I’m all about the natural approach when supporting hair growth. Mother Nature has given us incredible gifts, after all…so why not combine them with advances in science for the best of both worlds?
I love when a hair loss shampoo includes some key natural ingredients, ones that have been proven to support and stimulate hair growth. Caffeine is one of these such ingredients, and a good caffeine shampoo can go a long way in creating a healthier scalp environment to prevent hair loss, while enabling maximum penetration of other lovely ingredients to increase your changes of hair growth, too.
Plus, if you’re after a hair loss product with a nice fragrance instead of an overly medical smell…well, you can’t go wrong with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee!
In this Plantur 39 reviews post, I’ll examine the brand’s phyto caffeine shampoo, plus a couple of other hair loss products to see how gently cleansing your scalp, reducing the effects of hormonal changes and using a few nourishing active ingredients alongside caffeine shampoos can support new hair growth. Enjoy!
Plantur 39 includes a caffeine shampoo, a conditioner and a scalp tonic designed for women over 40. It was the Dr Wolff Group’s first product range specifically for women with fine hair or thinning hair – and it was developed in line with the Dermatological Institute of the University Clinic Jena.
(The Dr Wolff Group, FYI, is a German family run business founded in 1905 that makes a range of other hair loss treatments, including Alpecin shampoo.)
Plantur 39 was created in 2005 by a German scientist called Dr. Adolf Klenk. It’s basically the female hair loss counterpart to Alpecia, which is designed for men.
This particular caffeine shampoo, conditioner and tonic are designed for hair over 40, which may have become weakened from the effects of menopause and changing estrogen levels or other ageing/environmental factors.
You see, after we turn 40, our estrogen levels decrease, meaning our hair roots lose their protection against the undesirable side effects of high levels of testosterone. (Boo!) Without high levels of estrogen to combat this, we might experience thinning hair, a more visible scalp and even a receding hairline. (Double boo!)
But Plantur 39 includes active ingredients – specifically, caffeine and white tea – which inhibit the production of DHT, a by-product of testosterone, to prevent and reduce hair loss. Yay!
Now extremely popular in Australia, but sold in 62 countries around the world, Plantur 39 seems like a secret weapon for women with premature hair loss, those experiencing hormonal changes as a result of age, menopause or giving birth…but really, any women who’ve started seeing hair falling out, and are hoping to reduce hair loss, can benefit from its natural ingredients.
Psst…there’s also a Colour Brown range, which apparently reduces greying hair, too. I wasn’t so sure about the company’s claims about this at first, but the reviews seem fairly positive!
Plantur 39 brings the following benefits to hair over 40 – although remember, you can use it to improve the health of your hair at any age! And although the Plantur 21 range focuses on younger women, again it’s for anyone wanting to improve the health of their hair everyday with a caffeine shampoo.
I’ll stop short of listing every single benefit that washing your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo can offer – because there are plenty! But here are the main benefits the company talks about on their website, followed by the key ingredients in Plantur 39 shampoo, conditioner and tonic.
The products’ combination of caffeine and essential nutrients help to strengthen hair – while repairing dull, limp and lifeless hair with every use. People claim that Plantur 39 shampoo also plumps up their existing hair, giving them more volume and a healthier, shinier appearance to their hair then other hair loss products.
Their Colour Brown range helps to wash away light roots and first greys – at least, that’s what the brand says it can do. Can you really wash away grey hair?! In any case, the customer reviews I’ve read about this range all mention positive results, that the shampoo has the same effect as at-home dyes for covering hair roots but without the harsh chemicals of these treatments.
The Plantur 21 Long Hair range includes caffeine and other essential micronutrients to repair split ends, stimulate hair follicles and help you grow thicker, longer hair. Especially recommended for those with a damaged hair structure after excessive heat styling or chemical treatments, which can lead to brittle hair and more hair falling out, too.
The main active ingredient in Plantur 39 shampoo, conditioner and tonic is called Phyto-Caffeine Complex. It uses an innovative technology to energise each hair strand after every single wash – promoting thicker, stronger-looking hair and less hair fall.
All Plantur 39 products are paraben and sulfate free. And as sulfate can dry out your scalp, leading to brittle hair or stressed hair, it’s better to look for shampoos that don’t use them.
Caffeine: The active caffeine ingredient blocks DHT, which is the hormone that’s commonly linked to hair loss. Synthetic caffeine also stimulates hair follicles and lengthens the hair shaft and revitalises hair during washing to promote hair growth – and, as this study shows, it’s almost as effective as minoxidil in doing so.
Argan Oil: Deeply moisturising, argan oil is also an antioxidant that protects and nourishes the hair follicle to minimize hair breakage and restore damaged hair.
Castor Oil: Reduces inflammation, clears build-up that could be causing scalp irritation and hair fall and boosts blood circulation.
Niacin: Also known as Vitamin B3, Niacin boosts blood flow to deliver more nutrients to the scalp. Combined with caffeine, that’s a lot of stimulation, folks!
White Tea Extract: A cooling anti-inflammatory for stressed hair, this active ingredient is another natural DHT blocker to limit the male hormones that can trigger hair loss.
Wheat Protein: Includes natural wheat extracts and soy proteins – also known as phytoflavones, these botanical ingredients support healthy hair.
Zinc: A zinc deficiency (common in women) can trigger hair loss. However, hair loss can also be causes by excess levels of zinc, so seek advice from a medical professional if you’re unsure.
Natural Remedies for Hair loss (including caffeine)
Argan Oil for Hair Loss
Castor Oil for Hair Growth
The Phyto-Caffeine shampoo provides strength and nourishment to thinning hair and promotes natural hair growth. As well as gently cleansing the skin and removing excess build-up to a) block DHT and b) unblock hair follicles, Plantur 39 shampoo also adds a much-needed splash of moisture to frizzy hair or dry hair, with argan oil and castor oil.
Also includes essential minerals and vitamins like zinc and niacin to zinc to strengthen thinning strands and provide fuller, thicker-looking hair.
How to use: After washing your hair in the shower with Plantur 39 shampoo, leave it on your scalp for 2 minutes before rinsing.
Helps strengthen strands while softening the hair and adding shine. The wheat protein it contains gives volume to your existing hair for a fuller, thicker look, while white tea extract, known for its anti-aging properties, helps to revitalise stressed out or dull-looking locks – without weighin it down.
How to use: Apply evenly to wet hair after using Plantur 39 shampoo. Leave the conditioner in for 30 seconds before washing off with cool water.
This cooling tonic is great for stimulating the scalp while refreshing the hair. It’s also great for colour-treated or brittle hair and you can use it for days between shampooing as a daily treatment.
That way, you’re still getting your daily nourishing fix of caffeine and castor oil, without having to worry about washing your hair in the shower. Remember, less shampooing meaning less stripping away of colour…so you can keep your colour lasting longer while still treating your scalp.
Each bottle of tonic comes with a built-in dosage tip, to ensure your hair gets the proper amount of phytonutrients for maximum penetration of nutrients. Phew!
How to use: Use the dosage tip to apply the tonic directly onto your scalp, then massage it in. Just like a hair mask, don’t wash it out again; allow your hair to dry and style it as normal.
The reviews for Plantur 39 are really positive. Women who have started noticing fine and brittle hair, a patchy scalp, even severe hair loss after a disruption to their female hormones during menopause, claim that Plantur 39 improved hair texture within a few weeks. Many of them talk about less hair loss and a visible improvement in new hair growth after about a month, too.
The grey hair is now turning light brown after one month and I am sure they will turn brown if I continue to use the product. There is also less hair left in the sink after each wash. Good product! Highly recommend.
– Joyce L, Australia
I’m about to be 50 and was noticing my hairline receding a bit. Bought the tonic and use it a few days a week on scalp BUT also on my ends and it has made a BIG difference. My hairline has started to fill in and my hair overall is thicker and healthier. I’m impressed!
– Dawn, US
My hair has been thinning for a few years now. I have tried a few products and none really worked very well or were very expensive. There was new growth but the hair fall continued. I decided to give this shampoo a try and after a couple weeks use I have noticed the hair fall definitely reduced lots. My hair is getting a chance to grow thicker again.
– Calista, UK
I’m 54 and going through menopause. My hair was falling at an alarming rate so I decided to give it a try. I bought my first bottle in March and I’m working through my second bottle (it’s now May) and I’m glad to say that about 95% of the breakage has stopped. I still have some but not as much as I was having prior to use.
– Maria, US
Although one or two customers said it gave them brittle hair that was more tangled, most reviews were really positive about Plantur 39. The most critical reviews just said it didn’t work for hair loss, but even they conceded that they noticed an improvement in volume and that they liked the pleasant smell.
Unlike many other hair loss treatments, including caffeine shampoos, Plantur 39 treatments don’t contain biotin. And since excess biotin can actually cause adverse reactions for those with a sensitivity (like nausea or skin rashes), I actually think it’s pretty good that Plantur 39 doesn’t include it.
With no reported side effects that I could find, I think this phyto-caffeine complex sounds like a great way to reduce hair loss and support hair growth in women. You can use the same shampoo every day – it’s safe for daily use, or alternate it with another sulfate-free natural shampoo that can reduce shedding even further.
My favorite hair thinning shampoo is Revita – when I used this shampoo and conditioner, I saw an instant improvement in my existing hair’s texture, density and volume, plus it smelled great! I also saw less shedding after a few weeks and even some regrowth after a few months.
So if you don’t want to try Plantur 39 for some reason, or you want to use it alongside something else, check out Revita.
Honestly, I can’t find anything that ‘bad’ to say about these products as I think they sound great…and instead of wasting time and money on commercial shampoos, you could benefit a LOT from switching things up.
You can buy Planteur 39 on Amazon or from the company’s website. I didn’t find any complaints about packaging or knock-off products on Amazon so it seems to be a safe choice!
A 250ml bottle of caffeine shampoo has a price of $18 on Amazon. 150ml of conditioner is $13 and the tonic is $18. So really, it’s a pretty great price compared to many other hair loss products!
Yes, the caffeine shampoos and other products include white tea and caffeine to naturally block this hormone, which is commonly linked to hair loss.
Ok, I’m not sure if Plantur 39 can achieve just that…or indeed, if any shampoo can, caffeine shampoo or not. Since hair loss can be triggered by so many things, it’ll probably take more than a good shampoo to suddenly make your hair grow back.
However, if your hair loss is as a result of hormonal changes in menopause, well, this range is supposed to address just that. So maybe it really could make a difference and at that price, it’s probably worth it!
To help things along, I’d use a good hair supplement to further address hormonal imbalances, correct any nutritional deficiences and in general, to support your hair health. The one I love to recommend is Folexin, which is also recommended for pre and postmenopausal women, and you can read my review on that if you like.
In any case, I think like Plantur 39 seem like a really great brand, and the reviews seem to say the same. But I’d love to hear your thoughts, if you’ve ever used Plantur 39 or another caffeine shampoo. Did it make a difference to your hair growth? Get sharing below!
Love & hugs,
Get free, semi-regular alopecia-related news things and musings.
Psst… If no welcome email shows up, check your spam.
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!
Every month, thousands with hair woes visit my site. The more the merrier! But it takes AGES to write posts and reply to emails. Don’t get me wrong, I love it! But running a website isn’t free. So I’m trying something new: I’m asking for your support. If Lady Alopecia has helped you, please consider buying me a (virtual) coffee or even become a patron of the site. Thanks!
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?
Psst… If no welcome email shows up, check your spam.
Small print time: Ladyalopecia.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Copyright © 2023, Lady Alopecia. All rights reserved. Important – By using this website, you promise not to steal stuff. Thank you kindly.
Join the gang and receive semi-regular news and joy from someone with very irregular hair.