I love solutions that are fit for purpose: especially when it comes to coping with something that can be as overwhelming as hair loss.
Because I’ve tried a lot of products – some worked for hair growth, others didn’t. But the most effective ones took my individual needs into account.
That’s what I like about Nioxin’s products. And judging from the positive Nioxin reviews out there, I’m not the only one!
In this Nioxin System 5 reviews post, I’ll cover a system that’s most definitely “fit for purpose” – if you have chemically treated hair. So if you regularly practise treatments like perming, relaxing, chemical straightening, bleaching or using highlights or lowlights, this is the Nioxin review for you!
Coming up:
If you apply any of the above chemical treatments to your hair – and if you’re experiencing light thinning or shedding – then this system is for you. If your hair loss is heavier, try using System 6.
System 5’s hair regrowth kit is especially great if you have chemically damaged hair.
How do you know if you have chemically damaged hair? Good question. You’re paying attention!
You probably know how to apply shampoo. It ain’t rocket science. But there are a few extra tips to bear in mind for maintaining healthier, chemically treated hair. Such as…
If you chemically treat your mop, it probably isn’t in the best condition. And you might be overly sensitive to some of the ingredients that Nioxin contains.
So my advice is to use the shampoo and conditioner of System 5 two to three times a week, rather than every second day. Alternate them with more gentle products, for instance cooling aloe-based ones or sulfate-free shampoos and give your scalp a breather in between.
Some hairdressers recommend that you don’t use any shampoo at all on your “rest days” between “wash days”. Give that a try and those bottles will last longer.
The chemicals you already use might be a little harsh on your poor head. So protect it in whatever way you can, especially against factors like sun and pollution.
Fortunately, the System 5 scalp treatment does just that – with ensulizole and sulisobenzone acting as a sunscreen and a barrier to UV rays. Yay! All products contain a bunch of B vitamins, too… to nourish and nurture your chemically straightened or permed hair.
When you’ve towel-dried your hair and are about to apply the scalp treatment, don’t just go hell-for-leather with a hair brush. Be gentle. Use a wide-toothed comb to part your hair into sections, pump a little product into each section and slowly comb it through.
Use your fingertips to really work the product into your hair and scalp and then use a brush if you like. Or if you’re going to be using your curlers, get scrunching.
Even if you don’t have much hair to begin with, this applies to you! Because it’s important to look after your existing hair rather than letting it get too dry, brittle and prone to snapping.
Instead, get it trimmed regularly – if visiting a hairdresser isn’t an option, get a friend to help. And allow your hair to stay strong ‘n’ healthy, maybe even encouraging new hair to take root beside it!
If you’re using System 5, that means you use a lot of chemicals on your hair already. Poor head. So let this 3-step system give it the TLC it needs.
A gentle combination of peppermint oil, menthol, fennel and biotin work to cleanse and nourish your hair. The shampoo does contain sulfates to create a foamy lather – but recent research indicates that sulfates might not actually be bad for your scalp after all.
To use: Rub the shampoo into your scalp and hair for up to one minute before rinsing. Use it every couple of days (rather than daily).
If you’ve got dry and brittle hair from all those chemicals, this baby will be your new best friend. Creamy without being heavy, moisturising without being oily, it can rescue damaged locks from the edge of hair scare!
To use: You only need a little bit so apply sparingly. Run it through your strands and leave it to set for 2–3 minutes before rinsing.
Unlike the first two steps, which you can follow every couple of days, I’d recommend using the Scalp and Hair treatment daily. Nioxin System 5 reviews agree that overuse of the shampoo isn’t such a great idea, whereas regular use of this particular product is advised for best results.
After all, it’s the protective barrier for all that nasty pollution and hot sun – so best to use it often!
To use: Run it through different sections of your hair as I’ve mentioned above. Apply at night or, if in the morning, 30 minutes before leaving the house – as it can make your scalp a little red!
Well yes, plenty. But I wouldn’t recommend using too many additional products if you already indulge in lots of hair chemicals. Still, if you want to try them out, be my guest!
Other Nioxin Products:
Although you can buy all 6 systems directly from Nioxin, they’re a lot cheaper on Amazon. You can also get a “trial pack” to test out the kit before you commit. Handy.
LA Says: Avoid retailers like Walmart or Target, who reputedly sell knock-off Nioxin products that don’t contain the real thing. Of course, this happens online, too – so buy off a trusted seller with positive Nioxin System 5 reviews.
Well, yes. It does. As well as its natural ingredients, it contains a bunch of far less natural ones – some of which might not be great for your chemically treated hair. See this post for a full list.
When I started using Nioxin, I had a full head of hair again after 3 months. (It didn’t last. Unfortunately.) But after just a couple of weeks, I noticed healthier, shinier and thicker-looking hair.
There are indeed. Some are common, like redness and itching of the scalp. Others aren’t, like facial swelling or hives – if you’re experiencing the latter, stop using Nioxin and talk to your doctor.
Nioxin System 5 is supposedly fit for the purpose of those with chemically treated hair and light thinning. But of course, we’re all different and have different genetic make-ups, lifestyles etc.
So just because this system works for one person with a perm, doesn’t mean it will work for you. (Sorry!)
I hope that in this case though, it is fit for your purpose – and that you start seeing great results from using Nioxin!
As always, you’re very welcome to share your thoughts and experiences below.
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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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I’m Emma. I’ve had alopecia for 24 years and I’m here to inform/hopefully empower people like me! Read my full story here. But I’m not a doctor, so any advice here is based on my own research and experience. I’m also in a few affiliate programs – see my disclaimer page for more. Or contact me here. Also, why not join a thousand fellow alopecians and get my-semi regular hair about life with irregular hair?
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4 responses
Hi Lady Alopecia,
I love your site and your positive message!
What would you define as “light hair thinning”?
Hi Nicole! Thanks so much for the lovely feedback, I really appreciate it! Good question…in my case, my hair thinning has always been progressed/heavy – noticeable shedding in the shower etc. So because I don’t chemically treat my hair, I used System 2. Light thinning would probably be more of a gradual thing, you’re not noticing excessive shedding but just that your hair isn’t looking as “full” and you want more volume. If you chemically-treat your hair with light thinning, then System 5 would be a good idea or if your hair is natural, try System 1. System 3 is for light thinning but colour-treated hair. I hope that helps! And good luck! 🙂
Hi
Just about to try the nioxin 5 – thanks for the info (kind of wished I just bought the aloe gel now lol)
Thanks again
Louise
You’re very welcome, Louise! And there’s no need to just use Nioxin by itself…you could always get aloe vera too and alternate days! A double-pronged approach. 😉 Or try out the Nioxin for a couple of months if you can and see what changes you notice.
Best of luck!!