A review of the first microdermabrasion treatment in the hair care industry to treat the signs of an aging scalp and increase hair growth with deep exfoliation.
The salon industry can now offer a one-of-a-kind anti-aging scalp treatment to complement any thinning hair system.
Some Reasons Why Hair Stops Growing
Nioxin Research Laboratories maintain that strong and healthy hair begins below the surface of the scalp. If follicles are clogged, strands cannot grow from them. In a healthy growing environment it is not uncommon to find two or three strands of hair growing out of each follicle site. The more follicles that are blocked, the fewer strands of hair that will grow. This is what makes the scalp noticeable and gives the impression of balding. Hair that does manage to grow will be weak which means hair will break easily, and they will thin-out.
Follicles can easily be plugged with sebum, hardened collagen and layers of dead skin cells.
Exfoliation Cleans and Optimizes the Hair Growing Environment
“Think of it as a facial for the scalp,” describes Rose Brachman, Nioxin’s Business Development Manager for Western Canada. Expediting cellular renewal of the scalp with a natural dermabrasion works the same way microdermabrasion works for the face. Sloughing off dead, flaky skin allows younger skin cells to surface. Younger cells are fresher, clearer and healthier. For the scalp this means a healthier environment for new hair growth.
Ingredients and How They Work
By penetrating the follicle pore, Scalp Renew’s ingredients exfoliate build-up. The ingredients consist of:
willow bark and mechanical exfoliants to loosen dirt and dried skin
alpha and beta hydroxy acids to dissolve oils and break-up thick skin build-up
fruit and milk sugars to clean and soften
botanical enzymes such as aloe vera and Trimethylglycine to add nourishment and conditioning to the hair and newly exposed skin cells
How to Tell if Scalp Renew is Working for You
Salons that have access to a Nioscope—a specialized magnifier to study the scalp—can show clients before and after images of their scalps so that each client can determine for themselves if the treatment is producing results. Unlike traditionally microscopes, a Nioscope projects the field of view onto a monitor so hair clients can see their own scalps on a T.V. screen.
Texture, colour and flakiness of the scalp, along with clogged follicles can be seen very clearly under this high-powered microscope. Before and after images allow hair clients to see how one treatment has affected their scalp so that they can make an informed decision if they would like to schedule subsequent treatments.
Who Can Use This Product
Nioxin recommends a series of three identical treatments once every four to six weeks for optimal results. Hair clients do not have to be using Nioxin's other products to see results or to schedule treatments. This is a stand-alone treatment that is suitable for anyone with scalp conditions that would benefit from a deep exfoliation or for anyone who would like have a "facial" for their scalp. Hair clients should not use an exfoliant on their scalp if they have open sores, tenderness, oozing, an untreated rash or any other medical condition that may be aggravated.
Stylists are trained by Nioxin educators to understand how Scalp Renew works, and how to apply the treatment effectively and safely. Stylists are not doctors, of course, but will be able to help determine if the scalp would benefit from exfoliation or if it would be unsafe due to a pre-existing scalp condition.
Generally, the mousse-like product is spread all over a dry scalp and is massaged into the scalp for one minute to ensure consistent coverage and to stimulate activation. It is left on for 10 minutes before being rinsed off. Hair is then washed and styled as normal.
Demi Moore was recently highlighted in OK! Magazine as being a fan of Nioxin and Scalp Renew. Her long, lustrous locks are a testament to keeping a healthy scalp at any age.
It is never too late to improve the growing environment for thinning hair, or to just treat a scalp to a "facial." Read Choosing the Right Nioxin Thinning Hair System to find out more about Nioxin's different systems for different needs.
The copyright of the article Natural Dermabrasion for the Scalp in Hair Care Products is owned by Jill Nessel. Permission to republish Natural Dermabrasion for the Scalp in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
after the scalp renew treatment , can i still use some product such as
rogaine ?
May 8, 2008 8:05 PM
Jill Nessel :
Styling product is not a concern, but consult with a doctor before applying
medicinal products that may irritate new skin.
Sep 10, 2008 4:27 PM
Guest
:
where can I get training to give scalp treatment in my salon? Is there a 24
hr. patch test before?
Sep 18, 2008 11:30 AM
Jill Nessel :
Contact the local distributor who represents Nioxin to schedule training.
Like any topical treatment, a patch test is a good idea for new users but
is not required. Expect a bit of redness and tingling as this product is
designed to remove a layer of scalp skin.
Sep 22, 2008 6:52 AM
Guest
:
I have locks that are eight years old and starting to thin on top. Could I
use this product or would it unravel the locks. Help.
Sep 22, 2008 11:47 AM
Jill Nessel :
This product will not affect your locks. It is designed as skin care,and
does not weaken hair. With consistent use of Nioxin you will notice more
hair growing from the scalp since Nioxin is designed to cleanse and treat
follicle sites so that more strands can grow.
Dec 7, 2008 8:25 AM
Guest
:
Hi! My hairdresser used Nioxin shampoo, conditioner and scalp treatment on
me last week. My scalp turned a firery red and stayed that way most of the
day. Nothing hurt or itched. A drop of the liquid trickled down the side of
my face and neck and also left a bright red mark there for several hours.
Could it be I'm allergic to the product or is this a normal response? I
have a very sensitive scalp and we were hoping this would help alleviate
that.
Dec 7, 2008 1:50 PM
Jill Nessel :
Not to worry! This is completely normal. Skin that turns red means the
product is working and it is drawing blood up to the surface level.
Increased blood flow to follicle sites is part of what makes Nioxin work.
Wherever the treatment product touches skin you will experience "red
marks." A rash or allergic reaction to the product would look more
like a typical rash--blisters, splotchiness, itchiness. With ongoing use,
you might also experience little pimples on your scalp. Again, this is
completely normal and means the Nioxin is drawing out the impurities from
your scalp skin. Good luck with your Nioxin treatments. Keep at it, and
you will love the results.
Jan 13, 2009 6:55 PM
Guest
:
I purchase system 8 because my salon was out of system 4. Is it OK to use
it since my hair is very fine not coarse?
Jan 13, 2009 6:56 PM
Guest
:
I purchase system 8 because my salon was out of system 4. Is it OK to use
it since my hair is very fine not coarse?
Jan 14, 2009 3:00 PM
Jill Nessel :
Hi #4, It is ok to use System 8 temporarily instead of System 4, but
you may find this system too "heavy" for your thin, fine hair.
System 4 is for creating volume that fine hair lacks, and System 8 is for
coarse, thick hair that needs moisture. S8 might weigh your hair down.
Other than that, it will still provide all the same benefits that S4
did. Have you had Scalp Renew service to clean up your scalp?
Jan 15, 2009 6:34 PM
Guest
:
No, I have not had the scalp renew service. Exactly what is that?
Jan 23, 2009 11:45 PM
Guest
:
i use Nioxin #3 , my hair is highlighted & i have thin hair at the
top,i can see my scalp too but i still have thin hair at the top & at
the crown.Should i use # 4 ? i used # 4 my it makes my hair very still to
stylie after i apply the scalp treatment # 4.So should i use # 3? Overall i
see more hair than scalp.
Jan 28, 2009 12:37 AM
Guest
:
hi, i new user on this product. I just recently have a hair loss problem. I
bought cleanser and therapi for system 2. My scalp little bit noticeable
and is it system 2 suitable for me? How long i able to get the
improvement?
Feb 2, 2009 4:07 PM
Jill Nessel :
Hi #3, Sounds like you're using the right System, but just to be sure,
here are the differences between System 3 and System 4: System 3 is for
thin strands of hair that need volume, that is normal to thin-looking (can
see a bit of scalp), and that is chenically enhanced (permed, or coloured).
System 4 is for thin strands of hair that need volume, that is noticeably
thinning (lots of scalp showing) and that is chemically enhanced (permed or
coloured). With either System, try the Nioxin styling products that are
formulated especially for those using the thinning hair systems. You will
find your hair easier to manage and style.
Feb 13, 2009 6:01 PM
Guest
:
Hello Jill, Know anyone who benefitted from using the scalp renew? All the
reviews I have read so far are just after the first treatment.. Any
longterm observations like it works/does not work and such?
Feb 18, 2009 5:49 PM
Jill Nessel :
To determine if you are using the right Nioxin System, check out my article
"Choosing the Righ Nioxin Thinning Hair System" at
My experience with Scalp Renew is that after one treatment the scalp is
noticeably "cleaner", smoother, and removes a layer of dead skin
buildup. There are many success stories I know of in Alberta where clients
who used 3-4 treatments saw hair regrowth slightly faster than by using
their Nioxin System alone. Most stories I hear are about how Scalp Renew
helped with dandruff, psoriasis and itchy scalp. Nioxin stands by its
research that hairloss restoration is sped up when using a System and Scalp
Renew, and I trust in its research based on all the worshippers I come
across on a daily basis.
Feb 28, 2009 11:32 AM
Guest
:
can the scalp renew treatmen be used after a color service? I recently
heard about it and havent had found much info about the product.
Mar 3, 2009 9:59 AM
Jill Nessel :
Yes, Scalp Renew is colour safe and will not affect a colour service.
Mar 21, 2009 12:34 PM
Guest
:
I'm a dude with thinning hair most noticeably on the crown. After getting a
haircut, my hair dresser recommended a small bottle of #2 Nioxin cleanser
so I bought it. Now I'm home and wonder if I should have researched this
first. 1) I can't find any before and after photo's anywhere for this
product. 2) The bottle does not contain instructions for how often to use.
3) There is no explanation provided for on the product covering the
numbers... I still don't know why she chose #2 for me. 4) There is no
warning label explaining that this may turn my scalp red.
The
bottle reads "9 out of 10 people 'perceive' an increase in hair
density." Does that mean this helps 9/10 people... or that 9/10
'imagine' a difference? I think using the word "perceive" is poor
choice... as a consumer I'm not interested in "perceptions" I'm
interested in cold hard facts. That's my 2 cents, keep the change. ;-)
May 31, 2009 7:29 PM
Guest
:
I've been using Nioxin Systen 4 since the end of Feb. I noticed NO
results. Things that I have noticed are: itchy scalp (which I never had
before), dirty feeling hair, redness,more hair loss, etc. Since this
product has NO warranty, I am at a loss. It's very costly and I bought 6
products that day. I am unable to continue to use them and I know of
others that have had this same problem. An hour after use, my hair feels
like I haven't washed it in a week. I am very disappointed. Nioxin
DOESN'T claim to grow hair, it only claims to make hair feel thicker. I
would NOT recommend this product.
Jun 7, 2009 2:19 PM
Guest
:
I love this stuff. My hair thinned out a year ago. After 4 months new
hair came in, and now that hair is over 6 inches long. Was very happy with
it, and it never turned my scalp noticably red. My hair is almost as thick
as it was before my hair thinned.
Apr 22, 2008
