Alpecin Double Effect Shampoo by Dr. Wolf is predominantly aimed at men,
although women can use it, too. It’s called “double effect” because it targets not only hair loss, but also dandruff – said to make hair loss worse. As an anti-dandruff product, the Alpecin shampoo uses several active ingredients to gently remove dandruff and has an antimicrobial and antifungal effect.
The manufacturer claims that this combination of active ingredients has traditionally only been used in pharmacological products and this is the first product to utilise it for an over-the-counter shampoo.
As a hair loss product, Alpecin utilises caffeine, which is a popular active ingredient in a number treatment products that target thinning hair. It works by stimulating the hair roots / follicles to produce new hair shafts. Caffeine is said to “wake up” sluggish follicles and kick them out of the dormant phase and into the active growth phase of the hair growth cycle.
Active ingredients and what they do
Salicylic acid and octopirox are used to treat dandruff and have an active antimicrobial and antifungal effect on the scalp, removing existing dandruff and preventing the formation of new dandruff. Caffeine complex works to produce the hair growth effect by increasing the length of the growth phase in the hair growth cycle.
How to use Alpecin Double Effect Shampoo
Massage into hair and scalp, leave for two minutes and rinse off. For best results, use every day. Alpecin Double Effect Shampoo is a long-term hair loss and dandruff solution that requires repeated use over a long period of time to maintain results. Dandruff will return when treatment is stopped and hair loss may also return unless the underlying causes are treated.
Will Alpecin Double Effect work for me?
Alpecin targets the hair follicles without targeting the hormones that may be responsible for hair loss. Caffeine is a popular ingredient in many hair loss products because of its stimulating effect. However, those who are suffering from hair loss that is the result of hormonal imbalances may wish to use this product in conjunction with one that treats that aspect of hair loss as well, such as saw palmetto. Although tests have apparently shown that caffeine can negate the results of testosterone, it is normally used for its stimulating, rather than balancing effects. Although this product is designed to treat male pattern baldness, the stimulating effect can be helpful in treating other types of hair loss including female pattern baldness, thinning hair and traction alopecia in both men and women.
Are there any more products available in the range?
A caffeine liquid is available for use on a daily basis, and there is also an Alpecin caffeine shampoo without the double effect to battle dandruff. There is no conditioner available in the range but a different hair loss conditioner can safely be used with this product and there are several others on the market that also contain caffeine.





Hair Growth shampoo it produces is decidedly aimed at men who want to prevent or slow down baldness. That said, it is also suitable for women to use, though its scent is definitely rather masculine.


