THE ORDINARY HAIR DENSITY SERUM | Dermatologist Review

Summary

In this video, the speaker evaluates The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Hair Serum for thinning hair, discussing its ingredients and their potential effectiveness. The serum contains caffeine, peptides, and plant-based extracts, with caffeine showing the most promise for improving hair density due to its ability to penetrate the scalp and enhance follicular energy. While the product may support scalp health and improve the appearance of hair thickness, the evidence backing the other ingredients is limited. The speaker’s personal experience was mixed, as they didn’t see significant results, but suggests it may benefit those with thinning hair. However, patience is key, as results are not immediate.

Takeaways

• 😀 Caffeine is one of the most evidence-backed ingredients in The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum, showing promise in improving hair density and counteracting the effects of DHT on hair follicles.
• 😀 The serum contains Procapil, a blend of oleanolic acid and other compounds aimed at inhibiting 5-alpha reductase and improving blood flow to the scalp, though its effectiveness is based mostly on in vitro studies.
• 😀 Capixel, another trademark ingredient, combines peptides with red clover extract to potentially improve collagen production and follicle anchoring, but research is limited to ex-vivo tests.
• 😀 The Ordinary claims their Multi-Peptide Serum supports the scalp and helps make hair appear thicker and denser, but they do not claim it promotes actual hair growth.
• 😀 The serum may be a useful addition for people with telogen effluvium (temporary hair shedding), as caffeine shows promise in reducing shedding, but more research is needed.
• 😀 The product is a cosmetic, not a medication, so expectations should be tempered. It's not a miracle solution for hair loss or regrowth, and more robust clinical studies are needed.
• 😀 The speaker, who does not have hair loss, used the serum consistently for months without seeing noticeable changes in hair thickness or density.
• 😀 The serum can leave a greasy residue on the hair, which may be problematic for people with dense hair. Using a small amount and applying it only to thinning areas is recommended.
• 😀 Although caffeine penetrates the scalp effectively and provides a reservoir effect, additional studies are needed to fully validate its long-term effectiveness for hair growth.
• 😀 The product is reasonably priced at $21.70 for 60ml, which can last up to a year, making it a cost-effective option for those looking to support hair health.
• 😀 While the serum may help nourish the scalp and improve follicle health, the speaker remains skeptical about its ability to significantly improve hair density without other treatments, such as low-level laser therapy.

Q & A

What is androgenetic alopecia and how does it affect hair follicles?

Androgenetic alopecia is a condition characterized by the progressive miniaturization of hair follicles, where terminal hair turns into vellus hair (peach fuzz). This is caused by the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which binds to receptors in the follicles, altering gene expression and preventing proper hair growth.

What treatments are available for androgenetic alopecia?

Treatments for androgenetic alopecia include FDA-approved medications like minoxidil and finasteride, as well as options like platelet-rich plasma, spironolactone, low-level laser therapy, and hair transplants. These treatments are costly, time-consuming, and may have side effects.

How does the Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum claim to address hair loss?

The serum claims to support scalp health and enhance the appearance of thicker, denser hair by improving blood flow to the follicles and providing necessary nutrients through ingredients like caffeine, peptides, and botanicals. However, it does not make claims about promoting actual hair growth.

What ingredients in the serum are believed to help with hair regrowth?

The serum contains ingredients like redental (botanical polyphenols), procapil (which includes oleanolic acid and apigenin), capixel (a peptide with red clover extract), and caffeine, which are thought to target the metabolic needs of hair follicles, improve blood circulation, and inhibit DHT.

Why is caffeine considered a key ingredient in the serum?

Caffeine is believed to be effective because it has good penetration into hair follicles and may help counteract the negative effects of testosterone (DHT) on hair growth. Studies suggest caffeine also has transdermal penetration, remaining in the scalp for up to 24 hours, and can promote follicular health.

What is the significance of studies on caffeine for hair growth?

Studies have shown that caffeine applied to the scalp may help reduce hair shedding and improve hair density, especially when used in combination with minoxidil. Although more research is needed, caffeine's ability to penetrate the scalp and follicles makes it a promising ingredient for addressing hair loss.

Did the reviewer experience any changes in hair density after using the serum?

The reviewer did not experience any noticeable changes in hair density or thickness after using the serum for several months. However, they noted that their ongoing use of a low-level laser therapy device might have influenced their results.

What are the potential downsides of using this product, according to the reviewer?

The reviewer found that the serum left their hair looking greasy, which was a significant downside, especially after consistent use. They also noted that the serum left a residue on the hair strands, making it harder to continue using the product, especially with their hair type.

Is the Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum suitable for everyone with hair loss?

While the serum may be suitable for individuals with thinning hair or minor hair loss, especially those who are interested in trying caffeine-based treatments, it may not be effective for everyone. The reviewer emphasized that results can vary and more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of the ingredients.

How should the serum be used for best results?

The serum should be massaged into a clean, dry scalp, preferably at night, using a few drops. It's important to note that visible results may take at least three months, and consistency is key. It’s recommended to apply it directly to areas of thinning, rather than the entire scalp.