What Is the Difference Between Hair Tonic, Hair Growth Formula and Scalp Essence?

This week, we are going to look at a question we get the most from our customers, “What are differences between hair tonic, hair growth formula and scalp essence?”

Even though all these products fall under hair growth products, the differences between hair tonic, hair growth formula, and scalp essence place each of them into different categories.

It can be difficult for someone who has never used any of the products to understand where those differences are. There may be some who are using them without knowing the differences.

In fact, there are clear differences between hair tonic (hair growth tonic), hair growth formula, and scalp essence. If chosen wrongly or used wrongly, there is possibility that hair thinning and hair loss will will increase, so we need to be careful about that.

Hair tonic

To put simply, hair tonics are lotions for the hair and scalp. Most of the products are made of 50-70% water and alcohol. Benefits include improving conditions for the scalp and tackling problems like dandruff, itchiness, oiliness or smell.

It is said that hair tonic prevents hair thinning and hair loss, and eases any uncomfortable conditions related to the hair. The basic role of the hair tonic is not “hair growth”, but to get rid of discomfort.

In addition, sometimes the term “hair growth tonic” is used. The official term should be “hair tonic”, and have the same effects as discussed above.

:: Importance of Hair Tonic ::

We see that hair tonic is not used for encouraging hair growth, and users may not see the effects of hair growth.

However, the scalp is where hair thinning and hair loss problems begin. If the health of the scalp worsens, it will directly lead to hair loss or hair thinning. It’s dangerous to think positively that “It’s dandruff and itch only. It’ll be alright”, or “It’ll heal by itself”. While thinking that nothing is wrong now, the unseen deterioration of the scalp may bring about hair thinning and hair loss.

Anyone who has discomfort with their scalps like dandruff or itchiness, how about considering using hair tonic today?

:: How to use Hair Tonic ::

Apply uniformly onto scalp after coming out from a wash. Using the thumb as an axis, massage the whole head with your four fingers.

Note:
1) Using hair tonic is most effective especially after shampooing, when the scalp is softer and heightens the hair tonic’s penetrability.
2) The scalp is delicate right after hair straightening, perm, or hair colouring, so please avoid using the hair tonic then.

Hair Growth Formulae and Scalp Essences

Hair Growth Formula

These stimulates the blood flow in the scalp, providing vigor to the hair roots. It is different from hair tonic since its goal is to stimulate hair growth.

Only products with ingredients that are determined “effective for hair growth” by the Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare can be called a hair growth product, and are considered as quasi-medicine products.

Scalp Essence

Similar to the hair growth formula, scalp essence stimulates the blood flow in the scalp, providing vigor to the hair roots. Its goal is also to stimulate hair growth.

Only products with ingredients that are determined “effective for hair growth” by the Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare can be called a scalp essence, and are considered as cosmetics. Of course, any ingredients that are not approved are not used in any products, so you do not have to worry about that.

That said, even though hair growth formulas and scalp essences have the same purpose, they are formulated with different ingredients.

It’s important not to think the difference is what is approved and what isn’t, even though there are some products that call themselves scalp essences unofficially. In fact, there have been an increase in the number of people who wants to try new formulations of scalp essences, especially if they don’t feel any results with hair growth formula.

:: How to Use Hair Growth Formula and Scalp Essence ::

Apply uniformly onto scalp after coming out from a wash. Using the thumb as an axis, massage the whole head with your four fingers.

Note:

1) Using hair tonic is most effective especially after shampooing, when the scalp is softer and heightens the hair tonic’s penetrability.

2) The scalp is delicate right after hair straightening, perm, or hair colouring, so please avoid using the hair tonic then. If it is not alcoholic, then it can be used.

Product Introduction – Hair Tonic

YANAGIYA Medicated Hair Tonic

(via yanagiya-cosme.co.jp)

YANAGIYA Hair Tonic (Normal, Scent-free Cool Type, Slightly scented, Citrus)

This is the standard series that has been well-loved for the past 60 years, and is quite popular among the elderly folks.

It is formulated with acid tocopherol which has the effect of encouraging blood flow. The ingredient also delivers nutrients to the hair roots and supports the creation of a healthy foundation for healthy hair.

The effectiveness and results are basically the same among its series, so you may choose according to the scent.

SHISEIDO Hair Tonic

(via shiseido.co.jp）

SHISEIDO Auslese Trocken Hair Tonic – Slightly scented (Gentle Green)
Auslese Trocken NA Slightly – Slightly scented (Floral Citrus)
SHISEIDO Bravas Hair Tonic – Slightly scented (Fresh Citrus)

Even though SHISEIDO may be seen as a female brand, but the brand also heavily focuses on “hair growth” too. In fact, the fresh scents and stylish packaging is popular among men.

Product Introduction – Hair Growth Formula

Taisho Pharmaceutical RiUPX5

(via www.taisho.co.jp)

The RiUPX5 by Taisho Pharmaceutical is a hair growth formula aimed at men’s scalp. It tackles hair loss due to age by growing stimulating hair growth and prevents hair thinning.

This hair growth formula includes 5% Minoxidil, which is used in over 90 countries, which supposedly deliver nutrients to the hair growth cells. Not only does it promotes hair growth, it keeps the scalp healthy by controlling the production of sebum on the scalp.

Note: Females, under-aged persons, and people suffering hair loss due to age should refrain from using this product.

Taisho Pharmaceutical RiUP Regenne

(via www.taisho.co.jp)

This hair growth formula is meant for females. It tackles hair loss due to age by growing stimulating hair growth and prevents hair thinning.

Somewhat similar to RiUPX5, this hair growth formula includes 1% Minoxidil too, supposedly delivering nutrients to the hair growth cells.

Note: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, males, underaged persons, people suffering from hair loss due to age should refrain from using this product.

ANGFA Scalp D Beaute Essence

(via angfa-store.jp)

This hair growth formula is meant for anyone who has hormonal imbalance or suffering from scalp health. It is formulated with three types of isoflavone, and provides hair growth care and creating youthful looking hair.

The preservative-free formulation helps remove excess substance, so even users with sensitive scalp can use this hair growth formula with an ease of mind. It is paraben-free, petroleum surfactant free, non-silicon, synthetic colorant free, and synthetic flavouring free.

Note: Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and anyone under 15 years should avoid using this product.

Product Introduction – Scalp Essence

SHISEIDO Adenovital Scalp Essence

(via pro.shiseido.co.jp)

SHISEIDO’s original ingredient Adenosine encourages the flow of blood, as it works on the hair cells to provide nutrients to the hair and encourage hair growth.

Salons use the Shiseido Adenovital, and the product is trusted highly among both genders. It is also highly reviewed because the scalp essence can be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding too.

By using this along with the Adenovital Scalp Shampoo and Treatment, the essence is able to improve the condition of the scalp.

Summarising what we have learnt!

So we have learnt what the differences between hair tonic, hair growth formula and scalp essence are.

Hair Tonic prepares our scalps for healthy growth, which is different from the other two. By doing so, it will help us in preventing hair thinning or hair loss.

On the other hand, for anyone who already is facing hair thinning and hair loss, we should be choosing the hair growth formula or the scalp essence instead of hair tonic. Since hair growth formula and scalp essence are formulated differently, the choice boils down to what kind of formulation and result we’d like other than promoting hair growth.

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