You’ll probably agree that the dozens of hair loss shampoos on the market can be overwhelming. After all, how can you possibly know which is right for you? This includes Ultrax Labs Hair Surge Shampoo, so if you’ve been wondering if it’s all it claims, read on.
In this in-depth post, I’ll discuss the various claims of Hair Surge. I’ll also dive deep into the ingredients, consumer reviews, and side effects so you can make an informed decision before purchasing and using the product.
Of course, I’ll also offer various alternatives – ones I’ve used myself to regrow my hair – so you have all the information you need.
What Is Ultrax Labs Hair Surge Shampoo?
Hair Surge Shampoo is one of many products manufactured and sold by Ultrax Labs. Other products in the same line include a conditioner, nutritional supplement, hair thickener, and a hair mask.
How It Works
Let’s take a closer look at the claims offered by Ultrax Labs.
Stimulates Hair Follicles
One of the shampoo’s major ingredients – caffeine – is a stimulant. According to the manufacturers, Hair Surge stimulates the hair follicles to promote growth.
Blocks DHT
For men and women with Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), the cause is believed to a sensitivity to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is produced from an interaction between testosterone (the male sex hormone) and 5-alpha-reductase (5AR) (an enzyme). The DHT then attaches to the androgen receptors of the hair follicles.
When DHT attaches to sensitive follicles, the follicle begins to inflame. This leads to hair miniaturization, a process that can eventually lead to baldness.
There are various ingredients within this shampoo that can block DHT.
Restores Hair Volume
As your hair loss increases, you’ll begin to notice a decrease in hair volume. This can make your balding appear more advanced than it is.
As the main ingredient, caffeine, is a stimulant, you can naturally refresh and volumize your hair.
Ingredients
To get a better idea on how the product works, it helps to look more closely at its main ingredients.
Caffeine
A major component of your morning cup o’ joe, caffeine has recently risen in popularity in the health and beauty industry. It’s been added to face washes, body washes, moisturizers, and even shampoos.
In addition to its uses as a stimulant and pain reliever, caffeine is also believed to play a role in hair and scalp health. For example, one study found that the addition of even just 0.001% of caffeine to hair clippings from Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) patients counteracted the suppressive effects of testosterone on hair growth. It did so by elongating the hair shaft.
Even better, caffeine has been shown to easily penetrate the scalp. This means it’s use in shampoos and other hair products can be effective in treating hair loss.
Menthol
A main component of various mint oils, menthol is an organic compound with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The ingredient has a cooling sensation, which is caused by its ability to trigger the cold-sensitive receptors in the skin.
It’s also been shown to increase cutaneous blood flow when applied topically. This is beneficial to the scalp for numerous reasons, but especially as blood delivers nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles. These are necessary for a health scalp environment.
Ketoconazole
Originally developed as an antifungal drug, ketoconazole has been increasingly used in over-the-counter shampoos. Ketoconazole has two mechanisms of action. First, it blocks ergosterol, an organic molecule found in yeast and fungi. Once blocked, the organisms are no longer able to reproduce.
Second, it’s suggested that this ingredient may play a role in the inhibition of 5-alpha-reductase. This is the enzyme responsible for the production of DHT, which is the hormone believed to be responsible for hair loss in individuals with Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA).
When used topically, ketoconazole has been shown to treat dandruff and even Seborrheic Dermatitis (SD). It can reduce itching, flaking, and redness which is commonly associated with yeast infections and fungal scalp conditions.
Saw Palmetto
As I stated above, DHT is the hormone believed to be responsible for hair loss in people with AGA. There are two ways to block its effects:
- Inhibit the activities of 5-alpha-reductase so DHT cannot be produced.
- Block the activities of DHT, so they cannot connect with the androgen receptors on the scalp.
Either way, the end result is that there is less DHT on the scalp.
Saw palmetto is an herb that inhibits 5AR. It works similarly to Propecia – a prescription drug to treat hair loss – and may be just as effective.
Learn more about 5AR inhibitors in this post.
This herb is most often taken internally. However, internal use can sometimes work too well. What I mean is it can impact your “maleness” by causing unpleasant side effects, such as inability to get an erection and loss of ejaculatory volume.
By applying saw palmetto topically – such as in a shampoo – you better target its use. This can provide you with beneficial results without the adverse effects.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is an ingredient that’s been proven beneficial again and again. Foremost, it’s been proven to stimulate hair growth in a 2014 study performed on mice. It was even more effective than minoxidil:
This oil can also clean the hair follicles, which is beneficial in treating many scalp conditions. For example, folliculitis (inflammation of the follicles) and dandruff. This is because it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Peppermint oil also contains menthol, which is an ingredient already present in the shampoo.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is a common addition to over-the-counter shampoos. It has a dual purpose – detergent and surfactant – which enables it to lather on the scalp and spread more easily.
SLES is closely related to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), but it goes through an extra step in the manufacturing process. SLS is known to be a skin irritant, causing minor irritations and itchiness. This is why SLES goes through a step known as ethoxylation, which reduces its risk of irritation.
This chemical is relatively cheap, which is why it’s used in the majority of shampoos. However, it’s absorbed easily by the bloodstream and there’s much debate as to its safety.
High concentrations can cause skin irritation and hair loss. Depending on its manufacturing, SLES may also contain trace amounts of ethylene oxide. This compound is a carcinogenic, which is why many consumers are moving away from SLS- and SLES-containing cosmetics.
Who Can Use The Product?
This shampoo can be used by both men and women. It can also be used by anyone, whether they suffer from hair loss or not.
How to Use
According to the manufacturers, Ultrax Labs Hair Surge shampoo should only be used a maximum of five times per week. As ketoconazole can be drying, this is to protect your scalp and hair from over drying and irritation.
This shampoo is meant to be used in place of other shampoos.
To use, wet your scalp and hair thoroughly. Add the shampoo to your palm, and then massage and lather into the scalp for up to 2 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly.
Side Effects and Considerations
The various herbs and oils within the shampoo can mean a range of side effects are possible. These can range from mild to severe.
The most common side effects include itching, irritation, and redness at the site of application. These are the signs of a sensitivity, and the product should be discontinued if these persist or worsen with use.
It’s also possible, though rare, to suffer from a severe allergic reaction (known as anaphylaxis). This can fatal if not treated immediately. The symptoms include:
- Hives
- Redness
- Itching
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue, throat, and/or cheeks
- Trembles and seizures
If you experience such a reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid use of this shampoo, unless discussed with your doctor. One of the ingredients within the shampoo – saw palmetto – can also interact with birth control pills and anticoagulants. If you take either of these drugs, speak with your doctor before use.
Consumer Reviews
Overall, Hair Surge has a favorable rating across various websites, including Amazon and Walmart. Such ratings include mention of its thickening properties, as well as its abilities to stimulate hair growth.
Of course, not all customers were happy with their purchase.
A common theme of negative reviews was that the product left hair dry. Its lack of lather also meant it didn’t clean the hair or scalp well, and some users had to rewash with a different brand of shampoo.
Not all consumers saw positive hair growth, even after a few months of use. But some still continued to use the product, as it didn’t cause further thinning or any irritations.
According to many users, the shampoo doesn’t lather well. This means you’ll need more pumps than other off-the-shelf shampoos, which can be quite costly in the long run.
Physical Product Observations
To get a better understand of the product itself, let’s consider some consumer observations.
Foremost, the shampoo is described as thick (often compared to honey), which makes it difficult to lather. It also has a light scent (hints of mint and citrus) that lingers on the hair and scalp even after rinsing.
Once applied, the shampoo delivers a cooling tingle to the scalp. It can become uncomfortable if left on too long (4+ minutes), so it’s best to rinse as directed on the bottle (after 2 minutes of applying).
Overall, the product seems to be of a higher quality than many shampoos on the market. However, the consistency can be a bit off putting to consumers who are used to a greater lather.
Cost and Availability
Hair Surge is a shampoo on the pricier side. On the Hair Surge website, it costs $59.99 as a one-time purchase, or $56.99 if you sign up for Subscribe and Save.
A similar deal can be found on Amazon, for a one-time price of $59.95 or a Subscribe and Save price of $56.95.
The product is also available at Walmart ($57.95).
Is Ultrax Labs Hair Surge Right for You?
With more than 5,000 positive customer reviews, there’s no doubt that Hair Surge is a strong contender among hair loss shampoos. But is it the right one for you?
As with any choice, there are pros and cons. For example, many Hair Surge consumers mention experiencing positive results, including hair growth and thickening. They also see a general change in their hair and scalp health.
However, as with any product on the market, not all consumers were happy with the results. These include those who saw no noticeable growth over months of use, or who experienced dried out, brittle hair.
Alternative Options
Hair Surge is certainly a better option than many found on the market. However, it’s not necessarily best for you. So, what other choices do you have?
Choose An All-Natural Alternative Shampoo
While Hair Surge shampoo contains many beneficial ingredients, the inclusion of chemicals (specifically SLES) can cause negative effects. You could even experience further hair loss.
But what if you’d like to consider all of your options? Here’s a list of ingredients to look for when shopping for a shampoo.
Caffeine
As mentioned, caffeine is both an internal and external stimulant. When added to shampoo, it can reinvigorate the hair follicles and even boost hair volume.
In addition, it can stimulate blood flow. This is crucial to effective regrowth.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint is a natural vasodilator, which means it widens the blood vessels. This enables the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the follicles.
With the proper nutrients delivered to the hair, it can remain strong and healthy.
Rosemary Oil
Similar to peppermint oil, rosemary is an ingredient with a variety of properties. It not only increases blood oxygen levels, but it also gently cleans the scalp and blocks DHT.
Oleuropein
A major component of olive oil, oleuropein contains oleic acid and phenolic compounds. These constituents enable it to support a healthy scalp environment and promote healthy hair.
Another benefit of oleuropein is that it deeply penetrates into the scalp. The properties can then be delivered effectively.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an ingredient popularly used in health and beauty products. This includes shampoos, conditioners, and pomades.The oil is easily absorbed into the scalp and hair, which helps it to protect the strands from protein loss.
As protein is the main component of hair, this means it keeps the strands strong and flexible. Even better, coconut oil hydrates and moisturizes the scalp without leaving a greasy residue.
Apple Cider Vinegar
A natural cleanser, apple cider vinegar removes dirt, grease, and plaque from the scalp. It does all of this without stripping any of the natural oils produced by the sebaceous glands.
Make a Few Lifestyle Changes
While not the easiest option, it can be one of the most effective. After all, many lifestyle choices can worsen your balding and make it difficult to reverse.
- Alter your diet. By introducing more leafy greens, lean meats, healthy nuts and seeds, etc., you ensure that you’re meeting your vitamin and nutrient needs. This is crucial for healthy bodily function, including hair growth.
- Add exercise to your day. Not only is this good for your overall health, but it can also increase oxygen levels and blood circulation throughout the body (including to the scalp).
- Practice chee breathing and meditation. Stress (and, as a result, oxygen deprivation) can be a major trigger for hair loss. Practicing stress-relieving activities can increase oxygen levels.
- Incorporate scalp massage and exercises. This is one of the most direct ways to increase blood flow to the scalp. They can be easily incorporated into your day.
Making all these changes at one time can be overwhelming. That’s why I recommend you start slow and work your way towards success. Remember, consistency is key. Even if you take longer incorporating many of the above changes into your life than you’d hoped, it’s more important to remain consistent.
You can also speak with your doctor about any medical reasons you believe may be contributing to your hair loss. These include nutritional deficiencies and medical conditions (such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Thyroid Disorder).
Penelope’s Review of The Hair Surge Shampoo
Ultrax Labs Hair Surge is a hugely popular caffeine-based shampoo designed with cutting-edge hair growth science.
I tried Ultrax Surge because I wanted to see if deserves the reputation and hype, and frankly, I wanted to know if it was worth the money.
In this process, I researched all corners of the web to learn what I could learn about this popular new shampoo.
Caffeine in Shampoo – Whaaaaaa?
A bombshell 2014 study showed that caffeine has a role to play in hair loss prevention. Sounds a bit crazy, right?
But those German scientists are a determined bunch, and they studied whether caffeine could encourage hair cells to produce more hair.
They placed follicles from hundreds of different human scalps in petri dishes. Some of the petri dishes were treated with caffeine. The experiment showed that the hair follicles that were spiked with caffeine grew much faster than the untreated cells.
Because of this landmark study, many new shampoos formulated to treat hair loss now include caffeine.
What Else Is In Ultrax Hair Surge?
Ultrax Labs Hair Surge is a medicinal shampoo with three primary active ingredients in a proprietary formula.
- Caffeine. Amazingly, the most active ingredient in this shampoo is caffeine. The caffeine found inside Hair Surge has been combined with cocamidopropyl betaine, which is an organic compound made from coconut oil. (To read in even more detail about caffeine’s role in hair loss, click here.)
One small handful of Ultrax shampoo contains less caffeine than a cup of coffee. That said, the other ingredients in Ultrax help facilitate absorption of the caffeine.
- Ketoconazole. It should be no shock that many different types of fungi live in our scalp skin. Most of the time, they’re helpful – the “good guys”. However, hairsprays and other types of aggressive hair care products (like mouse and perms and straightening) can help bad types of funguses to grow.
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If the cause of your hair loss is fungal overgrowth, ketoconazole can help. Ketoconazole has been in use in hair loss products since 1977. When researchers discovered that fungi were a cause of hair loss in the 1990s, manufacturers started adding ketoconazole to hair loss prevention shampoos for improved results.
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- Saw Palmetto. Saw palmetto is a well-established herb to help with the prevention of hair loss. Native Americans have been using saw palmetto for centuries to treat skin problems, dandruff, and baldness, but science is just starting to catch up and implement it in our medicines. Saw palmetto oil restores hair by inhibiting the hormone DHT. DHT is a byproduct of testosterone that causes scalp hair follicles to dry up and die.
Who Should Use Ultrax Labs Hair Surge?
Ultrax Labs Hair Surge is recommended for use by both men and women equally.
There are no contraindications. You may use it along side other hair loss treatments, amplifying its hair loss treatment effects by taking it along with a biotin supplement or using an overnight hair regeneration treatment.
How to Use Ultrax Labs Hair Surge Shampoo
Ultrax recommends using this shampoo five times a week for optimal results.
That tough-to-pronounce ingredient Ketoconazole can be tough on the scalp if you used every single day, so keep this in mind and don’t go over the manufacturer’s expert advice.
You use Ultrax Labs Hair Surge in the same way that you would use any other shampoo.
Wet your hair, pump out the shampoo, and then rub the shampoo into your scalp.
Let the shampoo sit for a few minutes to get absorbed by your scalp and skin. Then, rinse it off and follow with a conditioner of your choice. OR, skip the conditioner and use a homemade nourishing rosemary vinegar rinse.
What do people say about Ultrax?
People love this stuff.
Ultrax has 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com with almost 6,000 reviews total. That’s great, especially with such a large number of verified reviews!
Women specifically have said that this product works well for them when no other hair loss product has worked. Women notice the shampoo makes their hair thicker and stronger, with fewer clumps falling out in the shower.
And, pretty consistently, women love the smell – it’s “minty”. Over time, they noticed less shedding and a marked improvement along their hairlines.
The reviews I’ve read come from women of all ages and ethnicities, and they’re mostly enthusiastic or outright ecstatic.
Any Drawbacks?
The price is a bit steep, for shampoo. Reviewers say using it as directed, 5x/week, the bottle lasts about a month and a half. So, given that, the price is pretty similar to what you’d pay for using Rogaine or even Pura D’or (other top rated hair loss prevention products for women).
This price can be high if you’re used to paying $3 or $4 a bottle of shampoo at the grocery store. Like anything else, cost becomes a question of priority and the relative value to YOU.
Many women experiencing hair thinning or hair loss would be happy to pay $50ish to make the problem go away, and many of us are quite used to routinely paying this much or more for shampoo.
As with anything else, negative reviews do exist. The takeaway? Not every hair loss product is going to work for every single person. Here’s my takeaway from the critics of Ultrax:
- Some people think the bottle is too small for the price
- Some were unhappy with the lathering of the shampoo.
- Some people claimed intense hair loss or scalp irritation after using this product.
It’s entirely possible some of these women experienced an allergic reaction to any of the main ingredients, including caffeine, or that their hair loss was just really aggressive and accelerated, and the shampoo only helped in a limited way.
Bottom line: I would not recommend this shampoo – or ANY caffeine shampoo – to anyone with a caffeine allergy.
Overall: Hair Surge Shampoo …. whooo hooo!
Ultrax Labs Hair Surge Shampoo is an innovative approach to treating hair loss prevention for women. It’s based on current, contemporary science, and also includes other ingredients with an established history of helping treat hair loss.
Because of the current biochemical research into caffeine’s role in hair loss prevention, I’m much less skeptical of this or any other caffeine-containing shampoo.
It’s not just a gimmick: it’s science! This specific brand of caffeine shampoo has earned praise from all corners of the internet, and it appears to get results from women of all ages and ethnic backgrounds.
Reviewers claimed over and over that it was most helpful around the hairline.
Since the hairline and the temple are my worst problem areas, I’m probably going to give this one a whirl. When I do that, I’ll update this review with my experiences.
UPDATE 4/12/17
I bought this shampoo and have used it for two weeks. I LOVE IT.
Smells: minty but not too minty
Application: pump that controls how much comes out. REALLY important for $50 shampoo.
Feels: cooling tingle on scalp after use
Lather: not the greatest
Hair texture: DEFINITELY thicker; no greasy residue thankfully
Hair growth: some new babyhair, but these could be because of the supplements.
This one’s a winner, folks. I will update some more after more time has passed.
Update 6/17/17
I used this shampoo for an additional three weeks, and enjoyed seeing the new fuzz continue to sprout up along my sparse hairline.
Unfortunately, during this time I also moved to a different continent with a wholly new climate, and have been experiencing major skin breakouts on my face, neck, and head.
It could be the different pollen, or the extremely moist air, so because of the breakouts, I’ve had to take a step back from my Ultrax Surge experiment, in favor of the “no poo” method.
While “no poo” doesn’t correct hair loss or stimulate hair follicles, it does provide a neutral “chemical-free zone” while I get to the bottom of my skin issues.
Once that’s back to normal, I’ll resume my use of Ultrax and update again to let you know my progress! Didn’t want you all to think I forgot to update 🙂
Update 12/9/17
After trying several less expensive DHT blocking shampoos, I’ve made the decision to go back to Ultrax when it’s time to re-up.
This Hair Surge stuff made such a huge and immediate difference in my hairline, and now that it’s getting cold and dry outside, my scalp needs as much help as it can get.
I am the type of person who is suspicious when a thing or a product is hyped all to hades…and have to eat my own hat when the enthusiasm is deserved.
In my life, there have been two starkly surprising instances where this hype was justified: 1) Pappy von Winkle bourbon, and 2) Ultrax Labs Hair Surge Shampoo.
Come back and leave me a comment and let me know how Ultrax Surge worked out for you. Please leave any questions and comments below, and I look forward to your feedback!
-Penelope
Conclusion
For many hair loss sufferers, Hair Surge has proven beneficial. However, it’s still not a product I recommend (or would use myself). This is because its use of chemicals (specifically SLES) can counteract the positive effects the other ingredients may have.
Information contained on this website has not been evaluated by any medical body such as the Food & Drug Administration. All information is for educational purposes only. We do not aim to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness. You must consult a medical professional before acting on any content on this website.
I love caffeine! I usually drink it for breakfast, but hey, I’ll get my fix any way I can! Five times per week seems like a lot to be washing hair though, I wonder if this has a negative effect on the natural oils that one’s head needs. Do you know if this is ok to be used on coloured hair?
Hi Shirley! Hahaha, I agree, it’s a crazy way to get in the coffee! And 5 times a week seemed like a lot to me, too. I think the benefits of the caffeine are supposed to outweigh the loss of natural oils. Some people recommend using it only on weekdays and then giving your scalp the weekend off. I didn’t come across any cautionary reviews from dyed hair and am going to assume it’s safe for them. The shampoo itself is colorless, so it won’t add any color to the hair.
Penelope,
This is an interesting product. I have just recently become concerned about thinning hair. I think five times a week is too often for me to use a shampoo. I usually wash my hip length hair twice a week, because it has to air dry and be conditioned properly. Are there any lotions with caffeine on the market yet?
This is a very helpful review. I’ve never thought caffeine can help prevent loss hair. Based on your review, there are not many drawbacks for this product. I don’t have this problem but I know a friend that is struggling with hair loss problem. I will be sure to share with him your site.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much for the feedback, I hope your friend finds this info helpful! This caffeine thing is a real game changer, for sure.
Too bad the caffeine we consume in our coffees and tea does not help regrow our hair =:) that it must be put in the shampoo in order to work.
Anyway, now that there is science behind this hair loss prevention shampoo, it’s time to end hair loss nightmare.
Great review!
Thanks for the comment! I agree, it’s a shame we can’t just drink our way to more hair…but we’d need about 50 cups a day of coffee for it to make a difference. I know a few people who get CLOSE to about half of that, but most of us would drop dead of a heart attack at even 10, I think! 🙂
Wow! Interesting read. Who knew they would find another use for coffee. I always enjoy a few cups a day, putting it on my hair would have seemed like a waste before. I know as I have aged I am losing my natural curl, may be a good idea to give this a try. Thx for the heads up!!
Glad that this helped, and hopefully you get great results!
Hello, this is great information for women interested in hair loss prevention. You personally give this product 8/10, but given that the information looks overwhelmingly positive, I’m curious about why it misses a couple of points from a perfect 10 recommendation. Have you tried this product personally, or could you give a little more information about how you reached this specific recommendation / rating?
Thank you so much for the information and helpful resource!
Absolutely, and that’s a great question. My 8/10 rating is because of the price of the product (to me, $50 is a little steep for a bottle of shampoo), and also because of some of the negative user recommendations. I’ve actually purchased this product for myself recently, and we’ll see how it goes, I may revise my review. if it helps with hair growth, then I will simply think of it as “medicine” and not shampoo, and those of us in the US at least know that $50 is pretty cheap for medicine.
How interesting!! Caffeine! I would have never guessed. I suppose since it’s a stimulant, why not stimulate hair growth… how ingenious. I see that it has a “minty” smell.. I do like that, but does it come in any special scents? My mom might like this but does not particularly like mint… I wonder how strong the “mint” scent is?
A good overall review. I never even thought about it before but when and if I come to the point of needing this, I will definitely keep this link in mind. ~~Vicky
thanks for the comment, Victoria! hopefully you won’t need to deal with this but there are resources if you ever do, or if you ever know anyone dealing with this issue!
Excellent product review! As I’ve aged into my late 30’s I’ve noticed my hair getting thinner and more of it falling out in the shower. I’ve always had really thick hair so it’s kind of stressful for me to having it getting thinner. I definitely think I’m going to give this a try!
Definitely give it a shot – I think you’ll notice a huge difference. Ultrax is one of the best ones I’ve tried!
Thinking about buying this, but I don’t want to wash my curly hair that often. I generally only wash once, maybe twice a week. Do you think it would still work that way?
Unfortunately, everything I’ve read about the caffeine shampoo and treatments says frequent application is necessary due to how long the caffeine lasts in the scalp and hair follicles (24 hrs usually). You could certainly try it, but know you might not see the results you want unless using it as directed.
I don’t know how you do with coconut oil, but I’ve seen some DIY caffeine shampoo recipes that might be worth trying too, especially if you’re hesitant to pay for the fancy stuff.
A Simple Coffee Oil Shampoo
Coffee grounds can be dried and infused into oil which can be rubbed on the scalp either directly or when combined with pre-made shampoo treatments and leave-in conditioners.
Ingredients:
3 ounces of green or roasted whole coffee beans
3 cups of Coconut oil
Directions:
Pour the coconut oil into a small glass crock pot
Add the 3 ounces of coffee beans
Cover the beans and the oil and cook for approximately 5-6 hours over a slow heat. Regular checks might be necessary to ensure the oil and the beans do not burn up. Be sure to stir the mixture every half hour or so.
When the mixture is cooked, turn off the crock pot and use a paper coffee filter to strain the oil and remove the beans, which can now be disposed.
Pour the oil into a clean container, ready for use.
Apply the oil directly to the scalp, either on its own or combined with shampoo and leave it for 5-8 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of cold water.
Thanks. That seems like a lot of work! Maybe I’ll try the caffeine shampoo as directed. I’m just so terrified to wash my hair because I get these hairballs in the shower 🙁 Also, I’m not willing to part with my curly hair products: conditioner and gel. But maybe I’ll give it a go just to get through this shedding phase. My derm had given me DHS zinc shampoo mixed with Clobetasol, but that was mostly to help clear up the seborrheic dematitis on my scalp (which also, in addition to coloring and products, is not helping matter!)
If you do give Ultrax a shot, come back and let us know your experience. Not sure if supplementing with zinc would have the same effect as a shampoo…but you could always boost your zinc while taking a break from that shampoo from the dermatologist.
I was thinking of purchasing this product. Any updates to your review? Did you get to the bottom of your skin issues?
Thanks for the very detailed review, you give us a lot to think about. Coffee in shampoo, hmm I guess so, everything else is starting to go in it lol. Yea, I don’t think my dry hair could handle 5 shampoos a week. When I starting needing a product like this I will definitely look into. Thanks!
Yeah, it’s pretty cool how caffeine helps with hair loss! UNder normal circumstances, the less you can shampoo, the better!
This is a very interesting review. I have never heard about caffeine helping with hair growth! I worry about hair loss and have tried a couple of product but have not really seen any results. The price is a little steep but I am going to give this one a try and see how it goes. Thanks!
I’m glad you found value in my review of Ultrax, come back and let us know what you think of it!
any feedback on the homemade shampoo. cannot afford that price
I’ve actually heard about this! I guess some hair loss can come from dietary changes. In particular, I notice the keto diet affecting this. Curious to see a product that is caffeine based, may have to spread this around
Great information. I am always looking for hair regrowth products and was very intrigued by this post. I really love that you kept us updated on your decisions and progress. Overall, how long would you say it took for you to notice the regrowth of new hair? Also, did it mention anything about African American hair and be a product that would work for this hair type?
This sounds like really amazing stuff. Really good review, thank you, I will keep this in mind if I ever need this in future. I would have never know that caffeine could help in this situation! 🙂
Hi Stina, thanks for the comment, and I’m glad you learned some new fun facts about caffeine!
Wow. $56.95 is pretty steep for a shampoo. I think a caffeine-based shampoo may be invigorating to my scalp, especially the bald spot in my hair. Sometimes my bald spot itches really badly. I’m wondering if the caffeine in the shampoo can do anything for the itching?
Wow… another great product from you. all the tip and hair loss product you shared on your website are super and this shampoo as well must be amazing. I have become a fan of your website and I have started recommending this website with friends andn people who are experiencing hair loss..
I have never heard about caffeine in hair products so this product review is really interesting however the price is a bit much. I also think there is no way I could wash my hair 5 times a week. However, if it works there is no way I would knock a product for those reasons. I love your review, it has so much new information and I love reading articles like that. Keep them coming!
I have been doing Black Tea rinses on my hair and it’s helping a lot with fallout and gives shine to hair. I steep tea in hot water and let it cool on counter or in fridge. I’ve even been doing it before bed and letting it sit in fridge overnight. I wash my hair with a non-toxic shampoo (True Botanicals brand), get out of shower and then I pour the cooled tea on my head, wrap gently with old towel and let sit for 20 minutes then get back in shower to rinse out and condition (True Botanicals brand). It takes extra time but I only wash my hair 3x a week so it’s doable.
that’s awesome. I love that you have the patience for a home remedy! Tea is pretty magical stuff and full of antioxidants.
Thanks for providing an alternative. I don’t mind pricey when it is worth it. Quality can come at a price and hair is a woman’s glory so it is something I would invest in. Thanks again for taking the time to provide me such thoughtful and useful information.
I’ve never heard it put that way, “hair is a woman’s glory”—I love it! and yes, it can be such a major beauty blow when we have to deal with thinning and breaking and shedding. So yes, I’m right there with you on the price of beauty and hair health being worth it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Excellent product review! I never even thought about it before but when and if I come to the point of needing this, I will definitely keep this site in my mind. Thanks for the great review!
Thanks Emma.
This isn’t safe for color treated hair though is it? I believe it has sulfates
Greetings
Would you gain any benefit using this product but alternating every other day with a shampoo such as Wick & Strom which also contains caffeine but a much less concentration of keto?
Great article with alot of good information about hair loss and Ultrax Plush. I am currently going through hair loss and the ingredients of Ultrax Plush are the best ingredients to prevent hair loss and I will definitley going to use it and share it with others.
Hey, thanks for sharing this great info. My boyfriend suffers from hair loss so I will definitely be looking into this product as he has tried many different things out there with none of them having any effect! Cheers, Ann
Ultra plus labs is awesome. I’ve saved my hair and money thank you so much for this information.
Hi and thanks for another great review on hair loss products and this Hair plush Serum looks fantastic as it contains all the nutrients hair needs to thrive. I really wish I had the cash to try them all as I really have a problem with thinning hair. Well actually my hair is fine but there is lots of it, do you recommend anything specifically to help thicken fine hair? Or are all your products specifically for hair loss? Thanks
Really great information Penelope. I have hair that is definitely not as thick as it used to be. I have tried a few different products, but I did not see any results. This looks to be worth a try! I did not know that caffeine can speed up hair growth. Can you tell me how long one of these Ultrax Labs Hair Plush will last? Do you use with every shampoo, or no.
Thanks for the feedback, Sarah! Come back and tell us how it works out for you!!
Hi Ann, thanks for passing along this info to your boyfriend, Ultrax Plush may just be the answer for him!
Glad you liked it!! Thanks for letting us know how it worked out for you!
Thanks for the great question! You use it after shampooing, and you can use it every day for best results. Users say it lasts 4-6 weeks with regular use. Definitely worth a shot!
That little bottle sure does pack a punch! I like that it offers so many things in one product-strengthening the root w/ Biotin, giving the hair structure w/ Keratin, and thickening it w/ caffeine. You did mention some other treatments that were a little less expensive (on a bit of a budget)-which ones would you recommend that could maybe offer some of these same benefits?
I really admire this product. It seems healthy, productive, and efficient for hair loss. Ultrax hair labs never seem to disappoint me with their products. I even read the reviews on amazon by clicking your link and I learned more there. So helpful! Thanks for this Penelope!
Thanks for the great feedback, Ultrax products are pretty amazing, and I’m glad you checked it out and read more about it!
Great article! in regards to the side effects, how would you know if your scalp in sensitive to that particular ingredient?
I have plenty of hair so perhaps this could be my go to later in the future:), the shampoo and conditioner which you mentioned sound appealing too and i’d be good to try both!
Thank you Penelope!
Good question! A lot of people with sensitivity to alcohol already know from exposure to other products and just shop around it. SD alcohol in hair or skin care products is has a purpose that’s surprisingly beneficial: it compresses the volume of the solution, making it easier for the key ingredients in the product to reach your skin.
Thanks!:)
Thanks for sharing this product Penelope. I’ve been looking for something to try with my receding hairline. I hope this does the trick.
Do you know if this a heavy on hair formula? I mean the way it spreads on the hair?
This product is fairly lightweight, meaning it won’t weigh down your hair too much or provide unwanted stiffening. You should absolutely start treating your receding hairline now, even if to just press the pause button on where it is at this moment.
Looks like an interesting product.
Since Ultra Labs has Keratin in it are the benefits that you mentioned applicable to all types of hair including African American? I know a few people with African American Hair who used products that has keratin it and it didn’t go so well with them.
Keratin tends to have a straightening effect on hair, so it might not jive so well with natural african american hair…so that’s an excellent point. I’ll have to comb through the reviews and see if anyone commented on that specific quality for Ultrax Plush. great eye for detail, thanks for the question!
I love hair products that use natural products in them. Thanks for an informative article.
Hi, your review on ultra labs hair products seem counteractive to its reviews on other hairloss forums online , stating its a scam product and low gains. The reviews have been around since 2015..so am confused too. I,m researchingabout this one but now getting second ideas ..
I really like the fact that this Ultrax Labs Hair Plush product not only restores the hair loss people experience (the caffeine ingredient), but it also restores the quality of the hair (the keratin ingredient). It is basically a two-in-one product as you say. I would like to ask whether it is safe to use with other hair products. Have there been any cases entailing some sort of health issues as a result of using the Ultrax Lab Hair Plush with any other hair loss product, or any general hair products? Thank you in advance, Penelope.
Hi Tomas, thanks for the great question, and the answer is no, I know of no adverse reaction between Ultrax Plush and other products. Of course, we’re all unique little snowflakes biochemically, so that doesn’t mean this is true for every single person. I’d say for those wary of a reaction, to just start using very little and watch for any allergy type symptoms.
This is very helpful, my fiance suffers from having thin hair and falls out often. She reads and tries everything. I’ll show her this when I get home!
Thanks for the feedback, and for passing the info onto your fiance!
Thanks for the great review Penelope! You always provide the best quality content.
I like the ultrax and it’s benefits that you talked about, I think I could use a bit more ‘bounce’ in my hair style haha.
Thankyou:)
I love reading your posts and what you recommend! I am happy to see you review quality Ultrax Labs products. I have full trust in them and the best thing I find is their use of ingredients. So natural and pure! Thanks again Penelope!
I did see your review for the Ultrax shampoo so I was excited to see the conditioner. I am excited to see that they make both. Being that it was difficult for some to comb their hair after do you think you could use a detangler with this somehow? Thanks for the info!
thanks again for the feedback, give it a shot and come back and let us know how it works out for you!
Well, bring your bounce and come back and let us know how it’s working for you!
Any product that eliminates Dandruff is of interest to me and I appreciate your honest review of it. I was wondering if it works for all kinds of hair?
My hair has permanent hair straight and I have had bad experiences with shampoos and conditioners: shortly after using them I had breakage.
Thank you for continually reviewing quality products so thoroughly. I think this conditioner would smell divine, although as you stated in your cons that allergies may be an issue with so many things interacting. As I have multiple allergies I would definitely do a patch test if I were to use this product.
Probably a great idea, just to be safe. For anyone with allergies, the utmost care and caution must be used! Thanks for reading and for the great feedback 🙂
There are glowing reviews for this product from all kinds of textures of hair, straight to curly to somewhere in between. I highly recommend Ultrax Products to everyone without reservation over hair texture. thanks for the great question!
I had no idea caffeine helps with hair growth. I bet this stuff smells amazing. I love peppermint and eucalyptus. You offer great and thorough articles. Your recommendations are top notch, Thank you!
Glad you learned something new, this information about caffiene is really awesome. Science for the win! Thanks for stopping by to leave some feedback 🙂
I have seen this product before…but seeing so many out there I never payed attention, but now I will 🙂
Even if it has some cons the pros really convince me.
Thank you for another useful review Penelope.!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, much appreciated! I’m glad that it seems worthwhile for you to try.
Seems like I’m losing more hair since I’ve been using this…. going on 3 months. Very disappointed and upset.
Have you tried (and reviewed) the Ultrax Hair Maxx vitamins/supplement by any chance?
Very well laid out and informational. Thank you!
I have read all of your Ultrax labs products reviews and i also believe they are constantly providing top of the line products. Considering it has way more pros than cons and is directed to a unisex audience I got to look into it, not only for me but I know a few people that could use it 😉
Thank you for continuously review products to improve our hair health. When i was a teen i didn’t really cared what was going on with my hair, now i truly miss the days when i wasn’t in an endless cycle of worry seeing my hair fall.
I look forward to more info!
I have not heard of this company before. Is this product for beginning stages of hair loss? Or will it be beneficial for substantial hair loss?
I definitely like the fact that this product’s recommended dosage is 2 pills a day instead of 4. I’ve tried products before – vitamins in particular – that require you to take 4 whopping horse pills a day (plus they taste terrible). This Ultrax supplement seems much easier to stomach. Do you know if it recommends taking the 2 pills at once or once in the morning and once in the evening?
Thanks for another great review!
Vitamins, minerals & herbs, oh my! This sounds like great stuff. 3,200 user reviews can’t be wrong. It must work really well for hair loss/thinning hair. I also appreciate that it’s made here in the Good Ol USA and not overseas. You never really know what you’re getting when something comes from another country. Great review, as usual!
Wow, what an awesome and effective product. It looks amazing as I can see the ingredients in it. It must be very useful for the people who want to grow their hair back without spending a hell lot of money in harmful treatments. It has natural ingredients and must be an awesome product to use.
Ultra lax hair rush looks like a pretty awesome supplement. With 4.5 stars from thousands of reviews I’d be inclined to try it. I like that you shared suggestions for cheap options too for those watching the purse strings but still keen to say no to hair loss. Keep up the great work, I always enjoy reading your reviews.
My wife uses Hair Rush and she likes it. Very informative post, thanks. I even forwarded this to my wife.
Who ever knew that a stinging nettle bush could bring benefits to making hair more healthy.
I find it interesting how some products work for people and others don’t it makes it hard to question who’s right in the argument but nonetheless the positives seem to outweigh the negatives and this product from Ultrax labs seems to be worth a try!
Thanks for another perfect review:)
I love reading your reviews because they provide so much detail and you are so honest. That being said, this product is a bit out of my price range and I would first love to see some more results before I try it. I do love that women of different hair types have praised the product, that is always a plus. Thanks for the review!
hello there,
To be honest 60 $ / month is not a huge amount if it has the results you need. Is important to have a beautiful hair, it gives you confidence. Actually is important for you !
Ok if you sat that the 20 $ product is good also, is normal to choose the cheap one:)) I always thought you have what you payed for as people say. But is not always the rule that the most expensive is the best one, also.
This looks a very natural product. If some people say that it didn’t do anything maybe depends of something,…its results.
Thanks a lot for sharing ,is a very informative review and I am glad that you also mentioned the negative parts.
Have a good day,
Cristina
That’s one thing I am yet to try to sort out my receding hairline only because I don’t think it will work. Do you think I should start with the cheaper ones that you mention “Hairfluence” first or should I try these straight away?
I am impressed by how much good this supplement can do from two small tablets! this seems like it would be extremely hassle free and easy in comparison to some other hair regrowth techniques that take much more time and effort, also it’s great that it works for all hair textures 🙂
With the amazon reviews i tend to think that no product is going to please everyone, and if the vast majority are positive, it must be a good product, particularly if they are verified reviews and there are so many of them!
Product looks great!
Thanks for reading, Anne! I’m glad that you are enjoying the info and I can definitely relate to wishing I had my young hair (and carefreeness!) back!!!
It depends on whether your follicles are still alive. For example, with chemotherapy, the hair loss may be substantial but the follicles aren’t dead. Whereas someone who’s been bald for 15 years has dead follicles. The trick to keeping your hair is to start treating it aggressively when you first notice fallout.
I don’t think the timing matters for this particular supplement as there’s nothing in it that’s gonna wake you up or slow you down. I’m with you on not having to swallow the giant horsepills, those are no fun at all!!
You couldn’t be more right, because other countries obviously have different quality control standards. I’m always reassured when something is made in the USA. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Sarah!
Thanks for the kind words and checking me out, Lace!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Frank!
Isn’t it interesting how there’s no one size fits all option? It’s kinda a bummer, but it does point to ultimately our bodies being individualized and, for most of us, the need to try lots of different stuff!!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Cristina! I agree, we tend to get what we pay for … in beauty and in life! Luckily there are options at all different budget ranges 🙂
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Colleen! Yeah, I’m glad that the dosage is so small and manageable, it’s hard to swallow horsepills!!
This is an excellent review. I actually have a friend that uses this, and says that it worked wonders. The fact that its just 2 tables blows my mind. Wonder what it will be like in 10 years. Probably won’t even need pills, it will be a quick shot and last a whole year or something.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Yeah, I also wonder about the future of hair loss treatment, for sure!!
I know this product and I have tried to use it in the past. Unfortunately, I had to stop taking it according to my doctor because its combination with a medicine I was taken was not recommended so I was not able to check whether it worked or not. I give it to my friend who tried it and it didn’t work for her. She wanted faster results. In her case, I think it had to do something with her diet (she was not eating well). I think when using this product, you also have to watch what you eat and take care of your hair (wash it regularly, etc). Getting results doesn’t happen magically, it takes some work.
I really love your honest reviews on hair loss products and I know everything you say is trustworthy as you’ve tried and tested a lot of products yourself, and indeed been a sufferer of hair loss. I also love the fact that it’s natural and full of proven to work ingredients. As a sufferer of hair loss myself I wish I had the cash to try them all!
The fact that this Ultrax hair rush product has so many glowing reviews says it all, and I had no idea you had to actually purchase a product before you can review it. This changes everything in my eyes as I now know I cant pretty much trust ALL reviews which will really change my online shopping experience.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Stefanie! I totally get the desire to “try them all” and it can be frustrating to give each product the time it needs on its own to see if it works, especially when we feel like hair loss is a problem that needs to be URGENTLY solved!!!
Definitely, for sure. I wish there were some instant quick solution but sadly, we have to tend to multiple hair loss factors and be patient to see results, and be mindful of when something is causing irritation or a reaction, which is all-too-common when these products contain a million and one herbal ingredients!!
Thanks for another thorough review. They do say that 1 negative comment has more impact than 100 positive comments so it is good that you are trying to even that out a bit. Also, people tend to complain before they praise so that could be another factor. This product sounds like it has some really great natural ingredients although the price is a bit steep for a months supply. A bit out of my price range at the moment but I will keep it in mind for the future.
Regards,
Megan
Hi Elizabeth, thanks for the comment. Hip-length hair, that’s really impressive! I’ve known very few people who could grow hair that long. As for lotions/topical treatments not requiring a shampoo, there are a couple, this one being the most well-reviewed. Worth checking out for sure!
That’s one of those questions I won’t be able to answer until mine arrives – but I will definitely let you know the extent of the mintiness. There are other caffeinated shampoos out there, you could always opt for one of those…sadly most of them also appear to be “mint” scented.
Except for this one!
Hi Amy! Thanks for the question, and for reading the blog. My skin issues were definitely climate-related, and not related to Ultrax. I was in allergen ground zero (the grass-seed capital of the world) and I’ve since moved to a dry arid climate in Arizona, and the breakouts are gone. Definitely give Ultrax a try and come back and let us know what you think!
Hi Bernadette – I have no personal experience with the homemade coffee shampoo, but you are welcome to give it a shot and come back and let us know! I completely understand the concerns about price. For a great budget caffeine shampoo alternative, I recommend this one – it rings in under $20 for the set.
Hi Stefanie – thanks for the great question. You should absolutely be supplementing with something that will help thicken and strengthen your hair. Many people find, in addition to new growth, that improvement of existing hair results from taking Nutrafol. That’s my #1 recommendation.
Great comment! And yes, there’s definitely stuff out there that offers many similar benefits for those of us on a budget. First, I’d recommend nightly scalp rubs with Rosemary oil. And there’s always the ol’ standby, tried and true Rogaine for women!
I just took another look through the Amazon.com reviews for Ultrax Plush and saw multiple reviewers with textured African American hair comment about how it worked well for them, and wasn’t too heavy. So this is good information – maybe having keratin as one ingredient is a different thing entirely than going to the salon to get those specific “keratin treatments” which tend to be straightening.
Thanks for coming by! Yes, there are many, MANY causes of hair loss, and sadly nutrition and specifically nutrient deficiency is one of those. Check out my post on the best supplements for hair loss.
I kinda hate when things live up to their reputation, but in this case, it does. If you know anyone suffering from hair loss, spread the word about Ultrax!
Hi Tiffany – this is an excellent question. Generally, Ultrax products are well reviewed by people with natural hair. If you go to the reviews page on Amazon for Surge, you’ll see a ton of positive reviews from African Americans, which is great! It took me about three weeks to notice a difference, which seems like an eternity but in hair loss land is really quite good.
Hi Ps. The thing about hair loss products is that the causes are so individuated, and our body chemistries are so individuated with what we can tolerate, what we’re allergic to, what we respond to – not everything is going to work for every one. I happen to really like the Ultrax products and I don’t view them as a scam. Keep in mind that what you read online might not always be coming from a place of genuine experience or research, since there’s a ton of competition among hair loss products, and people are always out to discredit one another. When I dislike something, I tell ya’ll – just read my review of Tricomin for evidence of that!
Itching is usually the result of a fungal infection or some kind of dermatitis. I would recommend that you use this shampoo, which targets both the cause of dandruff & itching as well as has caffeine, which promotes hair growth. It is less expensive than the Ultrax, has a slightly masculine smell, but it’s one of few shampoos that does both in one.
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts! I agree, 5x/week seems steep, but necessary for continued exposure to the DHT blocking caffeine. And yes, this shampoo is pricey, for the punch. Hairguard’s Caffeine Shampoo is a decent and affordable alternative that’s also a caffeine based shampoo!
A detangler would work, or you could even follow up with the Ultrax Hair Vigor Mask for even deeper conditioning. One thing I’ve found is that it actually helps to comb my hair before I even take the shower, that way I’m not tempted to comb it when it’s wet (which MAXIMIZES breakage!)
Hi Kay – I’m so sorry to hear this is your experience. I’d say return it for a refund, and try something else. You’re probably allergic to some of the ingredients. Go with an all-natural option such as the ones from Just Nutritive – they have amazing products with no artificial anything included.
Thanks for the great question…the answer is no, I haven’t, because I’m really happy with my results with Nutrafol. You can read my review of that and see progress pictures here, thanks for reading!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Melissa! No worries as there are a lot of other great vitamins to try – I would recommend Hairfluence as an excellent budget-friendly alternative, for starters.
It wouldn’t hurt for you to try Hairfluence first if you’re concerned about the price. If you don’t see results after a few months of that, move onto Rush!
Now does this shampoo compare with Shapiro MD shampoo???
Penelope thank you for great article, I may be mistaken but at the very end you state you will not use this product. I may have misunderstood please correct me if so.