Hair loss is a common problem among all genders. Estimates, as noted by American Family Physician, say that over 50 percent of women will experience noticeable hair loss at some point in their lives. A variety of products on the market seek to reverse this hair loss and boost confidence by thickening your hair.
ScalpMED is a company that claims to help reverse hair loss or thinning hair. This website sells treatments, including shampoo, scalp detox spray, and supplements, that claim to regrow or thicken the hair.
ScalpMED products are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but rather include an FDA-approved topical ingredient, Minoxidil, that’s used to encourage hair regrowth. What’s more, the company’s marketing claims are sensationalized, meaning that there is not much data to back up the assertions made.
For these reasons, we do not recommend purchasing or using ScalpMED products.
Read on for what you need to know about this company and alternative hair loss treatments to check out.
What is ScalpMED?
ScalpMED is a company that sells hair regrowth treatments. The company’s website explains that ScalpMED gets to the root of hair loss by using FDA-approved ingredients to stop hair loss and regrow what you’ve lost.
Their products differ from most over-the-counter shampoos, which they claim “contain one or more extremely harsh ingredients that are almost certainly contributing to hair thinning or accelerating [your] hair loss.”
Some key ingredients found in ScalpMED treatments include:
ScalpMED uses a multipatented approach, consisting of two main components: Vitadil and NutriSol. Vitadil is a formula that contains minoxidil, an FDA-approved ingredient, for hair regrowth. NutriSol is a patented formula exclusive to ScalpMED.
While some ingredients are FDA approved, ScalpMED products themselves are not approved by the FDA.
“Products that are approved by the FDA give us the confidence we need to know that the drugs that we are using have been tested in large groups of humans and were found to be both safe and effective,” explains Dr. Sharleen St. Surin-Lord, assistant professor of dermatology at Howard University College of Medicine.
ScalpMED Pros
- Products contain minoxidil, an FDA-approved ingredient that can encourage hair growth.
- Some products include retinol, a chemical derivative of vitamin A, that can encourage the production of collagen and elastin.
- Shelf life for products is approximately 2 years.
- ScalpMED claims that new growth may be visible in as little as 2 months.
ScalpMED Cons
- ScalpMED products are not FDA approved, just one of the ingredients is FDA approved.
- It can take 4 to 6 months to typically see hair growth improvement, according to ScalpMED.
- Products are returnable within 120 days, but the return policy appears complicated.
- Mixed user reviews show that some people saw limited or no improvements.
- Products may be too pricey for some budgets.
Who is ScalpMED for?
ScalpMED products were created for anyone who’s experiencing hair loss or thinning hair. The brand claims that they are safe and effective for all hair types based on clinical testing and research.
The company sells separate products designed for men and women. The two categories of products have different levels of minoxidil that were tweaked based on clinical testing. Minoxidil is a vasodilator applied topically to treat baldness.
The brand claims that when used consistently, their products will “maximize the potential to regrow your hair.”
Does ScalpMED work for hair loss?
The ScalpMED website claims their products work by using carefully chosen ingredients to work from the root up, stopping your hair loss and regrowing what you’ve lost. The Vitadil topical solution delivers an FDA-approved ingredient called minoxidil.
“Minoxidil is an over-the-counter medication that has been studied and proven to grow hair safely and effectively,” Surin-Lord explains.
Surin-Lord adds that while minoxidil is a great product, it doesn’t work for everyone. It can even cause facial hair growth in some women.
ScalpMED also sells NutriSol. NutriSol is a multipatented formula that includes ingredients like retinol, beta-sitosterol, panthenol, and biotin.
Beta-sitosterol is a plant extract. According to Surin-Lord, it has been “used to treat… enlarged prostate to help improve urine flow.” However, she notes that published studies on this effect haven’t been too solid.
Meanwhile, “biotin is a mineral required to produce keratin, which makes up the hair, skin, and nails. Biotin strengthens the hair. If someone is deficient in biotin, then supplementing it may cause hair growth, but it is really used to strengthen hair.”
According to the brand, the ScalpMED formula penetrates the follicle to restore and increase the flow of blood. NutriSol also includes ingredients to nourish your scalp and thicken existing hair.
Customer reviews and brand reputation
Overall, ScalpMED online reviews are very mixed. While some customers have seen improvements after using the products, others call out the products as a waste of money.
ScalpMED is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The company has only one review on the BBB — from a customer who gave ScalpMED 5 stars — and no complaints. The ScalpMED Trustpilot page has one bad review from a customer who was upset about the company’s return policy.
ScalpMED does not have any recalls or outstanding lawsuits.
ScalpMED products and services
ScalpMED sells the following products:
- Hair regrowth system for men or women. This costs $119.95 for a 2-month supply. It’s a hair regrowth treatment solution that claims to expedite hair growth. You’ll get two bottles of Vitadil, one bottle of NutriSol, one bottle of Re-Grow My Hair, and thickening shampoo.
- Thickening shampoo. This costs $23.95. It’s a shampoo made with organic, plant-based cleansers and nutrients. ScalpMED claims it can strengthen and thicken your hair.
- Scalp detox spray. This scalp treatment costs $36.95. ScalpMED claims it can break up toxins, clear out clogs, and deep cleanse your follicles to promote healthy hair growth.
- Hair growth supplement for men. This herbal supplement costs $39.95. ScalpMED claims it can promote the growth of healthy hair by boosting vitamin deficiencies that are essential for hair regrowth.
How it works
Both the men’s and women’s hair regrowth systems come with four bottles:
- two bottles of Vitadil
- one bottle of NutriSol
- an application bottle
The company instructs you to mix the Vitadil and NutriSol in the application bottle. Apply nine pumps, two times per day, to the thinning area of your scalp, massaging in after every two to three pumps.
While it’s safe to use ScalpMED with other hair care products, such as your usual shampoo, you will need to wait at least 4 hours after applying ScalpMED before washing your hair. ScalpMED users need to use the product continuously for 12 months before reducing use to once daily.
ScalpMED claims that users will see significant results in 4 to 6 months. However, they also state that hair growth will depend on the initial degree of hair loss or hair thinning.
Cost
You can purchase the ScalpMED patented hair regrowth system for men or women in any of the following packages:
- 2-month supply: $251.90
- 4-month supply: $488.85
- 6-month supply: $725.80
It’s worth noting that discounts from monthly subscriptions and special sales events can often bring these prices down drastically.
Side effects
The ScalpMED website advises customers to stop using the product and speak with a doctor if they experience any of the following symptoms:
- chest pain
- rapid heartbeat
- dizziness
- sudden unexplained weight gain
- swelling in the hands or feet
- scalp irritation or redness
- unwanted facial hair growth
Many hair regrowth treatments may cause sexual side effects. But ScalpMED claims that their formula does not.
ScalpMED vs. competitors
See how ScalpMED stacks up against their competitors:
| ScalpMED | HairMax | Hims | Keeps | Rogaine | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Products | Vitadil, NutriSol, thickening shampoo, detox spray, supplements | Laser treatments, shampoo, conditioner | Minoxidil, shampoo, conditioner, supplements | Finasteride, minoxidil, ketoconazole | Minoxidil Solution, Minoxidil Foam |
| Prescription needed? | No | No | needed for some products | needed for some products | No |
| Pricing | $251.90 for a 2-month supply | $50 for a 10 fl. oz. shampoo bottle and a 10 fl. oz. conditioner set | products average $20 per month or individually | products average $15 per month or individually | $28.99 for 1-month supply bottle |
| Subscription or one-time purchase? | both options are available | both options are available | both options are available | 3-month subscription | both options are available |
| Return policy | orders can be returned within 120 days of order receipt. | return within 30 days of purchase | cancel, postpone, or snooze subscription | all purchases are final | return unopened products within 30 days |
| Effectiveness | mixed reviews | generally positive reviews | mostly good reviews | seems to be highly effective | very positive reviews |
If you’d like to find a company similar to ScalpMED, take a look at one of these alternative brands instead.
HairMax
HairMax sells laser devices, including caps, bands, and combs, that use the science of hair growth to reverse hair thinning or loss. These devices are cleared by the FDA and should be used 3 days per week.
The laser treatments are designed to be gentle and safe. They’re appropriate for adults with hereditary hair thinning or loss — and the laser devices can even be used in combination with other hair treatments, like minoxidil.
Hims
Hims is a telehealth service that matches you with a medical professional. If the doctor thinks a hair loss treatment is appropriate for you, they will give you a prescription for a treatment that you can order through Hims. You can also use the platform to purchase other hair products without a prescription.
Options such as shampoo, conditioner, and gummies are available.
Keeps
Keeps is an online service that sells FDA-approved hair loss treatments. This service offers three products: finasteride, minoxidil, and ketoconazole.
Before receiving a shipment, you’ll need to submit your information to a doctor and receive a prescription. You’ll pay for 3-month subscription intervals. You can also purchase some products, like the hair thickening shampoo, at Amazon without a prescription.
Rogaine
Rogaine is likely one of the most popular brands that come to mind when you think about hair growth products. Rogaine features two major products — a minoxidil foam that you rub into your scalp and a minoxidil solution that can be applied with a dropper to areas of the scalp where your hair is thinning or you’re losing hair.
Both the foam and solution are available in a men’s formula and a women’s formula and contain 5% minoxidil. You can purchase these products one at a time, in bulk, or through a monthly subscription for a 20% discount.
What to do before buying
If you still want to purchase products from ScalpMED, Surin-Lord advises researching the ingredients to make sure you are not allergic to any of them. However, since this doesn’t always work, it’s best to connect with a doctor first.
“Unfortunately, many products have ‘proprietary ingredients’ that you cannot look up. Read reviews and if it doesn’t work, don’t wait longer than 6 months before seeing a dermatologist. Not all hair loss is the same. Some may require prescription treatments and scalp injections.”
Surin-Lord adds that no matter what product or treatment you choose, the process of hair regrowth is going to take some time.
“It is important to know that whichever way you decide to go, it will take 3 to 6 months to begin to see an effect. There are no magic express potions out there.”
When to see a doctor
While many of ScalpMed’s products don’t require a prescription, it’s always a good idea to talk with a doctor before starting new treatments. Because these kinds of treatments often contain a few ingredients, like minoxidil and retinol that may cause a negative or allergic reaction, a doctor can advise you of the possible side effects or help monitor how you respond to the treatments.
If you have already begun using ScalpMED and are experiencing side effects or not seeing the results you had wanted, a doctor can offer suggestions for similar products or help manage your side effects.
Frequently asked questions
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The ScalpMED website claims that the company’s products work when used as directed. They are best for people who are experiencing hair loss or thinning. However, the company points out that individual results will vary based on factors like the length of time since the hair loss began or the root cause of the hair loss.
How long will it take to see results?
If you begin using ScalpMED products, the company says that most customers see results in 4 to 6 months, potentially seeing new growth in as little as 2 months.
Does ScalpMED cure hair loss?
No. ScalpMED does not cure hair loss, and it does not treat the root cause of your hair loss. However, ScalpMED does claim to regrow your hair.
Takeaway
At the end of the day, we do not recommend ScalpMED products. While some of the ingredients are FDA-approved, none of the products sold by this hair regrowth company are approved by the FDA, and ScalpMED’s marketing claims are sensationalized.
ScalpMED products may work for some customers. But we recommend staying away from these products and choosing an alternative hair loss treatment instead.
Hailey Hudson is a full-time freelance writer and content marketer based out of Atlanta, Georgia. She focuses in the health, marketing, and education industries. Clients include Livestrong, Runner’s World, Dell, and others. Hailey is also a novelist and a musician.