Latest news with #AlpecinGreyAttackCaffeineandColourShampoo
Straits Times
a day ago
- Health
- Straits Times
How his German shampoo switch darkened his grey hair without traditional dyes
Identical twins spot visible differences after one starts using Alpecin Grey Attack Caffeine and Colour Shampoo, a shampoo that gradually reintroduces pigment into the hair without harsh chemicals As identical twins, Ole (right) and Lars once looked indistinguishable – until a small change in hair appearance shifted perceptions. Identical twins Ole and Lars, who wish only to be identified by their first name, have always been nearly impossible to tell apart. But recently, the 48-year-olds' new acquaintances and colleagues guessed that Ole was about five years younger – all because of one difference: the appearance of less grey hair. Visible grey hair can make individuals appear older than they are. A study published in the Frontiers in Psychology journal found that greying hair is associated with perceptions of age. The difference between the twins was not the result of a salon treatment or traditional hair dye. Ole had started using Alpecin Grey Attack Caffeine and Colour Shampoo , a German-developed formula designed to gradually reintroduce pigment to hair strands over time. Used daily in the shower like any regular shampoo, Ole says he began noticing visible changes after three weeks*. He notes: 'My grey strands appeared to slowly darken again, and my hair colour seemed richer. My friend thought I was five years younger than my twin.' Lars adds: 'The natural effect is convincing – it does not look artificial at all.' Getting to the root of the problem Initially, Lars had not given much thought to his own greying hair. But after seeing how the shampoo seemed to give his brother a more youthful appearance, he says he is now open to trying it too. According to an article on Harvard Health Publishing , hair follicles produce less colour as one ages, affecting the colour of new strands that grow in as they go through the natural cycle of dying and regenerating. Other factors that can accelerate this include stress, genetics and certain illnesses. 'The key ingredient in Alpecin Grey Attack Caffeine and Colour Shampoo – 5,6-dihydroxyindole – is a molecule that reacts with oxygen in the air to produce a pigment, the same one that gives hair its natural brown or black colour,' says Dr Erik Schulze zur Wiesche, head of research and development at Alpecin. 'Over time and with regular use of the shampoo, more and more dye accumulates in the strands of hair and a permanent hair colour develops.' Ole shares: 'At the start I used the shampoo every day but now I've reached a colour intensity I like, I only use it once every second or third day.' Dr Schulze zur Wiesche adds that unlike traditional hair dye, Alpecin Grey Attack Caffeine and Colour shampoo is free of harsh chemicals such as ammonia and hydrogen peroxide. With daily use, Alpecin Grey Attack Caffeine and Colour Shampoo helps reduce the appearance of grey strands – without harsh chemicals PHOTO: ALPECIN Tips for best use To incorporate the product into your routine, wash your hair with Alpecin Grey Attack Caffeine and Colour shampoo and leave it on for two to five minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Both men and women can use the product. According to Alpecin, patience is key, especially for individuals with thicker hair, who may require a longer period before seeing visible results. The colour effect will be more visible with longer hair. To preserve the effectiveness of the formula, users are advised to keep the bottle cap tightly closed when not in use and to finish an opened bottle within three months. This prevents the active ingredient from reacting prematurely with air before application. Alpecin also reports that the product sold over 800,000 bottles in Germany within its first 10 months on the market, following its 2023 launch. The Alpecin Grey Attack Caffeine and Colour Shampoo is available at FairPrice, Unity, Shopee and Lazada . *With daily use, based on Dr Wolff laboratory study on human hair tresses and visual evaluation. Actual results may vary with each individual.
CNA
29-04-2025
- Health
- CNA
Back in the black, one hair wash at a time
You've probably heard the saying: Pluck one grey hair and 10 more will grow in its place. It's an old myth, of course, but that doesn't make spotting your first grey any less significant. While greying is often seen as a sign of ageing, it can also be influenced by genetics, stress, nutritional deficiencies and underlying health conditions like thyroid disorders. Whenever it begins, greying often feels like a shift – and it's natural to want to explore ways to maintain a look that feels true to you. German hair care brand Alpecin, known for its caffeine-based formulations, has introduced a fuss-free way for men to manage greying hair. Infused with a male-oriented fragrance, Alpecin Grey Attack Caffeine and Colour Shampoo uses a re-pigmentation formula to restore dark tones, delivering a refreshed, natural finish. According to studies* conducted by the brand, it can visibly reduce grey hair in two to four weeks. While hair dyes remain a popular option for covering greys, they typically demand more time, preparation or salon visits. Alpecin Grey Attack Caffeine and Colour Shampoo, on the other hand, offers a low-effort solution that fits seamlessly into your daily shower routine. Dr Erik Schulze zur Wiesche, head of research and development at Alpecin, shared that the shampoo's active ingredient – 5,6-dihydoxyindole (DHI) – mimics the body's natural hair pigmentation process. '5,6-DHI is a precursor of our natural hair pigment, eumelanin,' Dr Schulze zur Wiesche explained. 'When the shampoo is applied, this precursor penetrates the hair shaft and when exposed to oxygen, forms large dye chains similar to black eumelanin. Simply put, it reacts with oxygen to produce the colour pigment.' With regular use, these dye chains accumulate over time, allowing the shampoo to gradually build long-lasting hair colour. For best results, use Alpecin Grey Attack Caffeine and Colour Shampoo daily until your preferred colour is achieved. With each wash, leave the shampoo in your hair for two to five minutes before rinsing it out. Repeat for two to four weeks. Individuals with thicker hair may require a longer period of consistent use. Be sure to keep the lid tightly closed to maintain the shampoo's effectiveness and use it within three months of opening. To promote stronger, more resilient hair, Alpecin Grey Attack Caffeine and Colour Shampoo contains the brand's signature caffeine complex – a blend of caffeine, zinc and niacin that research has shown to help fortify strands. Caffeine may help reduce hair loss by stimulating follicle activity, while zinc and niacin are associated with hair repair and resilience. Together, these ingredients provide a targeted boost for fuller-looking hair. In addition to its strengthening benefits, Alpecin Grey Attack Caffeine and Colour Shampoo gives users the freedom to personalise their hair colour with ease. Dr Schulze zur Wiesche noted that results can be adjusted by varying the shampoo's exposure time and frequency of use. 'Hair becomes darker without harsh chemicals like ammonia or hydrogen peroxide, and skips the complexity of traditional permanent dyes,' he said. With consistent use, consumers can have healthier hair with natural-looking colour – all on their own terms.
