Thinning hair? 7 things most people don’t know about what’s happening at the scalp
Wider part? More hair in the brush? Here's what the science says about treating the scalp, not just the strands.
- Why the part gets wider and the ponytail thinner
- Why volumising products only help on the surface
- What a 2026 clinical study found at the root
Sound familiar?
It rarely happens overnight. First the part looks a little wider in photos. Then the ponytail feels thinner, and there's more hair in the brush and the shower drain than there used to be.
Most people start with volumising shampoos, sprays or hair fibres. They can make hair look fuller for a day, but they only work on the hair you can already see. Thinning starts further down, at the scalp. Here's what that means, and what you can do about it.
Why hair gets thinner
Simplified illustration of the hair growth cycle.
It’s not more hair falling out. It’s weaker hair growing back
Every hair grows from a follicle under the skin, in a cycle of growth, rest and shedding.
With thinning hair, the growth phase gets shorter. New hairs grow back finer and shed sooner, so over time there’s less coverage, even if you don’t lose more hairs per day.
Volumising products only treat the surface
Thickening shampoos, sprays and hair fibres can make hair look fuller for a while. But they sit on the hair you already have, and they wash out.
They don’t change what happens at the scalp, where the next hairs are growing.
Weak follicles need the right signals
Growth factors and peptides are signal proteins that the skin uses naturally. In skincare they’re used to support skin renewal. In scalp care, they’re applied where hair grows.
That’s the idea behind KeraFactor’s patented peptide complex (KFP™): giving the scalp signal proteins, not just conditioning the strand.
Hormones, stress and age all play a part
Thinning hair is very common in both women and men. Genetics, hormonal changes (for example after pregnancy or around menopause), stress and ageing can all shorten the growth phase.
It’s not something you did wrong, and you’re far from alone. But because it develops slowly, it’s easy to wait a long time before you start taking care of your scalp.
Sudden or patchy hair loss? See a doctor or dermatologist.
Most routines fail because they’re too complicated
Hair grows in cycles of months, so whatever you do needs time. That’s where most routines break down: too many steps, appointments or products to keep track of.
Consistency matters more than intensity. A routine that fits into your shower in a few minutes is one you’ll actually keep doing.
What many people are looking for
- No prescription
- No pills
- Nothing to inject
- Gentle on the scalp
Many people don’t want pills or prescriptions
For many, that’s the reason they put off doing anything at all. Cosmetic scalp care is a gentle first step: no prescription, no pills, nothing to inject.
If you already use prescription treatments, check with your doctor before adding anything new.
Clinical study, Hamburg 2026
What a clinical study found at the root
Dermatologists at University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf published the study in Lasers in Medical Science (2026).
Patients had in-clinic laser treatment with KeraFactor growth factors and used the KeraFactor Solution and Shampoo at home every day.
Clinics also use KeraFactor in their treatments, with the same Solution and Shampoo for home care. Find a clinic near you →
*Group averages from baseline, 27 patients analysed. The study combined in-clinic laser treatment with KeraFactor home care; the home routine alone was not measured. Individual results vary. Read the study
Before and after
In-clinic KeraFactor treatment combined with home care. Individual results vary.
The 3-minute scalp routine
KeraFactor’s home routine is built around what happens at the scalp, and it fits into your shower.
- Scalp Stimulating Shampoo & Conditioner: cleanses scalp and hair in one step
- Scalp Stimulating Solution: growth factors and peptides (KFP™), applied to the scalp
- Scalp Stimulating Brush: massages the solution into the scalp
Drug-free cosmetic scalp care for men and women, on wet or dry hair, with no sticky residue. Together the three are sold as the KeraFactor Combo System.
Finally I found something that works for me. I first got the shampoo and the solution with the scalp brush. After about 3 months use i can see a Big change in the hair- the quality, it grows quicker and also thicker.
Linn · Verified buyerPeople are noticing a difference
★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 average rating · real reviews from verified buyers
“I’ve been using the KeraFlex Duo cap consistently for 6 months together with my hair loss routine, and I’m honestly impressed with the improvement in my crown area.”
Geoffrey · KeraFlex Laser Cap Duo“Starting to get baby hairs around the hairline. The shampoo/conditioner is really good too.”
Madelaine · Combo System“I have a very sensitive scalp and long, fine hair so brushing my hair has always been v uncomfortable. But not with KeraSmooth, it easily detangles my hair and feels so smooth and soft!”
Lou · Scalp Stimulating Brush“It’s brilliant you just have to wear for 6 minutes per day. Worth buying.”
Manj · KeraFlex Laser Cap“Both the shampoo and serum, as well as the massage brush, feel genuinely premium.”
Kevin · KeraFlex Laser Cap Duo“Untangles, gives my hair volume, and massages my scalp. Really good.”
Nik · Scalp Stimulating Brush“KeraFactor has been a godsend for my hair!”
Verified buyer“Pleasant to use. Nice drying effect. Healthy hair.”
Fred · Verified buyerKeraFactor vs. a regular shampoo
| KeraFactor routine | Regular shampoo | |
|---|---|---|
| Focuses on the scalp | ✓ | ✕ |
| Growth factors & peptides | ✓ | ✕ |
| Published clinical study | ✓ | ✕ |
| Used by clinics | ✓ | ✕ |
| About 3 minutes a day | ✓ | ✓ |
KeraFactor Combo System
- Scalp Stimulating Solution
- Scalp Stimulating Shampoo & Conditioner
- Scalp Stimulating Brush
€230
Using it every month? Subscribe & save 20% →
Add to cartAdd light therapy and get the Combo System for free
Buy a KeraFlex laser cap and the complete KeraFactor Combo System is included at no extra cost. Six minutes under the cap, three minutes with the Combo System.
Questions readers ask
Why is my hair getting thinner?
Common causes include genetics, hormonal changes (for example after pregnancy or around menopause), stress and ageing. Often the growth phase of the hair cycle gets shorter, so hair grows back finer. If your hair loss is sudden or patchy, see a doctor or dermatologist.
How much hair loss is normal?
Losing around 50–100 hairs a day is considered normal. If you notice clearly more than usual, a wider part or less volume over several months, it's worth taking care of your scalp, and checking with a doctor if you're unsure.
How soon will I see results?
Hair grows in cycles of several months, so give the routine time. In the Hamburg study, results were measured at one and six months after the final clinic session. Individual results vary.
Does it work for both men and women?
Yes. The studies included both men and women with thinning hair.
How long does one Combo System last?
Only a small amount is used each time. The 100 ml Shampoo & Conditioner lasts at least one month of daily use.
Do I get the Combo System free with a laser cap?
Yes. When you buy a KeraFlex Laser Cap or KeraFlex Duo, the KeraFactor Combo System is added to your cart for free.
Can I use it with other treatments?
It's cosmetic scalp care and is often used alongside other routines. If you use prescription treatments, check with your doctor first.
Advertorial. This article is published by KeraFactor Europe, which sells the products mentioned. KeraFactor products are cosmetic products and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Study results refer to group averages in the cited studies, which combined in-clinic treatment with home care. Individual results vary. Reviews are from verified buyers collected via Judge.me.
