HairNowNow Review

waffijoe

So, I got a bottle of this hairnownow serum a few weeks ago. They claim it would restore or completely reverse hair loss and even boost hair growth in places where hair growth seems slugish.

Before I begin, let me make it clear that the purpose of this post is not to debunk or confirm their claims, but to let you know all the facts there is about this "serum" before you jump into buying it.

When people promote their products, they only tell you the rosy side of things, to pull in as many customers as possible and make the most profit they possibly can. You only learn about ugly experiences from people who have used them before.

It's just like the drug Finasteride, used for growing back lost hair and reversing male pattern baldness. It works, but there is a 80% chance that it would make you impotent. You only learn this from reviews posted by first hand users.

Now, one problem many Africans have is that they do not know the difference between a brand name and an active ingredient. The drug in Panadol is called acetaminophen, panadol is just a name for the pack. If you overdose on panadol and it knocks you out, your autopsy report would say "acetaminophen" not panadol.

Now, let's look at all the ingredients in this thing, taken from the label on the bottle. The bottle mentions three ingredients: Polygonum Multiflorum, Angelica Polymorpha Sinensis, and Hippophae Rhamnoides.

Oh, and just in case you were wondering, there is no NAFDAC number anywhere on the bottle. Just putting it out there.

1. Polygonum Multiflorum:

This ingredient is supposedly an extract from a chinese plant of the same name. It is popularly called He Shou Wu in China, and FoTi in other parts of the world. Other names of this plant include: Fallopia multiflora, Reynoutria multiflora, Tuber fleeceflower, and Chinese knotweed.

This plant is used as a traditional medicine in China for treating various diseases. Studies and research have suggested that extracts from the FoTi plant can be used in the treatment of liver injury, cancer, diabetes, and alopecia (hair loss). It is also reported to have anti-aging and anti-inflamatory properties. Honestly, reading through the various reports about this plant online will leave you shinning teeth like a NEPA official who came to disconnect light but was electrocuted in the process. Just make sure to read between the lines and understand the dangers of using Polygonum multiflorum.

No product containing this plant will tell you that it is hepatotoxic (dangerous to the liver), and can cause toxicity induced hepatitis if used ambitiously. It can also cause jaundice, which is a symptom of hepatitis. Yes, people claim it is used for liver injury. People also say red wine improves heart heath and blood circulation, but it slowly damages your liver. Even people who use FoTi in normal quantities (orally or topically) have reported either jaundice or hepatitis. Read this document to learn more http://www.itmonline.org/arts/hsw_alert.htm

2. Angelica Polymorpha Sinensis

Another chinese wonder plant. Also known as dong quai, or female ginseng, the root of this plant is used in chinese medicine to treat inflammation, headache, anemia, high blood pressure, muscle cramps and for women's reproductory health.

Studies have not found clinical proof that this herb has any healing effect on humans, but got positive results from rat models.

Side effects of taking this herb include weak uterus (future miscarriage) and skin cancer. I took the following directly from Wikipedia.

"There is evidence that A. sinensis may affect the muscles of the uterus. Women who are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant should not use A. sinensis, because it may induce a miscarriage. Taking A. sinensis can cause skin to become extra sensitive to the sun, leading to a greater risk for skin cancer. Large and prolonged doses of the plant is not advised as it contains compounds that are considered carcinogenic."

3. Hippophae Rhamnoides

The fruits of this plant, also called common sea buckthorn, is used in the food and cosmetic industry. There doesn't seem to be any information on its effect on hair, except that it contains a lot of vitamin c and can be used to treat cough, fever and diarrhoea if ingested.

So How Effective is Hairnownow? Does it Work or Not?

Your mileage may vary. If it contains the ingredients they claim it contains, then it might improve your hair. Your choice. Problem is, I have not seen any proof that this product will regrow lost hair.

So What About The Numerous Videos On Their Instagram Page?

It's easy for anyone to shave a portion of their hair to make it look like they lost hair on those areas. Notice how they never tag the people in these videos? That's the first red flag. Because they know we would check their old photos to see that they already had the hair to begin with. I have checked profiles of people from comments, no hair progress.

The second red flag is that the videos show the user pointing the bottle to the camera, and then rubbing the lotion on their head. No one does that under normal circumstances. People usually just take a before photo or video, then periodically take photos or videos in between to monitor progress, but you won't actually video yourself rubbing the thing on your head or pointing the bottle to the camera for who to see?

Hair loss is a global problem. If hairnownow was a miracle worker, it would spread like wild fire via word of mouth and recommendations. But it doesn't seem like all the money they spend on influencers and adverts is yielding that much.

What Does It Smell Like?

The smell isn't a problem. It smells like a cross between tobacco and Lipton.

What Does The Bottle Look and Feel Like?

It's a small clear plastic container with paper (the label) glued around it, and then wrapped with transparent nylon.
Just logo and ingredients.
No NAFDAC number
No company name or phone number
No company address
No manufacturing date
No expiry date
No manual or usage directions
No warnings of side effects or adverse reactions, even though the ingredients are potentially dangerous.
Nothing.

The moment you realise that this s**t don't work, someone already has your money.