Nanogen Hair Fibres, 15 g, Light Brown

First of all, let it be clear that I am expressing my own views here, and recounting my own experience, only wishing that it might be helpful to other men who have, like me, struggled to find a suitable product that could make their predicament a bit lighter to bear. Since I have come across a large number of reviews by people who offered them ‘against a discounted or free sample’ of the product they reviewed, let me also hasten to say I was never given anything free or cheap to try (and I wouldn’t review those products if I did). What I did try I bought of my own accord, somewhat reluctantly, with a mixture of moderate expectation and scepticism.I have been suffering from slow but inexorable hair loss (presumably of the male-pattern kind, in spite of no clear family history). This has been aggravated over the last few years by scalp psoriasis, which rather suddenly appeared and has been getting worse and worse. Too much daily shampooing and other topical treatments have dramatically accelerated the hair loss, causing me to lose half of what I used to have on top. Having reached a point where it’s become far too visible to pretend otherwise, I have resorted to trying to hide the disaster as much as I can, for as long as it is sensible (even as I try to get used to the idea that I will eventually have to shave it all). That’s how I came across Nanogen and other concealers. I went for Nanogen as one of the apparently more reputable companies, and to find out whether what they claim is anywhere as impressive as they make it sound (and look!). I found using Nanogen fibres rather easy, a bit messy for sure but rather effective in covering the most obviously thinning parts and exposed scalp. It’s hard to judge what others see (or don’t) and I might partially have deluded myself, but it has certainly made me feel more confident.What is of most interest in this review are the negative sides. There are a few...Firstly, this (temporary) solution works out quite expensive: in my case a standard 15g bottle lasts 3 weeks, and I don’t feel I use excessive amounts (I still have more than enough hair for the fibres to bind to, if that is what they do). Putting hairspray on is a must, otherwise the slightest breeze will cause the ‘dust’ to be blown away. As part of the initial ‘package’ I bought Nanogen’s special ‘weatherproof’ spray but, like many others, I quickly stopped using it because of its strong and rather unpleasant smell. Besides, that spray does not appear to keep the fibres in place better than normal hairspray. Even so, I have noticed that when I walk outdoors, with hairspray on, some fibres get into my eyes (I can tell because of the discomfort it caused on a number of occasions whilst wearing contact lenses). This means that the fibres don’t stick that well to the hair (even with the Nanogen spray). At least I haven’t noticed that my scalp looked less covered by the end of the day than it did after I dusted it in the morning; so the amount that gets lost in the air does not appear to be massive. I guess, however, that it is quite significant.By far the greatest negative point in using those fibres, and one that many men will feel VERY concerned with, is what some call the ‘pillow effect’: if you keep those fibres on and sleep with them, you are certain to get a pillow full of black powder in the morning, or anytime during the night (if you happen to be ‘busy’ before dawn....). No need to say this IS very embarrassing in some situations, and precisely in those that prompted many men to use fibres in the first place (not just for looking good in front of their boss and neighbours)...This has been a cause for major disappointment with Nanogen (and no: I can’t expect to get dark pillows everywhere I sleep or rest my head). Besides the other-person and embarrassment issue, the sheer amount of residue left on pillows and bedclothes makes me wonder how well that stuff sticks to your hair in the daytime, and how much gets into your lungs and eyes during the night if you ‘have to’ keep it on then (that the product is ‘natural’ is neither here nor there: any dusty stuff – flour is natural too... – should never get into those inner parts of yours).I had been using Nanogen since April 2015. Because of the high cost and dissatisfaction, I kept looking around, with very low expectations. Because others report the same issue with other brands like Toppik or Caboki I did not try any of those (I only had a go at Volumon because it is cheap. This stuff is terrible: powder that merely dusts your scalp and actually stains (!) your pillows!). In December 2016, by pure chance whilst looking through Amazon listings I came across another product, called Strand Maximizer (SM). This one is not advertised specifically for men. Reviews were scant and not very informative, but positive overall. No one mentioned the pillow issue, but then I expected ALL such products to suffer from the same drawback anyway. I bought one bottle only because it was relatively cheaper than Nanogen (without being ‘too’ cheap like Volumon), and mostly out of curiosity. After all, it was not likely to be significantly worse than what I expected or already knew.From the first application, I found the fibres were and felt thicker than Nanogen’s, and the coverage was obtained faster and more effectively with a smaller amount. Given that you get 28g for the same price as 15g of Nanogen, this made it look like good value for money. SM was just as dusty as Nanogen upon application but it holds very well with hairspray, with no visible loss of product during the day. So far I have never felt any of it getting into my eyes as I walk. Pleasantly surprised, I decided to go for the pillow test. I had no doubt it would get blackened and only hoped that it would be less massive and conspicuous as with other products (a poor consolation if it happened, but that would be something). In the morning, as I turned my head to inspect the pillow, I just could not believe my eyes: there was NO residue on it (the pillows were the very same ones that got covered with Nanogen each time I left it on, and which Volumon stained). I checked the bedclothes too, but there was not a trace either. A total surprise! This was so unexpected and important I decided to repeat the test every evening for 2 weeks. And I must say that on NO occasion was there ANY visible trace of fibres on the pillow or elsewhere in the bed! Finally, I have noticed that I can sleep with it on and just comb my hair in the morning. I don’t always have to go through the whole routine of washing hair, drying and applying fibres. A little touching-up only is required for my hair to look like the day before. This is something that would never be possible with Nanogen or, presumably, any of the similar products people usually compare it with.This product is truly amazing; and for a sceptic like me, a rare and true winner. Before finding SM I was actually considering giving up on concealers and accepting my fate. But I will use Strand Maximizer from now on, and with great relief (and so much more confidence)! The only negative is that the bottle has no ‘window’ that lets you know when it is nearly empty. This is still the first one I am using and I have no clear idea of how long it will last. I will keep my half-filled bottle of Nanogen as a backup in case I suddenly run out of SM...

Does what it says. Very good

I've been using this product for quite some time, and I've found it to be highly effective. It's simple to use (the fibres are sprinkled onto your head, in much the same way as you talcum powder), and - once you've got the hang of it - takes less than 5 minutes to apply. Once on, the fibres will stay in place for the rest of the day. I do suggest that, should it be a breezy day, you also use a little hair spray - to help hold the fibres in place.This really does create the appearance of having thicker hair. In fact, this can completely conceal very thinning hair. It won't work if you're completely bald, as it requires you having some hair for the fibres to cling to. These fibres don't 'sit' on your scalp - rather, they rest on your existing hair and make it look like you've got a much thicker head of hair.I have "ginger" hair - and I use the auburn fibres. They're a perfect colour match. If you're not happy about having thinning hair, and you prefer the appearance of having a thicker head-full of hair, then I recommend you try this product.The larger 30g item is adequate for a month - although if your hair is very thin, you'll likely need to use twice as much to create the appearance you're after. The negatives are: (1) these fibres are not water proof, so it rains then you'll need to quickly put a hat on; (2) the fibres almost completely fall off while you're in bed - so they'll need to be applied every day, first thing. And you'll need to clean your pillow case more regularly; (3) in one respect, these fibres are TOO good. Once applied, you'll forget about your thinning hair. The results are great. But when you step out of the shower, you'll find yourself reminded of how thin your hair is! As such, you can easily come to rely on these - and that's not a good thing.Overall, an impressive product.Note: to successfully apply these fibres, you'll need two mirrors - one to look into, and another to see the back of your head.

This was recommended by my hairdresser. Thought I’d give it a go as it was cheap. It’s absolutely brilliant. Just colours the scalp and doesn’t show the thinning. Trust me, give it a go. You’ll be amazed I promise

Quality of fibres are great

I used this after my hair transplant when the hair was growing in to thicken it up and is amazing, don’t use now as my hair is thick now

I really can't comment on its use for bald spots, because I'm a female with long hair and wanted to try this for my thinning locks... it does work well is the main point. It seems to coat my hair and it really does make it seem fuller. The colour match was very good to my natural colour. I've had a bit of trial and error and have found that using a bit of hair spray on my scalp before applying the fibres works best for me.It is messy though, so be careful where you apply it! And your bed will be covered if you don't wash it out. It is very expensive if you were to use it everyday... I've been using it occasionally as I work from home, so don't need it very often. But if you were going to use it daily it would cost you quite a lot over the years.

I have bought Nanogen hair fibres for a few years, they’ve changed my life, I have under active thyroid which wasn’t diagnosed for 3 years although all the tests, hence my hair thinned on the top, which I lost my confidence. Someone told me about spray to put on so I researched it and came across Nanogen and have never looked back, I also use the locking spray. The fibres do come off a little on the pillow but just reapply.Anyone that has thinning hair or bald spots this is just the thing. They have quite a few colours to match your own. My daughter puts mine on, but able to do it myself.I highly recommend this product !!