many cosmetic shampoos and hair care products sold on the market promise to "miraculously strengthen hair against shedding." However, dermatological realities and skin physiology indicate that their effect is quite limited:

• Skin Barrier and Follicle Access: The stratum corneum layer of the scalp (skin barrier) largely prevents large molecules in cosmetic products from reaching the hair follicles (dermal papilla). Therefore, the effect of shampoos in stopping hair loss from the root is almost negligible.
• Temporary Effect on Hair Shaft: The hair shaft, in its part remaining above the skin, consists of dead cells (keratin). Cosmetic care products (silicones, proteins, oils) coat this dead structure, providing temporary shine, softness, and volume (sensation of thickness); however, this effect is not permanent and disappears with the first wash.
• Role of Medical Shampoos: When pathological conditions such as dandruff, redness, itching, and scaling (seborrheic dermatitis) are present on the scalp, medical shampoos containing special active ingredients come into play.