If you’re active across any social media platform, you may have noticed an increased presence from Rogaine this year. They’re paying top influencers (YouTubers, dermatologists, and barbers alike) to get their name back into the hair retention and regrowth conversation. And here we are: It worked.
This is the brand that had the original patent on using minoxidil for men’s hair retention—a patent that expired nearly 19 years ago, but which is still going strong as generics pop up left and right. Rogaine’s brand name is still strong—as you probably know, we still refer to over-the-counter “minoxidil” as “the generic of Rogaine”… they’re basically like Kleenex in this way.
So why the sudden glut of influencer content? Well, Rogaine is owned by Johnson & Johnson, so there’s still plenty of muscle behind this label, and while their hero product—topical minoxidil—is so rife with competition (I mean, you can even buy it with a Kirkland label—and I have!)… Rogaine is making moves into other hair care avenues.
About the New Shampoo-Conditioner
Rogaine’s newest launch is this 2-in-1 thickening shampoo and conditioner. The gist is, it’s a one-stop hair care product that is formulated for guys who are also using minoxidil. Think of it like.. If you are worried about any irritation from minoxidil, this shampoo won’t worsen the threat. It is more cushioning on the scalp.
Rogaine Men’s 2-in-1 Thickening Shampoo-Conditioner
Buy: Amazon
Rogaine 2-in-1 Thickening Shampoo-Conditioner Review
Here are my overall reactions and recommendations around this new product from Rogaine.
- Does this shampoo help with hair growth? No. No shampoo can serve as a true hair retention remedy…the contact time with your scalp is never enough to make a difference. That said, there is one ingredient that shows promise in targeting follicle-shrinking DHT on contact, and that is ketoconazole…which is a common dandruff-targeting ingredient (found in shampoos like Nizoral). Still, I stand by the claim that you should not rely on shampoo for hair retention… not to mention, dandruff shampoos are extremely drying on hair—though Nizoral also has a 2-in-1 that might be a little more forgiving on strands.
Either way, Rogaine isn’t falsely suggesting that their shampoo will help you keep your hair. Which leads me to my next question:
- Does it leave your hair looking and feeling more plump after use? Yes. That’s what this one does. Thicker-looking strands after each wash—better volume, and texture. Can confirm that it works well in this way.
- Is it suitable as a 2-in-1 for anyone with medium or long hair? In my opinion, no. If you have an inch or more of hair, or if you plan on growing your hair out… then you should use this product purely as a shampoo and chase it with an actual conditioner that matches your hair type.
- And of course, there is an attractive price point: Just under $15.
In all, it’s a great baseline shampoo for most guys, maybe a little on the drying side—I really will never credit a 2-in-1 for its conditioning powers unless it is labeled as a co-wash, which is a conditioner-forward 2-in-1. (Try Geologie’s cowash! It got one of our best-in-class Blue Ribbon awards.)
Rogaine’s Not Alone
Another notable hair fortification brand that launched a 2-in-1 thickening shampoo this year is Nutrafol. Theirs focuses on a balanced scalp microbiome. I find it a pinch more conditioning than Rogaine’s offering, but I don’t want to suggest that my experience and my specific hair type will be the universal truth.
(Check it Out: Amazon / Nutrafol)
As for Rogaine: Their sudden push into these high-profile influencers, paired with the launch of this new product, suggests that the brand is going to be more than just a nostalgic name—I suspect we’ll be hearing a lot from them in the near future.
