Lady Alopecia’s Complete Keranique Reviews

What Keranique Reviews Don’t Tell You

Keranique Bottles

Ever heard of Keranique? Or read any Keranique reviews?

Well, it’s one of the most popular hair regrowth products out there. And thanks to its active ingredient, 2% minoxidil, it’s also pretty effective. 

But not all Keranique reviews are positive. Some customer reviews say that the topical hair treatment is downright dangerous. Others claim it’s a money-grabbing scam, a shark tank preying on vulnerable customers in need of a hair loss fix.

Trust me, I know what it’s like to be desperate for a miracle cure. And I also know that it’s easy to get sucked in by gimmicky “before and after” pics in an attempt to battle baldness. 

So in this post, I give you the full story on Keranique. A lowdown on the brand, its line of hair loss treatments and customer reactions. So you’ll be fully informed before you commit. Yay!

Coming Up:

LA Says: The following Keranique reviews include the good, the bad and the ugly – you know, the stuff that other reviews probably skip. So let’s get started!

Emma's 'I'm not a doctor' disclaimer

Hi there, I’m an alopecian, I’m not a doctor! Any advice I give is based on my own research and personal experiences . This site is, however, reader-supported. When you buy through external links, I may earn a tiny affiliate commission. Learn more here. I also keep the lights on by selling my own headscarves and alopecia merch.
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The Keranique System: A Quick Look

Stimulating Shampoo

Keratin Conditioner

Lift & Repair Spray

Hair Regrowth Treatment

Regrowth System (30 Days)

Background: What is Keranique?

Keranique is a very shiny, very salesy company that sells a 4-part hair care system through infomercials and other retail outlets. The company is clearly confident in its product, like when it boasts about being:

America’s #1 Selling Hair Regrowth System for Women

Keranique’s motto is: Your hair, the way it’s intended to be. Now, I don’t know how true all of that is – but the before and after photos on keranique.com show a lot of smiling, satisfied customers with fuller locks. It’s all massively cheesy… but hey, that’s showbiz for you!

If you want to find out more about the company itself, read this dedicated post on Keranique.

Can a Supplement Help Alopecia?

Sure it can! Check out my top supplement for hair loss.

Benefits of Keranique

The stand-out feature of these products isn’t their snazzy marketing, however, but their ingredients. Their formulas offer instant volume and protection, while simultaneously promoting hair regrowth. How’s that for multi-tasking?!

  • Keranique is sulfate and paraben-free, which gives it a slightly more natural make-up than say, Nioxin – although I still prefer Nioxin…this post explains why!
  • Each Keranique hair regrowth treatment is designed to strengthen and restore fine hair or thinning hair to its – quite literally – fullest potential.
  • What makes Keranique different, however, is that it contains minoxidil – which studies prove to work for regrowth. More on that in a sec.

Does Keranique Work?

I’ll be honest: I haven’t used Keranique on a long-term basis before. I should have, but I just got the shampoo from my hairdresser friend before travelling and forgot to stock up on the rest! So the Keranique reviews in this post, and the products they mention, are based solely on my research and on what other people have to say. 

Although it is a dermatologist recommended shampoo for hair loss, customer reactions to the brand on Amazon are very mixed. Some customers rave about thicker hair. While others say it causes more shedding. 

Many of them complain about the brand’s auto-ship policy and getting sucked into a renewal plan that they don’t want and can’t afford. And some say that Rogaine for women is a better option, seeing as it contains more minoxidil – and is kinder to the credit card!

But does Keranique work? It seems to depend on the person.

LA Says: I’ve used both 2% and 5% minoxidil before – and they’ve worked on smaller patches. (FYI, minoxidil is the only FDA-approved treatment for women’s hair loss.) But I didn’t like the side effects of using minoxidil, like the severe headaches I got from the first time I tried it… and lots of other users agree.

How To Use the Keranique System

If you like, you could just buy the shampoo and conditioner… or even just the shampoo for thick hair. But for the best results, try using the full hair regrowth system – that’s all of the 4 products mentioned below – for 4 months or 120 days.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Cleanse & Protect

In this step, the sulfate-free shampoo – which is also free from parabens and dyes – works to protect the scalp, reduce buildup and promote microcirculation. Meanwhile, the keratin conditioner gives more body and volume to your locks, using a special protein to prevent breakage. They make a good team.

How to use: Apply the shampoo and conditioner daily, as you would your ordinary products – only really take time to massage the shampoo into your scalp and leave the gel-based conditioner in for a few minutes to get an added moisture boost. Some Keranique shampoo reviews complain it’s too thick, so use a small amount.

Step 2: Lift & Repair

The second step is all about styling. You can use the Lift and Repair Treatment Spray to add body and bounce to your hair, while the Keratin Amino Complex strengthens and protects it from external factors like humidity and pollution.

Don’t have many strands to style? Well, the spray could still be of use. The company claims that it’s “clinically proven in one application to mend 96% of split ends”.

To be honest, I don’t really buy into this – because sure, a split end can be temporarily mended but never fully repaired unless you cut it off. But if you’re after a short-term solution, this could do the trick! I guess “Lift and Temporarily Mend Spray” isn’t as catchy.

How to use: Apply the spray to towel-dried hair, using your fingers to distribute it from root to tip. For extra volume, blow dry your hair afterwards on a medium setting (with your head upside down) and add an extra spritz or two as you flip your head back up. Watch out for the head rush!

Step 3: Treat & Regrow

This could also be Step 2 – with the styling spray left until Step 3 – but let’s not get bogged down in semantics!

As we’ll see in a sec, this is maybe the most controversial step within the system, but also probably the most effective. Because it involves the Keranique Hair Regrowth Treatment, which contains minoxidil. A solution that attracts plenty of positive reactions – but which gets its fair share of negative Keranique reviews, too.

Psst… You should know that not everyone should use minoxidil or the Keranique Hair Regrowth Treatment. Read this post to learn more.

How to use: You’ve got two choices. Either use the dropper that comes with the kit to apply 1ml twice daily (directly on the scalp, to your bald spots or where thinning is worse). Or use the handy “easy precision sprayer” that the company includes in all kits.

Note: Don’t use the product more than twice a day but do use it regularly – even when new hair sprouts – otherwise shedding might start again. Yikes!

Your Hair Regrowth System: 4 Keranique Reviews

1) Keranique Scalp Stimulating Shampoo

Designed to strengthen and thicken thinning hair, this shampoo is free from sulfates and parabens, which many people view as harmful. (Although this might not be such a big deal.) 

The peppermint oil in the shampoo boosts microcirculation to the scalp while reducing the build-up of oil, excess sebum and dirt on the scalp. (Which block hair follicles. The brats.)

What the reviews say

Customers seem happy with it as a thickening shampoo as it makes their thin hair appear much fuller. One reviewer shows a before and after pic, with clear growth after just a week, and says the shampoo helped to promote hair growth after chemotherapy. 

Many reviews, however, complain of fake products. The shampoo they ordered online was not the real deal. So make sure you get it from a trusted distributor. (Pro tip: Smell it before use – it should smell like peppermint!)

The Lady recommends...

Keranique Scalp Stimulating Shampoo

2) Keranique Volumizing Keratin Conditioner

Keratin is the key structural protein within our hair and nails. It protects them from damage and helps them to stay healthy. Oh, and it also boosts our skin’s vitality and keeps our teeth strong. So it’s something we want to have on our sides. 

Unfortunately, many of us lack protein in our diets. (That, or we can’t absorb it properly.) So in terms of keratin, we might need to seek it elsewhere. 

Fortunately, Keranique conditioner comes packed with a bunch of different proteins – including keratin. Its revitalising and lightweight gel formula works to prevent breakages and repair hair that’s already damaged, filling out your hairline while giving your mane an extra “oomph.” Nice one.

What the reviews say

 Most reviews are really positive. And some loyal customers – who have been using it for years – swear by it. They love how it volumises their mane, even their baby hairs, and how it has repaired damaged locks from excessive styling/colouring. 

But others say their hair looks the same after using it for 4 months. Still, few complain about any adverse effects!

The Lady recommends...

Keranique Volumizing Keratin Conditioner

3) Keranique Lift and Repair Treatment Spray

If you don’t have any locks to begin with, this product probably won’t appeal to you – as it’s mainly for styling. But if you suffer from thinning, dry or damaged hair, the treatment spray can help to nourish it.

The Lift and Repair spray replenishes the natural keratin fibres in your locks and when used with the keratin conditioner, provides an added protein boost for healthy hair. It’s also designed to improve elasticity and fullness – and to tame flyaways and frizz, while giving flat or dull hair a healthier shine. 

Oh, and it can be used just like a regular hair spray to hold, set and protect your locks. Only one that’s free from sulfates or parabens. Woohoo!

What the reviews say 

Again, the feedback is quite positive. Customers say it doesn’t leave their mop feeling stiff or sticky, or cause hair breakage like many other hair sprays do. Instead, it gives volume and bounce with a natural finish. The price is pretty good, too!

The Lady recommends...

Keranique Lift and Repair Treatment Spray

4) Keranique 2% Minoxidil Hair Regrowth Treatment

This is the only Keranique product that contains minoxidil – which, remember, is the only FDA-approved solution to help with hair loss at the hair follicle and encourage growth. 

This Keranique Hair Regrowth treatment includes 2% minoxidil – a smaller amount than in Rogaine for Women, which uses 5% minoxidil. There are pros and cons to this. The con is that it might be less effective; the pro is that the side effects aren’t as severe. For a full comparison between Rogaine and Keranique, check out this post.

Either way, minoxidil products like this one are designed to stimulate hair growth and revitalize thinning hair. The brand states that it “works best for women with thin hair, who are looking for a serious, long-term solution to grow thicker, stronger hair”.

(I don’t know any women who are looking for a jokey, short-term solution to alopecia. But maybe they do exist!)

What the reviews say

This product probably gets the most mixed reactions. And it’s not for everyone. In fact, certain people should AVOID using it – or any products with minoxidil – so make sure you read the safety warning fully before you buy. 

The bad reviews for this Keranique hair regrowth treatment say it changed the texture of their hair, or that they didn’t notice any difference. The good ones give 5 stars but not much detail. I’m on the fence about it – probably because I stopped using minoxidil myself. But each to their own!

The Lady recommends...

Keranique 2% Minoxidil Hair Regrowth Treatment

Buyer’s Guide: Is Keranique Right For Me?

A lady ruffling her long locks. Maybe she's a Keranique fan.
Rapunzel, eat your heart out.

Good question. Unfortunately, there isn’t an easy answer. Like so many hair loss treatments, this one affects people in very different ways. 

From the reviews I’ve read, the Keranique hair regrowth treatment system works for some people, especially for women. Whereas for others, it has no effect – even after the recommended trial period of 120 days. 

Some people don’t experience any harmful side effects of minoxidil; others (like me) got bad headaches from it and stopped using it. Check out my full post on potential side effects for more.

So I can’t honestly tell you whether it will be good or bad for you. (Sorry!) But here are a few factors to help you make up your mind:

1. Hair Type

If your hair is dry or brittle already, it could benefit a lot from the moisturizing qualities of both the shampoo and conditioner. All of that added keratin can only be a good thing – also nourishing if you have color treated hair.

Similarly, the Lift and Repair Treatment Spray is great for mending damaged locks and split ends. However, some reports say that the Regrowth Treatment changes hair texture… for the worst. Many ended up with oily hair as a result.

I’d use your judgement on this. It’s normal for the texture to change in the first few weeks as your scalp adapts to the new solution. But if it hasn’t settled down after 3 weeks, maybe it isn’t for you.

2. Extent of Loss

If your hair is thinning, but you don’t have bald spots, then I’d stick to using all of the products EXCEPT the Hair Regrowth Treatment. Why? Well, you’re still getting all the nourishing and repairing benefits of these products without running the risk of losing the hair you’ve already got.

Because the Keranique Hair Regrowth Treatment can be very effective for regrowing hair…unfortunately, once you discontinue use, your hair has a high chance of falling out again.

So I’m reluctant to recommend something that makes you depend on it so much. However, if you have a few bald patches and you want something more aggressive, by all means, go ahead.

3. Price

It’s funny, on the surface Keranique’s products seem to come at a pretty reasonable cost. And as many of the Amazon reviews state, they last for ages.

But it gets expensive if you find yourself locked into an auto-renew policy with the manufacturer. One way to avoid this is to buy Keranique from your local salon or a trusted online retailer. (Amazon, ULTA and Sephora have good options.)

Another consideration is that you might need to invest in the full range of products to see a difference, and those price tags do add up! But hey, if it works…

4. Contraindications

As I mentioned, Keranique Hair Regrowth Treatment is not suitable for certain people. This is because minoxidil, even in its 2% form, is quite a strong treatment. So if any of the following applies to you, I’d recommend trying something else for hair regrowth.

  • If your scalp is inflamed or infected… DON’T USE!
  • If you use any other medicines on the scalp… DON’T USE!
  • If you’re under 18… DON’T USE!
  • If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding… DON’T USE!
  • If you suffer from heart problems or have high blood pressure… DON’T USE!

Other Keranique Products

The four treatments mentioned above make up the complete Keranique Hair Regrowth System. But the brand also sells the following 5 products, which could make a nice addition to your shopping cart.

Keranique Thickening and Texturizing Mousse

As an alternative (or add-on) to your Lift and Repair Treatment Spray, this baby gives extra volume and fullness to your hair. It also works to strengthen hair and protect it from breakage – especially useful for fans of curlers and straightening irons. Apply to damp hair and style as normal.

Keranique Follicle Boosting Serum

This touch of magic includes peptides, stem cell culture extract, vitamins and botanicals to provide some sweet nourishment to your scalp and hair follicles. It also boosts your hair’s resilience and lowers scalp inflammation to reduce hair thinning and prevent hair loss. Nice one. 

Massage a small amount daily into dry hair. And I mean small… the bottle is teensy so you’ll want it to last.

Keranique Intensive Overnight Serum

Want a similar touch of magic, without needing to wear serum during the day? I know what you mean – personally, I don’t like the feel of any products in my hair so I prefer overnight treatments when I can!

So this product’s for those of a similar mindset, who want some scalp TLC while they zzz. The overnight serum nourishes your noggin with polyphenols, zinc and glycine to kickstart your hair growth cycle back into action. Now that might help with sweet dreams.

Keranique Marula Oil Hair Mist

This oil spray is designed to soften and add shine to your hair while taming frizz and flyaways. The sweet blend of mongongo, marula and cyperus oils provides a light layer of moisture, without weighing down your hair. Great if you live in a changeable climate – this mist has you covered in cold, dry heat and humidity!

KeraViatin Hair & Scalp Hair Supplements

Is there a pill for hair loss? According to Keranique, yes there is! These supplements aim to “nourish hair from within” using a blend of clinically tested, non-GMO and sustainably sourced vitamins, minerals and nutrients to support a healthy scalp environment. 

Customer reviews are really positive and report shinier, stronger, more nourished hair. They also comment on how nice the capsules taste! Mmm…

LA Says: As well as these Keranique products, you can also snap up some “hair care tools” – like the Keranique Hair Detangling Tool and the Hair Defense Brush. Add them to your Christmas list or go ahead and treat yo’ self.

LA in dire need of a detangling brush...
In dire need of a Detangling Tool... whatever that is.

Any Other Supplements? Try Folexin!

Psst… If you don’t fancy Keranique and still want to try a hair loss supplement, these supplements from Folexin get amazing reviews. They include folic acid (to support follicles and help hair growth), biotin (to give your hair added protein) and Vitamin B6 (something which I’m lacking and my hair suffers as a result!)

The Lady prefers...

Folexin Hair Loss Supplements

Bottles of Folexin

Keranique Complaints – When a Free Trial Costs Too Much

Although I think these products could work wonders, PLEASE read the small print if you’re buying from getkeranique.com! This is because there’s a HUGE number of complaints against the brand about their auto-ship policy. 

NOTE: This policy, plus the potentially harmful side effects of minoxidil, are the main dangers of Keranique.

As I write this (in October 2019), I see that Keranique’s website offers a 120-day money-back guarantee. Customers can also snap up a free travel pack AND a couple of extra bonus gifts. Sounds too good to be true, right? It probably is.

Because from what I’ve read in numerous reviews, people get lured into signing up for a “free” trial kit – or some other incentive – and don’t realise that in doing so, they’re agreeing to further bulk orders at a much higher price. 

It seems like a tricky bind to get out of… and Keranique’s customer service department doesn’t exactly have a great rep! So make sure you know what you’re committing to or get your Keranique supply from somewhere else.

Keranique Ingredients and Side Effects: READ BEFORE YOU BUY!

The real star of the Keranique show is its Hair Regrowth System, which contains 2% minoxidil. But some of the other ingredients in the different products aren’t to be sniffed at either. These include:

  • Pro-Vitamin B5: Converts into Vitamin B5 (aka pantothenic acid), with natural moisturizing, soothing, healing and regenerating properties.
  • Keratin Amino Complex: Works with your hair’s natural keratin protein to replenish brittle or damaged hair.
  • Advanced Biotin Complex: Also known as Vitamin H, Biotin is a key component in maintaining healthy hair, skin and nails.

     

As for the side effects, you might experience itching and irritation of the scalp or even increased hair loss at first. However, the brand assures us that’s normal; it’s just the way the scalp sheds its old hair to make way for the new. 

There are more serious reactions that people might have as a result of using these products. So if you want to find out more about possible side effects, read Lady Alopecia’s post on that.

scratching cat
Things can get a little itchy!

Keranique Vs Nioxin

Having read a lot of Kernanique reviews (particularly around the scams that people keep falling victim to), I’m not in a massive rush to recommend it. Sure, you can buy it on Amazon but still, there’s something about this brand that doesn’t gel with me.
 

I’d rather Nioxin any day – mainly because I can vouch for its great reviews, as a loyal customer myself! It may not work for everyone but it certainly did for me – and I think it’s one of the best shampoos for thinning hair.

Interested in finding out more about Nioxin’s range? Then check out my review, see how it compares to Keranique in this post or take a sneak peak at its top shampoo below.

(Or if you want an even more natural option, I’m a massive fan of Revita’s vegan shampoo and conditioner).

The Lady prefers...

Nioxin Cleanser Shampoo

Common Questions

It depends on the person, but Keranique recommends using all of the 4 products in its Hair Regrowth System for a minimum of 4 months (120 days). Of course, you might see changes sooner.

You can buy it straight from the manufacturer (although remember to read the fine print!), from your local hair salon or online, through Amazon, ULTA or Sephora.

All of the products I mention in this post are recommended for daily use. The Hair Regrowth Treatment should be applied twice a day.

If you notice your hair drying out though, you could use Keranique every few days instead and use a more gentle shampoo, like Pura D’or, on the other days.

Actually, it’s not for everyone. So if you have heart problems or high blood pressure, or if you’re pregnant/breastfeeding, avoid using the Hair Regrowth Treatment. The minoxidil in it could be dangerous.

However, Keranique shampoo itself does seem to be safe for the above circumstances – and it’s a popular option for postpartum hair loss.

In a lot of cases, yes – at least, initially. The brand mentions that this is normal… that new, stronger hair will take root. But if it’s stressing you out, do what seems best and stop using it if you like.

Final Thoughts: Weigh Up The Pros & Cons!

Since Keranique seems to massively divide opinions, I don’t want to straight out say that you should try it. But I hope this post has given you enough information to help you make your choice.

For a quick recap, here are the main pros and cons, according to Keranique reviews…

Pros:

  • Available from lots of outlets (retail and online)
  • Contains an ingredient that’s proven to help with hair regrowth
  • Improves volume and adds shine
  • Incentives like a free trial or other goodies
  • Great reviews for styling products and supplements

Cons:

  • The danger of the auto-ship programme
  • Can cause more hair loss initially
  • Gets expensive when you buy all the products
  • Bad side effects in some cases

Let those pointers be your guide and tell me how you get on!

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Emma in a bubble

Author

Lady Alopecia

Alopecian. Yoga Teacher. Copywriter. Here to share information, offer support and show people the adventures that can lie in hair loss. I’m proud to have alopecia and I want to help others embrace their baldness, too!

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Comments

12 responses

  1. Hi there!
    Thank you so so much for writing this article! I wanted to ask, do you think the vitamins are safe to take? I ordered those today as well as the hair regrowth kit but after reading this article I think I’ll just try out the shampoo, conditioner and the vitamin supplements. My hair has always been thin- that’s why I ordered the kit, I don’t have hair loss so I’m hoping that I didn’t order something that’s gonna be harmful.

    1. Hi Daisy,

      Great name! And thanks so much for your feedback, glad you enjoyed this piece! I haven’t personally tried Keranique’s supplements but from their ingredients list, it seems like they’re natural and safe to use. Definitely safer to try than the Hair Regrowth Treatment with minoxidil so I’d say you’re making a good call in sticking to the shampoo, conditioner and supplements! You could always try the Folexin ones I mentioned either, if you don’t end up liking the Keranique ones. But do give them a go for at least a month and see how you get on!

      Thanks again for your question 🙂

    1. Hi Osheen, I’m really sorry to hear that. If you’d prefer something more natural, then take a look at this post I wrote about natural household remedies – things like ginger, turmeric and caffeine. When applied topically, they’re really good for your hair! I hope that helps, as I’d never want to advise someone to buy a product they’re not comfortable with! Use your intuition and stick to natural stuff if that feels right.

      Take care 🙂

    1. Hi Duncan!

      Yes, I can honestly say peppermint oil is AMAZING! I lost half my eyebrow 2 months ago and started applying a drop or two of mixed with castor oil every night. After 2 weeks, my eyebrow had pretty much grown back! Also in animal trials, peppermint oil showed to be just as effective as 5% minoxidil (without the bad side effects). You can check out my full article about its effects here but I highly recommend it! 🙂 Thanks so much for your question.

      Lady Alopecia

  2. I subscribed to KERATINIQUE about 6 months ago. I received the product and haven’t seen a big difference for my hair so I unsubscribed by calling to their customer service. But though I canceled my subscription they continue to sent me their products and charged my card!!! Last customer support I was trying to explain the situation just hang up!
    Never connect with this company! Have to change my card…. Horrible experience!

    1. Hi Kat, I’m so sorry to hear about your experience. Unfortunately, I hear a similar complaint often…which is why I mention several times in this post and in this post that it’s NOT a good idea to buy from the manufacturer, for this very reason. I don’t like the sound of their customer service, nor this ‘scam’ they seem to pull – however, I do think it’s a good product, which works for lots of people. That’s why I still review it here but also why I recommend buying it from Amazon, Sephora or Ulta instead. I’m so sorry to hear you’ve had this awful experience though and I hope you find a solution for your hair that works!! Thank you so much for sharing.

      PS I will add another disclaimer about buying from Keranique (ie to avoid it) at the top of this post to make it more clear. Thank you for bringing it to my attention!

  3. I got more hair loss and the texture of my hair went from smooth and shiny to coarse and frizzy. I emailed and spoke to my rep on the phone. I attempted to cancel the product but my rep only put it on hold unbeknownst to me. I also can no longer wash or style my own hair due to worsening neuropathy. When I spoke to a smarmy male customer service on the phone today he disputed that I had actually agreed to the 3 month hold. When I asked to speak to a supervisor he said they do not have them. I was told that the product had already shipped and the only way to get a refund is to ship the products back. I am under enough stress right now being quarantined for the foreseeable future. And also tight on funds due to the corona virus and I am at risk due to being 68 and have an impaired immune system. When this jerk said that perhaps I could get someone to return the products for me I began screaming that the tri-state is under quarantine. Aside from that I can no longer drive due to the neuropathy. DO NOT DEAL WITH THIS COMPANY BECAUSE TRUST ME YOU WILL REGRET IT. !!!!!!!

    1. Hi Susan, thank you so much for sending through your experience with Keranique. And I’m so, so sorry to hear you had such a bad time. To be honest, I’ve read about too many customer service complaints before, of people getting caught into this cycle with sales reps and unable to get out of contracts. Which is why, in this post, I do warn against buying the product through their website. The reason I still review Kernanique, is because Minoxidil is really effective for lots of people. I personally stopped using it because I didn’t like the bad side effects – and actually, as I mention in this post, peppermint oil might actually work better (without the bad effects!) But it must be so popular for a reason, so I didn’t want to discount the brand entirely…just to inform people, that maybe Amazon or your local salon is a better place to source it! I am really sorry to hear of the stress you’re under now though Susan, particularly in this anxious time. I hope you get the situation under control and I wish you all the very, very best. Thank you again for sharing your story. x

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