I used to be a massive fan of Nioxin – I’ve written in a review how it worked for me, and I recommended it as my favorite shampoo if you’re losing hair. But Nioxin isn’t for everyone, especially since they added sulfates to their formula after P&G bought the company in 2008.
Although I didn’t have bad reactions to this formula, plenty of customers have complained that it made their hair much more dry and brittle than before.
So I’m always on the lookout for alternatives that are kinder to the scalp. And while Revita is still top of my list, I’ve recently come across Zenagen – and I think it could be a great option, too. I like Zenagen’s targeted approach, with separate product lines for losing hair and hair restoration, plus options for men and women.
In the following Zenegan reviews post, I’ll explore their products to see if they actually work.
Emma’s ‘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.
Zenagen is a leading brand for women and men with thinning hair. It makes two different shampoos and conditioners, a serum and a unisex treatment, too.
The roots of Zenagen are similar to those of many hair loss brands – its founder suffered hair loss himself. At the time, Jared Reynolds was a 29-year-old medical student who tried dozens of products to treat his receding hairline. Nothing seemed to work, and many had negative side effects.
Jared found the solution he was looking for in nutraceutical science, which is the study of natural compounds, botanical ingredients and plant extracts that maintain pharmaceutical-grade qualities. They can be as effective as synthetic chemicals with far less side effects. (This is the foundation of top hair supplement, Nutrafol, by the way.)
After 2 years of research and development into nutraceutical technology, Jared created a more natural, safe and cruelty free treatment for men and women’s hair loss – and so Zenagen was born.
Zenagen’s nutraceutical formulas embrace the healing, restorative powers of natural ingredients, with no sulfates, parabens or formaldehyde. They don’t use alcohol in their products either, which can dry out the hair and irritate the scalp. Plus, unlike many other treatments, Zenagen is completely safe to use while pregnant or nursing. Good to know.
The ingredients vary between the two types of treatments (Evolve and Revolve), so here are the top ingredients present in each.
Zenagen’s all natural, vegan formula consists of key nutraceutical ingredients designed to naturally block the androgen hormone that’s largely responsible for male pattern hair loss. This hormone is a by-product of testosterone, and it’s called DHT (or dihydrotestosterone).
Why does DHT cause hair loss? Well, the short answer is it causes the hair follicles to shrink and even close up entirely. When they do so, they can’t produce new hair. So by preventing the creation of DHT (or rather, the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, which is involved in DHT production), Zenagen not only keeps those follicles open and healthy, it delivers them the essential nutrients needed for hair growth, and faster.
Zenagen helps prevent the creation of DHT in follicles, removes built-up DHT and excess sebum (which could be blocking the hair follicle), reduces hair thinning and promotes hair growth. It does this with an effective delivery system that reaches the deeper, dermal layer of the scalp instead of just resting on its surface.
Within just five minutes, this topical green tea delivery system penetrates the hair follicle and transports powerful nutraceutical ingredients directly to the area where DHT is produced. This process not only cleanses the follicle, it stops the future production of DHT for a safe, efficient and long-term solution to hair loss.
Interested in a more natural way to treat your thin locks? A Zenagen line could be the answer – just make sure you choose the right one for your situation.
The Revolve line focuses on hair thinning and normal hair loss: including male and female pattern baldness, postpartum shedding and hair loss as a result of chemotherapy. It can also be used as a preventative shampoo, to stop shedding before it actually happens. I wish I’d known about Zenagen when I had my daughter…maybe I could’ve prevented all that postpartum hair loss!
Zenagen Revolve treatment uses nutraceutical compounds to thicken hair while reducing hair shedding and thinning. It does this largely by blocking DHT – which remember, is one of the leading causes of hair loss. It also cleanses existing DHT, so the follicle can grow back thicker and healthier.
In the meantime, the shampoo’s professional beauty grade formula maximizes volume and increases shine to make the hair you already have look healthier and thicker. When combined with Revolve Professional Thickening Hydration Therapy Conditioner (which is much cheaper than the shampoo, btw), you get an even more nourished, moisturized effect, that won’t weigh your hair down.
Psst…There’s also a Revolve Thickening Shampoo for Men, which gets pretty great reviews on Amazon.
While the Revolve range focuses on minimizing shedding and boosting volume of existing hair, the Evolve range is all about damage control. It’s about hair repair and growth acceleration.
This formula contains hair-nourishing natural ingredients and amino acid complexes to repair heat or chemically damaged hair, while improving the hair’s ability to retain moisture. It also prolongs the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle and decreases the telogen (shedding) phase.
For hair that’s been affected by hair extensions, heat styling, bleaching or coloring, the Evolve line can accelerate growth by up to 40%! It can also make hair more resilient against future dryness and breakage by increasing the turnover rate of follicles and creating an optimal environment for stronger, longer hair.
Watch dry, over-processed and brittle hair transform into glossy locks that are smooth, manageable and shiny again. If you still color your hair, don’t worry – Zenagen’s formula is alcohol-free, so it won’t strip your hair of its color. In fact, some of the natural ingredients work to enhance your chosen shade!
Use Evolve shampoo 2–4 times per week, for 5 minutes at a time. There’s also a Unisex Evolve Treatment available. Follow up either therapy with the Evolve Professional Accelerating Conditioner.
A non-greasy serum that makes your hair feel fuller, plus softer and more manageable. Zenagen’s thickening serum is lightweight, easy to use and doesn’t leave behind any sticky residue.
Use it in conjunction with your shampoo and conditioner to nourish your hair and scalp, as part of a 3-part system to reduce shedding and promote new hair. However, one Amazon reviewer reported some scalp issues after using the serum (who had had no issues with the shampoo and conditioner) so perhaps those with overly sensitive scalps should avoid it.
With some great natural ingredients like caffeine to boost blood circulation and stimulate growth, pumpkin seed oil to enhance shine and moisture, plus aloe vera to reduce inflammation, this serum is a great alternative to harsher chemical-heavy styling products.
It’s recommended that you use Zenagen every other day – so, 3–4 times per week for at least a few months. You need to leave it in a bit longer than a normal shampoo, according to Zenagen’s directions:
Well, it’s certainly getting kudos from hair industry experts. At the HBA Global Expo, Zenagen won the People’s Choice Award for the “Best Emerging Innovative Brand”. It also won a “New Product Excellence” Award within the New Product Showcase category.
Salons and hairdressers highly recommend Zenagen – and customer reviews report a big difference. But what makes it so special?
For starters, it blocks DHT – right at the follicle. A typical hair loss shampoo treatment is merely absorbed into the shallow epidermal layer of the scalp. Consequently, it can’t go deep enough to have any effect other than often irritating the scalp itself and potentially even causing more shedding.
The difference with Zenagen is, it gets right into the follicle matrix of the dermal layer: to target the underlying causes of hair loss and create a healthier scalp environment. Addressing the scalp first has many benefits for reducing hormone or age related hair loss, plus hair loss due to environmental damage.
But plenty of other hair thinning treatments also block DHT – so what makes Zenagen special? Well, its more natural formula, for one. Nioxin used to deliver all the same benefits (and it worked for me, when I used it!) but many people complain that since the company’s takeover by P&G in 2008, the sulfates they added to the new formula damage their hair.
Zenagen manages to block DHT and promote a healthy scalp environment, without any harsh irritants. So you can get that salon look, in a more natural way. Psst…for more sulfate-free options, check out this post.
Zenagen may only work for those with viable hair follicles; those that are dormant or resting. If you’ve had significant hair loss and your follicles are already dead (which could take years to happen), they won’t be able to produce hair.
Still, I’m pretty much completely bald – and I have been for some time now. And now and then, whatever product I’m using can produce white vellus hairs again (like when I used Vegamour serum).
Although they didn’t form into longer, terminal hairs, it’s enough to tell me my follicles aren’t completely dead. I just need to be consistent enough with my haircare routine to nourish them back to health. So there’s hope yet!
The Revolve Treatment for Women scores a pretty impressive 8.5 out of 10 on the Review Index, plus 4.5 stars out of over 2K Amazon reviews. Positive reviews gush about how the product actually works for various types of hair loss while negative ones complain that the price is too high.
One review mentioned they got a knock-off product instead of the real deal. So make sure you buy from a trusted seller!
I was skeptical of how this would truly work at first. But let me just say, WOW! I have been using this twice a week and for about three months and my hair has grown at least 3 inches! It smells amazing too which is a plus! It is VERY pricey but it’s worth it in my opinion if you want thicker and fuller hair!
– Hailey B
I’ve previously had hormone issues and my hair started falling out.. I’ve recently been trying everything I can to get my hair to grow back thick, like it used to be. I love this shampoo, it definitely works. I have seen an improvement. BUT I hate the price point.
– Caitlyn S
After several surgeries in a short time, the frequent anesthesia made my hair fall out and break..in massive amounts! I’ve been using Zenagen products for over a year now and am devoted for life! The Revolve formula worked after about 2 weeks, with less hair loss almost immediately. The Evolve formula makes my long hair much stronger and I use that when not experiencing loss. I haven’t had breakage at all! I highly recommend these products to anyone needing help with hair loss/ breakage! The scent is mild. You leave it on your hair for 3-5 minutes..easy! It is higher priced than other similar products, but the ingredients sold me. Worth every penny!
– Kathy
I’ve been using Zenagen Shampoo (and Conditioner also) for about 10 months and I’m definitely noticing results. Before I started using the product, I started noticing a lot of hair falling out in the shower and my hair getting much thinner at my hair-line (for context I’m in my late-20’s, so this was starting to concern me). My barber recommended Zenagen for Men because the chemicals they use are supposed to be healthier and her customers reported good results. I bought both the shampoo and conditioner and started using it at least twice a week. By month three I noticed new hair growth right at my hairline. By month 6, I noticed significantly less hair coming out each time I showered and I don’t have hair collecting on my bathroom floor anymore. Now at month 10, I’m not even worried about hair loss anymore.
– Michael
Make the change gradually, as you may start shedding more hair when you stop using minoxidil. Slowly decrease your dosage as you begin using Zenagen. After a month, you can discontinue minoxidil and continue using Zenagen.
Zenagen will only keep working for as long as you use it – but as it is quite a natural treatment, I see no harm in continuing use. Even though it may seem pricey, a single bottle can last you for months.
I love the sound of Zenagen. I think it could be a brilliant option to treat your hair loss – particularly if you feel that shedding is down to hormonal imbalances (in which case, try Revolve) or if it’s been damaged by over-styling, other products or environmental factors (then try Evolve).
I like that Zenagen doesn’t promise miracle cures; simply to restore your hair back to its optimal health and, in doing so, create a better foundation for regrowth. This is something Nioxin used to do but since introducing those sulfates, unfortunately it may only dry hair out and damage it even more.
So if you’re seeking longer, stronger and thicker hair, want to prevent hair loss or enourage regrowth from the root, Zenagen is a great place to start.
If you do choose to use Zenagen based on this review, I’d love to hear how you got on – share your comments below!
Love & hugs,
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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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2 responses
Hi, I am a senior losing my hair rapidly. Alopecia is the diagnosis along with natural loss from aging. After COVID, the loss rate has increased. I do not have the kind of face that I can be bald and would have to resort to wigs. I would like to try to regrow my hair if that is possible; however, I am overwhelmed by all the products and reviews out there. Your site is great, but I am wondering if you have ever tried using one the thermadome cap products for hair regrowth? So many claims and so difficult to see if the product actually works. There is a 6-month guarantee; however, the product is really expensive.
Hi Jackie, thanks so much for sharing your experience…and I’m really sorry to hear about your hair loss, which has gotten worse after COVID (I’ve written about the link between the two here, in case you’re interested). I totally understand and appreciate how overwhelming it can be to try and find a solution, whether it’s in the form of hairwear or treatments…I was there before and found it all too much, hence me creating this site!
So thank you for your kind words, I appreciate your feedback. Personally, I haven’t had a chance to try the laser caps – I do a review of Bosley products here as they’re such a popular brand, but no, I haven’t tried them myself yet. They sound quite promising but I know it’s an investment…and as alopecia can be triggered by so many things, what works for one person may not for everyone. What did your doctor recommend? Or did you get a diagnosis further than alopecia (ie what could be triggering it?) Once you recognise the triggers, it’s easier to work out what could help. In my case, chronic inflammation/gut issues and hormonal imbalances triggers mine so I’ve found supplementation and the right diet to be really helpful. I talk more about that in this post.
Also, I make and sell headscarves if you would have any interest in those instead of a wig! Just thought I’d put it out there. Thanks so much Jackie, and I hope you find a solution that suits you! Emma / Lady Alopecia x