I’ve recently read on a couple of websites that the silicone compound Dimethicone, an ingredient in most shampoos and conditioners, could impede the absorption of topical minoxidil products (eg. Rogaine). The theory is that this ‘slilcone oil’ leaves a thin film on the scalp (even after rinsing) that prevents the topical solution from penetrating. Could this be the reason that many men see little or no result from Rogaine, while a minority of patients see significant regrowth of hair? Should all Rogaine users ensure that their shampoos and conditioners are dimethicone-free?
It is, of course, just a theory that dimethicone impacts Rogaine (minoxidil)’s absorption…. but if you’re concerned about it you can buy dimethicone free shampoo. I do not believe that any single process or product will be responsible for drug absorption or modifying the results of specific drugs. Men have seen variable results from this medication since it was first released as a topical for hair growth. I don’t have an exact explanation why, though.
I’ve actually posted something about this before — Is Dimethicone in Shampoo Preventing Minoxidil Scalp Penetration? — and the commenters at the bottom have some added information that you might be interested in.
Those all sound delicious, but they won’t slow down your hair loss.
I’ve never told anyone to flat out “do not use that product” unless I knew it to be harmful to them. Most of these products are a waste of time and money, and when I’m asked about my opinions I’m going to provide them. There is no regulation on many of the products I’m asked about, and countless companies will take advantage of the balding public’s desire for hair growth. In fact, I’ve often told people that write in with positive experiences with a non-FDA approved hair treatment that I’m glad they’re getting good results and to continue using it as they see fit. However, as a medical doctor I’m not going to recommend possible garbage to thousands of people that visit my site daily. I will, however, recommend proven treatments that have been tested and shown to be safe.
It would not surprise me to find finasteride type of molecular formulations in things that grow. The original finasteride was identified in the Amazon rainforest as the natives ate tubers that had DHT-blocking abilities. In the naked native people it was clearly seen that the children did not develop their external genitalia (their penis) until they were close to puberty, there was something wrong. The drug finasteride (a DHT blocker) was eventually formulated from the analysis of this tuber. The sexual side effects were also identified in some of the children who were hermaphrodites, probably caused in the first trimester of the mother’s gestation. So I would want to know more about the Reishi mushroom (pictured at right) before you use it, and I would take Propecia (finasteride) rather then take a gamble on anything unknown. Propecia is taken by millions of men, so we know the side effects, rare as they are.
You want my comments about their website? Sure. The generic sounding “ProFollica” name reminds me of so many other hair products, which they probably chose to capitalize on the other treatments that advertise more. Their website has a nice blue color behind the content, but the main background looks like the floor of a fraternity bathroom after a night of binge-drinking and eating Skittles. It looks like a rainbow exploded. I’m also not a fan of the prominent use of stock photos of smiling, well-coiffed men (or the other photos of pensive men with great hair, perhaps considering a purchase of this garbage). The site tries to debunk some myths in its filler content, but it gets some of them wrong. One of the myths it correctly debunks was one I hadn’t heard before in all my years of working with hair loss patients — the one about hair loss not being caused by “thinking too much”. They’re right, using your brain can’t harm your hair. Thanks for clarifying that, ProFollica team!
Studies are great, but often difficult to dissect from a scientific perspective. Reading about the final results is one thing, but one must always have critical thinking. What I mean by this is that you must think of the motivation behind a study, and if the researchers will benefit from it (for example, by selling more product). Also, the methods used and the sample size are very important. The list goes on and on. Because of this, most studies are fairly weak. 
I’ve posted a couple cases about this. Those with very fine hair will have a harder time obtaining coverage, and the use of concealers with the transplants can work quite well. So yes, I absolutely think it’s a good idea if you want to use these camouflaging agents.