If you have a receding hairline or thinning hair, you've probably run across the Nioxin name at least once. It is touted as one of the "best" hair care product lines for hair loss in both men and women. Within the brand itself, there are several systems, numbered from 1 to 8, each with a specific type of hair it is said to treat. The Smoothing Protectives line makes up the second half of the numeric system, treating scalps with medium to coarse hair that are thinning.
Identification
Nioxin Smoothing Protectives, otherwise known as Nioxin SmoothPlex, is a product line within the Nioxin brand that is said to provide moisture, shine and control to thinning hair that has been chemically enhanced, meaning hair that is dyed or permed. It is usually sold as system of hair care that consists of a cleanser, a conditioner and a leave-in treatment. While each product is sold separately, Nioxin recommends you use the entire product line within a given system to see the best results.
Function
The Smoothing Protectives system is said to deliver bio-nutrients to your scalp, which basically gives you a fuller, healthier head of hair, or at least this is the claim. These "essential" nutrients theoretically alter the environment of your scalp by removing DHT, an androgen in the follicle that is linked with hair loss, and hydrating your skin with vitamins, antioxidants and botanicals so your hair can grow. Though the company never claims its product is a "cure" for baldness, each system is sold as a treatment for thinning hair. While the system could theoretically work, it hasn't been through legitimate trials to discern its actual efficacy.
Features
The Smoothing Protectives cleanser is a daily hydrating shampoo that promotes a healthy scalp through a unique combination of amino acids, proteins and vitamins all touted to clean the hair and scalp of DHT. The Smoothing Protectives conditioner is a daily hydrating scalp therapy that energizes the scalp through a special blend of antioxidants, essential oils and "enzymatic complexes." The leave-in treatment is another form of conditioner that is said to target the scalp and lessen the buildup of DHT. Essentially, the company claims that the Nioxin Smoothing Protectives line is a topical DHT blocker, so to speak. Though the product could hypothetically work for some people, it isn't a cure for baldness.
Considerations
While Nioxin does perform trials, these tests are conducted by the company itself and should not be considered a reliable source for the efficacy of the product. That being said, this doesn't mean that the product line will not have a certain amount of positive results on some individuals. You should always enter the use of a product of this kind with a cautious optimism. Again, this is not a cure for baldness or a method of growing hair.
Warning
While Protectives are completely safe for topical use, there is the chance for some skin irritation in the form of a redness on the scalp with the application of the leave-in treatment. Typically, this will subside soon after application. But if redness persists, you may need to consider stopping the use of the product.
Tags: Smoothing Protectives, Nioxin Smoothing, , cure baldness, hair that, leave-in treatment