Shapiro MD Shampoo Review

Is Shapiro a Scam?

A bottle of shapiro md

Let’s get right to the point. Because when it comes to hair loss, you don’t want a fluffy answer – you want a direct one!

Plenty of Shapiro MD reviews gush about how it magically regrows hair. Which I don’t think any shampoo can do overnight. Because 6.8 million people (in the US alone) are still affected by alopecia areata…no matter what shampoo they use!

Alopecia is triggered by different factors – including hormones, genetics, gut imbalances and stress – so it takes more than a topical treatment to deliver long-term results. (That’s why I’m not a fan of minoxidil; it addresses the symptom, not the root cause.)

Good news: with the right blend of ingredients, you CAN improve scalp health, and your hair’s health, too. So it’s less likely to become brittle and fall out. And if you already have bald patches, the right shampoo creates the best environment for regrowth.

Shapiro MD Shampoo & Conditioner

Quick Look
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What is Shapiro MD Shampoo?

This specialized hair thinning shampoo tops lots of “best hair loss treatment” lists. But I’ve never given it much attention – because I used Nioxin and that’s what worked for me. But having researched Shapiro A LOT, I see what all the fuss is about.

Shapiro MD was founded in 2011 by two dermatologists: Dr Steven Shapiro and Dr Michael Bornenstein. After 5 years of studying the effects of DHT on hair follicles, Dr Shapiro and Dr Bornenstein created a “triple-action hair care formulation” and patented it for hair loss.

The result? A VERY popular shampoo and conditioner, plus other products like a growth-stimulating foam, grounded in good ol’ science. Although Shapiro focuses on thinning hair, it’s suitable for all hair types – so whether you’ve got straight, wavy or curly hair, this baby makes a great shower companion.

Shapiro nourishes the scalp, keeps existing hair healthy and encourages growth. So no, it’s not a scam. It does exactly what it promises: “Helps you keep the hair you have and achieve thicker, fuller looking hair”. But you should be careful where you buy it.

Read on to see how Shapiro MD works for hair loss, plus how to avoid shipping scams (by NOT buying direct!) 

Head Scarves for Hair Loss

Wrap it up like a queen with my new supersoft jersey cotton headscarves.
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5 Benefits of Shapiro Shampoo

“What’s in it for me?” I hear you say. Great question. Because this post isn’t about how brainy some dermatologists in lab coats are, this is about if – and how – a shampoo can help your hair loss.

So first, I’ll outline 5 reasons why it’s a great product, then I’ll explain how it actually works.

  1. Shapiro MD is a natural DHT blocker (and, as we’ll see in a moment, DHT is linked to hair loss)
  2. It revitalizes hair follicles to promote thicker, longer and fuller hair
  3. Each treatment contains FDA-approved and clinically proven hair loss ingredients – that are NATURAL!
  4. One of these natural ingredients stimulates stem cells to trigger regrowth – even if the hair follicle is “dying” already
  5. Finally, the antioxidants included in Shapiro MD’s ingredients help maintain better scalp and hair health overall
3 science looking people looking at a test tube
Hold on to your test tubes, here comes the science.

Science Bit: How Shapiro MD Works

Let me hit you with some science. DHT stands for dihydrotestosterone – which is a metabolite, a fancy word that describes what the hormone testosterone breaks down into. Some DHT is needed for growth and development…but too much is not A Good Thing.

Why? Well, when DHT reaches your hair follicles, it attaches itself to your receptors (which are like sensors). The receptor then tells the follicle to protect itself, to shrink and retreat. It sends the hair a message: it tells it “go away”.

This process weakens the hair follicle more and more until it becomes so small, both it (and the hair shaft, the visible part of the strand) break off. Due to a range of factors associated with autoimmune conditions, it mightn’t be able to grow back out again.

So too much DHT can:

  • shrink your hair follicles
  • shorten their growth cycle
  • give you brittle hair that falls out
  • make it hard for your follicles to grow new hairs

 

Yikes! DHT can be a fast-track to male-pattern baldness, or other forms of hair loss.

How can Shapiro help with all this? Because it works as a DHT-blocking shampoo. So it can stop the above process (that of the DHT attaching itself to the receptor) by prohibiting DHT in the first place.

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What Makes Shapiro MD So Special?!

Actually, lots of shampoos block DHT. What sets Shapiro apart from them is the following…

1. Natural Ingredients 

Many shampoos for thinning hair use harsh chemical compounds to inhibit DHT production, and these chemicals can have negative side effects: like itchiness or irritation, headaches or dizziness.

Even Nioxin, which has many benefits for both normal and chemically treated hair, can dry out the scalp because it contains sulfates.

Shapiro MD, however, only uses 3 naturally occurring DHT blockers: caffeine, green tea and saw palmetto. This formula sends the hair a new message: “you shouldn’t go away – you should stay”.

So these natural ingredients:

  • block DHT
  • send a healthy message to the receptor
  • help repair the damage that’s already been done

 

These active ingredients stimulate stem cells to produce new hair, even if the follicle has been badly damaged by the effects of too much testosterone and its bi-products (i.e. DHT). It’s a MUCH more natural approach to hair growth (unlike harsh chemicals, like minoxidil) and it’s just one of the qualities that makes Shapiro MD special.

As one of my top sulfate-free shampoos, Shapiro MD is also paraben-free and animal-friendly. Good to know.

2. Made by Experts

Shapiro’s also different to other hair thinning shampoos because it’s developed by dermatologists – not just canny marketing types, like those behind Keranique. In fact, medical experts and customers alike are really positive in their Shapiro MD reviews.

Well…to an extent. We’ll read about some autoship scams and complaints soon, so perhaps Shapiro isn’t quite as trustworthy as you might hope. For a more credible brand of thinning hair shampoos and conditioners, also sulfate free and designed by dermatologists, I’d highly recommend Revita. It’s my favorite!

revita shampoo review

Shapiro MD Ingredients

Now you know how Shapiro works, let’s delve in deeper – to those lovely natural ingredients that block DHT.

Side note: Depending on what treatment you choose, Shapiro MD can include oral finasteride or minoxidil. But because I’m not a fan of those things, I’ll focus on its natural products: Shapiro shampoo, conditioner and foam. 

Shapiro MD contains 3 natural DHT blockers in its proprietary triple-action formula:

Caffeine

When applied topically, caffeine is really effective at boosting blood flow and promoting hair growth. The skin absorbs it quickly into hair follicles, while stopping pesky DHT by blocking the actions of 5-α reductase.

In fact, some studies show that low concentrations of caffeine were just as effective as topical minoxidil at the 6-month mark…without the nasty side effects. Since caffeine helps blood flow, it can also help nutrient-starved cells to replenish. Not a bad brew.

Psst…see this post for a great caffeine-rich shampoo – especially for hormonal hair loss!

Green Tea Polyphenols (EGCG)

You may use green tea to give you an added energy boost. But when applied topically, it’s actually said to prolong the anagen phase of the hair-growth cycle. Since the anegan phase is when growth happens, that’s definitely A Good Thing.

Oh, and EGCG can also block DHT from forming in the first place, as well as inhibiting the receptor it needs to bind to in order to do its evil work. Go green! Go green tea!

Saw Palmetto Berry Extract (SPBE)

If you’re familiar with other hair loss shampoos, you’ve probably heard of saw palmetto. It’s been used for centuries in folk medicine but in more recent years has shot to fame for its anti-androgenetic effects. (FYI: androgens are male sex hormones including testosterone and DHT).

Specifically, it inhibits the 5-alpha enzyme that helps produce DHT. Saw palmetto also contains powerful antioxidants to protect the scalp and help hair follicles recover from damage. Berry nice.

shapiro shampoo

Does Shapiro MD Work?

Let’s find out.

What Dermatologists Say

So what are the results of using Shapiro MD? Well, Dr Nicole says that after just ONE MONTH customers notice:

  • thicker hair
  • fuller hair
  • less hair loss

 

Dr Michael Borenstein, co-creator of the patented formula, says its proprietary ingredients deliver real, positive results for patients: on a routine basis, over a long period of time.

And then of course, there’s Dr Steven Shapiro himself – the other force behind the shampoo who loves his name so much he put it on the label.

Dr Shapiro has over 25 years of experience in dermatology, treating skin, hair and nail conditions. And while I don’t think this means he knows it all – because I’ve been to several established dermatologists and trichologists who clearly don’t – it does give him more credibility compared to other hair loss shampoo brands. (Such as Nioxin, now manufactured by P&G).

Dr Shapiro is so confident – and excited – about his product, it’s hard not to believe in its effects.

Emma looking confused about a decision
What do those with no hair think?

What Customer Reviews Say

Board-certified dermatologists are great and all. And sure, if they recommend Shapiro as the best shampoo for thinning hair, their opinions carry weight. However, these particular Shapiro MD shampoo reviews are just a little biased – after all, they’re the ones who make the stuff!

So what do customers say? The ones actually slathering their heads with Shapiro’s patented formula? 

Well, customer reviews on Amazon and YouTube certainly seem to reflect the dermatologists’ claims of thicker, fuller hair after one month.

Still, I take all reviews with a pinch of salt. Reviews can be faked and people can be bribed – and one unhappy Shapiro MD review says people get a free supply of Shapiro products to leave a glowing testimonial!

But even though some people complain it’s a waste of money or that it has a strong smell, the worst side effect they report is simply that it didn’t work. So I think “what is there to lose?!” The positive reviews all say it worked pretty quickly – so maybe it’s worth a try!

Here’s what else they said:

Since I have been using this product I have noticed that my hair does not fall out as much. I see new growth already in the first month. I was skeptical because the label said it may take up to 3 months before you notice a difference but I am already seeing it.

– Lundy, via Amazon

I tried almost every hair growth, hair loss preventing, hair thickening shampoo and conditioner out there and NOTHING has worked as well as this. I could literally see the difference in the first week. I used to lose clumps of hair every time I washed or brushed it and I now barely lose any at all. I coupled these with Nutrafol vitamins and I’m getting new hair growth.

Shannon, via Amazon

shapiro shampoo

Disclaimer: A word of warning!!

As I alluded to above, not all the reviews are positive: particularly around the brand’s customer service and their autoship policy.

Since I first published this post, waaay back in 2020, I’ve had lots of people writing in to say that Shapiro MD is running a kind of scam where they a) ship you products you didn’t ask for or b) refuse to accept returns and will charge your card anyway.

I also had a journalist email me in February, 2021 to say he’s investigating fraudulent behavior by the guys behind the company. He agreed it’s still a great product, the formula hasn’t changed, but unfortunately, their sales and marketing practices are…unethical, to say the least.

That’s why I would advise: DO NOT buy direct from the manufacturer!! Order from Amazon instead – you still get the benefits of the shampoo but without getting signed up for an auto-renew policy.

Or you could skip Shapiro entirely and try another shampoo for thinning hair that has a better reputation – I recommend Pura D’Or or, as I mentioned already, my top thinning hair shampoo, Revita.

Revita shampoo bottle

How To Use Shapiro MD for Hair Loss

Shapiro shampoo and conditioner are pretty gentle and only contain natural ingredients – so you can use them every day. Try the set every day for at least a month and notice the effects!

Some customers leave the products on for 3 minutes before rinsing; others noticed too much of a build-up on the scalp and found that 1 minute worked better. See what suits you.

Of course, there are more products available (aren’t there always?!) but the cleanser and conditioner are probably enough to start seeing results. If not, you could always use Shapiro in addition to a hair growth supplement like Folexin – read my full review on that brand here.

Or check out some of Shapiro’s other products, like natural supplements and less-than-natural hair growth pills, if you’re really keen. The Natural Kit is a good option: it includes the shampoo, conditioner and foam. To use the foam, pump the bottle twice and apply it to dry hair daily. No need to rinse.

Most Popular Products: Shapiro Shampoo & Conditioner

I’ve already talked about the overall benefits of Shapiro but its flagship product, the shampoo, and its companion, the conditioner, are the best things to buy if you’re new to the brand.

Both are suitable for both men and women as they work to block excess DHT from the body – as we’ve seen, that’s what experts agree can trigger hair loss. Male pattern baldness and androgenetic alopecia accounts for more than 95% of hair loss in men and two-thirds of American men will have experienced hair loss by the age of 35.

While in the UK, around 8 million women have hair loss – so surely they’ll appreciate something to slow it down!

Luckily, Shapiro’s triple-action hair care approach to block DHT does just that, even stops the process entirely, and in a natural way. It can slow or stop genetic hair thinning in its tracks and help to repair damage by nourishing the scalp.

Other Products: Shapiro Foam, Minoxidil Serum, Finasteride & Supplements

As well as their best-selling shampoo, these guys have branched out to other aspects that foster healthy hair. (Like a healthy gut. Which as you may know by now, I fully support.)

Here’s what else they offer, many of which can be bought as part of a “hair regrowth kit”:

  1. Shapiro Finasteride Pills: Also known as Propecia (that’s the brand name), Finasteride is the only FDA-approved pill for male-pattern hair loss and baldness. It can have adverse side effects (e.g erectile dysfunction in men, birth defects in pregnant women) so always check with your doctor.
  2. Leave-In Foam: Honestly? I’m not sure what the difference is between this and the shampoo – but you don’t need to rinse it out!
  3. Men’s 5% Minoxidil Serum: Personally, I’m not a fan of minoxidil. I used it and it gave me headaches, plus it made me dizzy. But each to their own – again, check with your doctor.
  4. Shapiro Hairbiotics Supplements: I’m on different supplements right now so I haven’t tried these yet. They contain beta glucans to help you keep good bacteria in your gut – so you can absorb the nutrients you need for healthy skin and hair.
  5. Laser Regrowth Cap: If you’ve got cash to splash, Shapiro offers Laser Phototherapy (LPT), a very powerful technique for fighting hair loss. I’m not sure, having never tried it – but I do talk more about what’s involved in this HairMax post!

 

Where can you buy extra Shapiro stuff? All of the above products are available directly from the manufacturer (although I wouldn’t recommend it after the comments I received…see them below). For the shampoo and conditioner, you can get pretty good deals on Amazon.

Side Effects: Is Shapiro MD Safe?

Short answer: It depends which products you use. Since the ingredients in the shampoo, conditioner and foam are naturally occurring,  bad side effects are rare. (Like I said, the only negative comment in those Amazon reviews was that it didn’t seem to work.) 

In my opinion, what have you got to lose?! The Natural Kit – or just the shampoo, or the shampoo and conditioner set – aren’t that expensive, so it won’t hurt to try them for a couple of months.

LA Says: Note that if you choose the serum with minoxidil, or the oral finasteride product, these CAN have negative side effects. Use them with caution and talk to your doctor/dermatologist if you’re not sure. Also, don’t use Shapiro products if you’re pregnant/breast-feeding due to its hormonal effects.

Shapiro MD vs Rogaine

rogaine vs shapiro logos

While some Shapiro products contain minoxidil, the shampoo and conditioner don’t. That’s why I like them – because I didn’t have a great experience with minoxidil, back when I used it. 

Now, I’ve never tried Rogaine (which is a popular brand name for minoxidil), but I DID try the 5% topical solution before. It gave me really bad headaches and dizzy spells – and it didn’t work, not to any real degree. I saw a teeny bit of fuzz (vellus hairs) but they didn’t last long and weren’t worth the pain!

That’s why I tried Nioxin, which I really liked – but which doesn’t block DHT. Shapiro, on the other hand, does block DHT. And it does it naturally.

So in my opinion, Shapiro is a much safer bet than Rogaine! Plus, you could always add a couple of drops of peppermint essential oil to the shampoo, which has been proven to be just as effective as minoxidil in animal trials. Or try Nanoxidil serum from DS Labs (the brand behind Revita) – which is basically, Minoxidil 2.0 without the harsh side effects.

Bottle of Revita Growth Serum with Nanoxidil

A Quick Recap: Pros & Cons of Shapiro

Pros

  • Natural DHT blocker
  • Good for all hair types 
  • Developed by dermatologists
  • Some FDA-approved ingredients
  • No parabens or sulfates
  • Works for men and women
  • Fast results: Noticeable within a month

Cons

  • Not FDA-approved as a product (just some of its ingredients are)
  • Potential negative side effects of minoxidil
  • Not suitable if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding
  • It isn’t cheap (but not expensive either, it’s mid-range)
  • Reports of bad customer service and scams when buying direct

Common Questions

Results may differ depending on the person but in terms of before and after effects, some Shapiro customers notice a big difference after just a month.

You can buy the various treatments straight from Shapiro’s website, although Amazon has good deals on larger supplies. You can also get the separate products (or kits, depending on availability) and your local Walgreens or Walmart.

Not the shampoo or the conditioner, no. Just the Men’s 5% Minoxidil Serum does; the other products are more natural.

Unfortunately, no. These products aren’t recommended for pregnant or lactating women, due to the hormonal risk of active DHT blockers on unborn or nursing children.

The 9.5oz shampoo and conditioner set costs under $70 for a one-month supply – it’s usually cheaper to stock up for a few months.

Final Thoughts: Is Shapiro MD legit?!

In this humble alopecian’s opinion? Yes, yes it is. Why? Well, because both caffeine and saw palmetto are proven DHT-blocking ingredients, which work to slow the rate of hair loss. I actually didn’t know green tea had such extra powers but the fact that it can prolong the anagen phase is great news!

While I don’t think it’ll magically regrow hair, I do like the fact that Shapiro does everything other hair loss brands do, and more – in a natural way. Clearly, it’s one of the top-selling hair thinning and alopecia shampoos for a very good reason!

Since Shapiro MD doesn’t come with any bad side effects (that I know of), I’m happy to cast my vote and would recommend giving it a try. Just be careful where you order it from! And please, share your own Shapiro reviews below – I’d love to hear about your experiences.

Love & hugs,

Lady Alopecia Signature

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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

48 Responses

    1. I’m not sure how to answer this one, I’m sorry! It shouldn’t really sting as the shampoo is free from sulfates (so basically, a more tear-free formula with a pH closer to 7). But if that’s been your experience with it, obviously you know best. I’m sorry to hear that and all I can advise is maybe close your eyes when using it! 🙂

  1. I’ve ordered and pay my kit on May 13 ,2022 but I’m still waiting for it to come, please cancel my order and refund my money 💰 thanks

    1. Hi Mariza, I’m sorry but I’m afraid I’m not a Shapiro representative or anything – I’m just a woman with alopecia who occasionally reviews products based on my own experiences! I hope you manage to connect with them and get the refund you’re after, fingers crossed! Emma/Lady Alopecia

  2. You are so sweet! congratulation on your new baby! (not so new now 😉
    big thank you for all this valuable information

  3. I have been using their products for a couple of months and am wondering why there is colorant in the shampoo? My hair is normally on the ash blond side but my daughter recently asked if I’d just had it colored as it was sooo dark…also leaving dark stains in my tub??? So far my hair seems to be getting thinner rather than thicker, although the literature that came with the kit said it might thin more the first 3 months before new hair growth would be detected??

    1. Hi, thanks so much for your question and I’m really sorry to hear you’re having these issues! There isn’t any colorant in Shapiro MD but in their FAQs they do address the issue of bottle staining, saying “Shapiro MD stains the bottle due to its powerful active ingredients…Shapiro MD will not stain your hair as long as you rinse it out before you hit the 5-minute mark. We have had 0 reported cases of hair staining.”

      That’s the only information I could find around this point but my suggestion would be to maybe not leave it on as long? And to rinse your tub after using it. I haven’t heard other complaints about hair staining but anyone reading this, maybe you could share your experience if you have?? And yes, thinning hair is a common side effect in the short-term after using many hair loss treatments; I had the same problem when I used Nioxin but it all turned around again after a couple of weeks! Let me just reiterate, I don’t think there’s any ‘miracle cures’ out there…but 3 months is the amount of time manufacturers usually recommend in order to see the best results. So stick with it if you can…consistency is key! If you’d rather try something else though, and want a more natural approach, I’d highly recommend Revita. Check out my full reviewm on that here. Hope that helps!! Emma / Lady Alopecia.

    1. Haha Wylie, that’s a great point! You’re right, he definitely has a receding hairline and maybe he should practice what he preaches just a little bit more…but, and there is always a but! His mightn’t be male pattern baldness triggered by an unhealthy scalp environment or a hormonal imbalance. It could be genetics, which would make it harder to treat. And as I said in the start of this post, I don’t think any one shampoo can magically regrow hair. Alopecia is such a complex thing and it affects everyone differently, so it may take different measures to resolve it. For those who have alopecia from hormonal imbalance, Shapiro MD could be ideal as it’s a DHT blocker. For others who use lots of chemical treatments to style it, it can restore a healthy scalp environment. But for others, they’ll need to look at a more holistic appraoch, such as their diet. Maybe Dr Shapiro is one of those guys!! Thanks so much for your comment though, it’s a point well made!

  4. Hi! Do you have the full list of ingredients in the shampoo, conditioner and foam? Also, is it necessary to use all the products everyday to get results? I currently wash my hair once every 3 days, and don’t want to have to wash more often.

    1. Hi Mae,

      Thanks for your question and I’m sorry for the late reply. I’ve just had my first baby so am a little slow to respond! Sure, here are the ingredients for each…

      Shampoo:

      Water (Aqua, Propylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Behenamidopropyl Dimethylamine, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Caffeine, Saw palmetto Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Chloride, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Xanthan Gum, Panthenol, Lactic Acid, Fragrance, Tocopheryl Acetate

      Conditioner:

      Water (Aqua, Propylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Behenamidopropyl Dimethylamine, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Caffeine, Saw palmetto Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Chloride, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Xanthan Gum, Panthenol, Lactic Acid, Fragrance, Tocopheryl Acetate

      Foam:

      Water, Capryl/Capramidopropyl Betain, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Caffeine, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Creatine, Panthenol, Fructose, Niacinamide, Glycine, Fragrance, Urea, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl alcohol, Inositol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Xanthan Gum, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid

      And no, you can use it every second day or twice a week, it’s still effective. So if you wash your hair every 3 days that’s no problem at all…in fact, some people prefer to use it sporadically and alternate it with a different shampoo so that’s totally fine! Best of luck 🙂

      1. Your a sweet lady but Shapiro shampoo doors not work. I bought it. And my hair just started to fall out. I rather stick to head and shoulders that also smells good. As this new shampoo and conditioner smells horrible and does not work. You must have gotten paid for this review. They change the ingredients and it doors more damage them good

        1. Hi Rosemarie, thanks for sharing your experience and I’m so sorry to hear Shapiro hasn’t worked out for you. Of course you should go with what feels right for you…the reason I wouldn’t advise shampoos like Head and Shoulders is that they’re full of sulfates and parabens, which aren’t very kind to the scalp. Shapiro, on the other hand, contains natural ingredients that are designed to support hair growth while being kind to the scalp…unfortunately, those natural ingredients might not result in as sweet-smelling a shampoo, though! I don’t get paid for any of my reviews, Shapiro doesn’t even know this post exists. And although I may earn a small commission from affiliate links on this site (see my disclaimer page for more), I’ll only review products I’ve either tried personally or ones I’ve had recommendations about and have researched thoroughly. But I am so sorry about your own experience…it is common when hair to fall out after switching to a new treatment (that’s what happened when I started with Nioxin), but this should rectify itself after a couple of weeks. Best results will likely take 3 months, but I understand if you want to switch things up in the meantime!

          Wishing you all the very best,

          Emma / Lady Alopecia x

  5. I’m wondering about blocking DHT since it is a sex hormone. If some of the ingredients in this product block DHT, wouldn’t that lead to the side effect of erectile dysfunction disorder or make it worse if a man already suffers from this problem? Wouldn’t blocking DHT interfere with sexual desire? I would be concerned about this. Thoughts?

    1. Hi Deanna,

      I’m so sorry for the late reply – I normally try to write back quickly but I’ve just had my first baby a few months ago so had taken a little break!

      Anyway, thanks for your patience. And it’s a great question, thanks for raising it. I had read about oral finasteride being a factor in erectile dysfunction or in reduced libido (and from this NBCI article, it does have a minimal effect). I’ve read a few studies about the effects of topical DHT blockers and it seems the effect on libido is pretty rare. It looks like something many of the magazine style articles include this as a side effect but the research itself doesn’t reveal it to be a big concern. In saying that I’m no doctor myself – so if it’s something you’re concerned about, I’d speak to your doctor first. But it is perhaps something you could try out for a couple of weeks (if you’re comfortable doing so) and just noting if it affects you in this way. We’re all different so it’s hard to give you a clearer answer (I’m sorry!)

      But in general, just because it’s a DHT blocker does not mean it will automatically inhibit your sex drive or contribute to EDD. I hope that helps!

    1. Hi Lee Ann, great question! And sorry, I wasn’t clear in the post…no, the foam does not contain minoxidil (only the Men’s 5% minoxidil serum does). The foam’s 3 active ingredients are: saw palmetto, EGCG (green tea extract) and caffeine. So, all-natural ingredients that’ll help promote hair growth! No adverse side effects that I’ve heard of anyway, from my own research and also Amazon reviews of this particular product are really positive. I would, however, avoid buying direct from Shapiro MD (if you read the disclaimer in my post) as too many people are reporting scams like autoship programs and poor customer service. Get it from Amazon, or your local salon if you prefer!

      Hope that helps! 🙂

      1. I just ordered this set on Amazon for $65.81 total (Amazon had a 25% off coupon)- Women’s Regrowth Kit Plus: Shampoo, Conditioner, 2% Minoxidil, Leave-In Foamer. Anti Hair Loss and Thinning Hair Solution for Women, 1 Month. Not the serum has 2% Minoxidil. I have thinning hair that is not too bad throughout my head but I have lost hair at my temples very badly. I am hoping it will also make my hair softer while promoting new hair growth.

        1. Hi Dawn, thanks for sharing this – that sounds like great value and glad you got a coupon, too! I also hope you see some progress with it, let us know how you get on!! 🙂

  6. Hi there! This shampoo & conditioner worked great for hair growth….I have new baby hairs coming in around my scalp line on my face. I loved how thick it made my hair feel. The downside….is…..I have blond high-lights and it turned my highlights YELLOW. It changed the blonde color in my hair. I asked my hair stylist and she said to stop using it. I did. It returned to my normal blonde over a month. So I am torn. I just started using it again….but will only use it once a week….cuz my hair is thinning….and this shampoo definitely works to thicken it.

    1. Hi Gloreen, thanks for your feedback. Great to hear about those new baby hairs! Very strange that it turned your highlights yellow though…especially as it doesn’t contain any sulfates, which are best avoided for colour-treated hair. And Shapiro MD says on its site that its products are suitable for colour-treated hair…hmmm. I’m sorry I can’t share my personal opinion here as I don’t personally use dyes or highlights but maybe other readers here can share their experience?? Otherwise, Nioxin System 3 is designed exclusively for colour-treated hair that’s lightly thinning. Or if your thinning is more progressed, you could try System 4. Ask your stylist about Nioxin also, but they seem to highly recommend it! Or you can read my full review here. I hope that helps! 🙂

  7. I signed up for one time buy and they shipped me more. I wanted to see if I could tell a difference before committing to regular shipments. I can’t see that it’s working , so I want to discontinue. I’m going to call again. I am upset, tho, that they shipped me more. It’s a hefty amount to pay if it’s not working

    1. Hi Cynthia,

      Thank you for sharing your story and I’m so sorry to hear about your negative experience with the sales team. Unfortunately, this seems to be the case all too often when buying direct from these guys; that’s why I try advise people to get it through Amazon instead. As mentioned in my other comments, I was approached by a researcher looking into the potential malpractice of Shapiro MD’s sales & marketing teams…would you be open to me putting you in contact with him? The stuff he’s uncovered so far is really interesting and I’m sure he’d love to hear your experience! You can of course remain anonymous if you wish. 🙂

      Thanks, Cynthia!

  8. I really need to know if the Shapiro MD shampoo/conditioner would be ok for colored hair. I saw a comment on another blog that a client said it damaged the dark color she uses. I am a bond.

    1. Hi Ruth, thanks for your question! According to Shapiro’s website: “Our products are sulfate free and appropriate for color treated hair. These products do contain salt which can reduce the benefit time of “hair straightening” procedures.” So it seems safe to me! It just contains natural ingredients so I’m not sure how it could mess with the colouring. However, if you’re uncertain, you could always try either Nioxin System 3 or 4 instead – both are formulated especially for colour-treated hair that’s thinning.

      Hope that helps!

    2. I have blonde hair with highlights. I started using the shampoo and conditioner and 3 times a week. I do mix my purple shampoo and conditioner with together. I have fine thin baby hair. so I have been using it for about 6 months now and even my hairdresser noticed that my hair is getting fuller and not so baby fine. Like it has changed the texture of my hair. I do not use the form or the pills that came with the kit. I love it and I have noting but good things to say about them. I think I did call and get off of the auto direct with no problem. I have not used the Minoxidil yet but my hairdresser told me it would be fine. So I will do an update on it.

      1. Thanks so much for sharing your experience, Dawn…and great to hear you’re getting fuller hair as a result! I’d avoid minoxidil unless you really think you need it as it can have pretty bad side effects (well, that’s my experience, anyway – I got really bad headaches and dizziness from it). So if what you’re doing is working already, I’d recommend just sticking to that!! Wishing you all the very best! 🙂

  9. CUSTOMER BEWARE!!!! This is a very disreputable company. I tried to cancel my order and they sent it anyway. I refused it at the mailbox, and returned it. They will not give my money back. DO NOT ORDER FROM THIS COMPANY

    1. Hi there,

      I’m really sorry to hear about your bad experience. I had only ever heard positive things about Shapiro MD until this week, when another person commented with a similar complaint. I’ll add a disclaimer message to this post right now and advise people to order from another source instead – I still believe in the value of the shampoo itself but suggest not getting it directly through the company as their returns policy/customer service seems to be lacking. Thank you so much for bringing it to my attention and wishing you all the very best.

  10. I ordered the one time use but they signed me up for the very expensive subscription. They don’t answer the phone and got back to by email after many calls and emails. They cancelled my subscription that I did not sign up for but I’m out a lot of money.

    1. Rachel, thank you so much for sharing this. And I’m really very sorry to hear about your bad experience, that’s so frustrating. Do you mind if I add your feedback to this review? As I think it would be really useful to add as a disclaimer, but I wanted to check if I could quote you on it first!

      Thanks so much.

  11. Thank God for your REAL PERSON review! *Applause applause* Just saying it like it is! I am going to try this product as my hair has been thinning due to that wonder stage of womanhood! 🙂 I’ve also had alopecia arreata while in college – 100% stress/anxiety induced. I have wanted to actually go to a Dr. about my hair thinning but I cannot for the life of me find a Dr. to go to isn’t part of a hair replacement business. Would you reccommend what kind of Dr. would be most informative? I went to a dermatologist a while back..waste of a copay. 🙁 Thank you again!

    1. Hello, Dee! Thanks so much for your lovely message, I really appreciate it! And I’m really sorry to hear about your hair loss issues, it’s definitely a challenging thing to find a good person to talk to! I’m the same, to be honest…I went to dermatologists and trichologists (hair doctors) in the past but wasn’t a fan…mainly because they all recommended steroid treatments and injections that just had bad side effects and messed up my immune system in the long run! These things can be good for a “quick fix” but don’t address the root cause of what’s going on. I’d highly recommend you see a functional medicine doctor if you can find one in your area, or through Skype appointments. They’re not cheap but they get to the heart of the problem (if it’s gut problems, hormonal etc). Or you could start with a nutritionist if you prefer. Please see this post and this post for more about that but in general, I’ve seen a MASSIVE difference since cutting out gluten, dairy and a few other things from my diet, adding some supplements and using a hair thinning shampoo to nourish my scalp. It’s a more holistic approach than a dermatologist might recommend and it’s working for me! Hope that helps, and that you are able to find a good consultant! 🙂

      1. Thx so much for all ur info. surrounding this very frustrating situation a lot of us r in! Just wanna ask how u know what ur hair thinning/loss is from? And, any products out there u know of that don’t cause more thinning/loss? Can’t afford that! What thinning shampoo do you use plz?

        1. Thanks for writing in, Dani! It’s a big question but there are lots of different reasons for hair loss, and they differ depending on the person. In my case, it’s a mixture of hormonal imbalances, gut dysbiosis (so any inflammatory foods trigger it further) and, when I first got it, the stress response to losing my mum when I was 10. But many people have messaged me the past couple of years saying a) they first got it after contracting COVID-19 or b) even after the vaccination. Hair loss is such a tricky thing, it’s hard to pin down to one cause. But the best way you can support regrowth is to use treatments that are kind on the scalp (my favorite is Revita), plus natural oils (like these ones) to massage the scalp daily. You can also keep inflammation low by doing stress-reducing activities (yoga is great!) and also by being mindful about your diet. Nioxin is also a really effective thinning shampoo – see my review on it for more – but it does often cause shedding for the first few times you use it, just so you’re aware. Revita is a little more gentle. I hope that helps!

          Emma / Lady Alopecia x

    2. I have tried the all Shapiro MD hair regrow products. Ill tell you the truth, It worked on my hair and I got fuller and thicker than I had before. However, it is really scary to see entire my face and neck. I got hair everywhere as well. I called them and asked them help. I wanted to talk to their doctor to tell me how could I get rid of these unnecessary hair. They told me to stop using the products and see my doctor. they returned my money and that all, they don’t care about it.

      1. Hi Manana,

        Wow, that’s frustrating – I’m really sorry to hear that! It’s good to hear it worked on your hair but definitely not the rest and it’s a shame they didn’t offer better customer service (though I’m glad they returned your money). May I ask, did you join a subscription model with them and if so, did you have any negative experiences with auto-shipping or anything like that? As I’m looking into the company in more detail now. I still believe their product is really good but people have complained about auto-shipping they didn’t sign up for…which is really why I don’t recommend buying it direct from the manufacturer.

        Thanks so much,

        Emma

    1. Hi Jacklyn, I believe so, yes. As Shapiro MD doesn’t contain minoxidil (just natural DHT blockers) it should be fine…however, I’m not a doctor (just an alopecian!)…so if you have any reservations at all, please consult your healthcare professional first.

      Thanks so much for your question and wishing you all the very best.

      Emma

  12. I also had reduced washing to once a week, and for whatever this is worth, I recently read that less frequent washing will actually allow DHT to build up faster, thus accelerating hair loss. I now wash every 3-4 days.

    1. Thanks Juliana, great point! It does depend on hair type, whether you’re prone to drier hair or a more oily scalp (the latter of which can lead to more DHT build up)…but it’s great to hear you’ve found a system that works for you, stick with it!! We’re all different so sometimes it’s a case of trial and error. I hope it’s working out better for you now! 🙂

    1. Hi Elaine, thanks for your question. As I don’t represent Shapiro MD, I wouldn’t be sending any products – I’m simply an alopecian who reviews various brands! But from my research, if you buy through the manufacturer, you can just do it as a “one-time purchase” – there is an option to join their “VIP club” for 10% off but I’m guessing that’s a subscription model and I know that other brands (like Keranique) have ripped off customers in the past by locking them into these contracts. Shapiro MD, in my opinion, are a lot more trustworthy. But in this post, I’ve linked to the shampoos on Amazon (definitely one-time purchases!) and also direct from the manufacturer, so you can see where you’d prefer to source it.

      Hope that helps – and good luck!

      Emma

  13. I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma stage 1 a last November which was estrogen positive
    No spread to lymph nodes
    I was told that my breast cancer was estrogen positive
    I was told Dht inhibitors such as sawpawmwtto were not a good idea to use can you tell me your thoughts

    1. Hi Sheila, thanks for writing in and I’m so very sorry to hear about your diagnosis…although wonderful that it has not spread.

      As I am not a doctor, I cannot advise you on this, sincere apologies. But if you are checking with your doctor about DHT inhibitors, please ask him/her whether natural ones are ok. Unlike many products that block DHT in a chemical-heavy way, Shapiro MD is natural – and actually, saw palmetto can be used to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in prostrate cancer. Obviously that’s different though, so I would highly recommend speaking to your doctor if you’re uncertain what to do.

      Wishing you all the very best and take care of yourself,

      Emma x

  14. I started to lose my hair bc i am taking some medication.
    would i stop losing hair using Dr Shapiro shampoo and conditioner and foam.
    I am washing my hair ones a week.and i am not planning to stop the medication.
    Please reply.

    1. Hi Marina, thanks for your question! It’s hard to give you a proper answer without knowing a) what medication you started taking and b) if you have a history of hair loss and c) whether you’re experiencing bald patches (like with alopecia areata) or thinning hair. Although in either case, Shapiro is great for reactivating dormant hair follicles (that may have shrunk due to an autoimmune response). It sounds like whatever medication you’re on has triggered this response, leading to inflammation, and to your immune system (including your hair follicles) trying to protect you. This causes the hair follicles to shrink, which can cause hair to snap off and struggle to regrow (the telogen phase of the hair growth cycle). I cannot say for 100% that Shapiro will stop this because there are different factors at play – but, as I mention in the post, its natural ingredients (like the green teen extract, for instance) work to kickstart the anagen (growth phase) again.

      I would recommend trying Shapiro MD along with a couple of other things: reducing inflammation in your diet as much as you can (see my post about nutrition for tips on that) and if you feel you might be lacking in certain vitamins or minerals, these Folexin supplements (which contain biotin for healthy hair growth) might be a good thing to consider, especially if you’ll be taking medication for a long time and want to support healthy hair production. Best of luck!

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