Posted on : June 18, 2008
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While typically associated with men, thinning
hair and hair
loss in fact affects members of both sexes and people of all ages.
As many as 40 million women in this country experience hair loss,
which has many potential causes--stress, poor diet, childbirth,
medications and menopause, as well as harsh chemical hair treatments.
Fortunately, remedies exist for consumers faced with this often
upsetting problem. And consumers clearly have responded, judged by the
robust growth in the expanding category. Dollar sales of hair growth
products in chain drug stores, supermarkets and discount stores
(excluding Wal-Mart Stores Inc.) have increased by almost 26% to $64.9
million for the 52 weeks ended December 30, 2007, according to
Information Resources Inc.
The leader in the category is Rogaine, manufactured by Johnson &
Johnson, with sales of $41.8 million for an increase of 33.8%.
The Rogaine brand has recently been refined for easier use. Rogaine
Foam, which was introduced in 1996, incorporates proprietary VersaFoam
technology from Connetics Corp. (a specialty pharmaceuticals company)
that makes the product easy to apply and drip-free and allows it to
melt at room temperature and evaporate quickly.
University Medical Pharmaceuticals is also active in the segment
with its Regenetresse system, which consists of three products, each of
which treats a different cause of hair loss in women, particularly those age 35 and older.
Regeenetresse Sebum Clarifying Shampoo with Panthenol cleanses the
scalp of excess sebum--fats, cholesterol and salts that plug hair
follicles--and prevents sebum from solidifying anew.
Regenetresse Intensive Follicle Stimulator is massaged into the
scalp to enhance the metabolic process necessary for the continued
growth of healthy hair. And the Regenetresse DHT Blocker treatment with
progesterone helps balance estrogen levels and block the conversion of
testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which damages the hair
follicle and reduces blood supply to the hair root.
Natrol Inc., a supplier of nutritional supplements, offers Nu Hair,
a line of supplements and topical remedies designed to reduce hair loss and enhance hair growth in both men and women.
Meanwhile, Lifes2good, a European natural health care company, has
introduced to North America its flagship product, Nourkrin, a
marine-based food supplement designed to reverse hair loss in women.
