What causes hair to go grey?

Simply put; grey hair lacks the pigment it once had. Our hair gets its colour through the pigment called melanin, and so hair turns grey when the cells in your hair follicle stop producing melanin. This typically happens due to ageing, but can also be triggered by (oxidative) stress, genetics, or certain medical conditions. As your melanin levels drop, hairs grow in grey or white.

One key factor is the buildup of hydrogen peroxide in the follicle, which damages pigment-producing cells. Once these cells are depleted or inactive, colour cannot return naturally—which is why greying is usually permanent.

What should an anti-grey treatment be doing?

So there are a few factors at play when it comes to attacking your grey hairs. A good anti-grey treatment should therefore focus on fixing the main reasons why hair loses its colour. It needs to protect the cells that make pigment (melanin) in the hair and reduce damage from stress in the body, like the buildup of hydrogen peroxide. The treatment should also help the body make more melanin and support the systems that keep pigment cells healthy. A strong treatment might also help with inflammation or hormone changes that can cause early greying.

So what product does that effectively? Let's compare Alpecin grey attack with Neofollics Anti Grey Hair shampoo.

Alpecin grey attack versus Neofollics Anti-Grey hair shampoo

So, how does Alpecin grey attack work? Alpecins main mode of ‘attack’ comes from their patented formula called DHI-5,6. This is a compound that’s absorbed into the hair during washing. It is colourless or light coloured when applied, but oxidises once it comes into contact with oxygen from the air. This turns 5,6-DHI into dark-coloured pigments very similar to eumelanin, the natural pigment that creates dark hair. (the pigment that creates other hair colours has a different name: pheomelanin for red and blonde hair). The result is a gradual build-up of colour: the more often the product is used, the darker the hair becomes. This method is not a classic hair colouring as it does not involve ammonia or hydrogen peroxide. As a result, the hair structure remains intact, and no chemical damage takes place as with permanent colouring.

Neofollics anti-grey shampoo

Neofollics Anti Grey Hair Shampoo works in several ways to care for the hair and scalp. The dyes in the shampoo gradually blend grey hairs with the natural hair colour, giving the hair a richer and darker look. With regular use, this enhances hair colour, giving the hair a more youthful and vital appearance. In addition, the shampoo protects hair from damage and skin ageing thanks to antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and free radicals.

These ingredients also help improve moisture levels in the hair, making it look healthier. The shampoo gently and effectively cleanses without stripping the hair's natural oils and conditions the scalp by balancing it. Ingredients such as Piroctone Olamine and Climbazole reduce dandruff and irritation, contributing to a healthy scalp. Moreover, the caffeine in the shampoo stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, which strengthens hair follicles, promotes hair growth and helps combat hair thinning.

Neofollics champú anticanas

Fades grey gradually: blends subtly with your own hair colour Quick result: visible difference after 7-10 washes Nurturing and stimulating antioxidants and growth factors

Orden

Anti-grey shampoos compared

Conclusion

Alpecin promises to gradually darken grey hair using repigmentation technology with the active ingredient 5,6-DHI. While that may sound appealing, we do not recommend this product for several reasons. It contains ingredients like Sodium Laureth Sulfate and colourants (e.g. HC Blue No. 2 and CI 19140), which may cause irritation or unwanted colour effects. The product also requires daily use for weeks before results might show—an impractical routine for many. Given its questionable effectiveness, harsh ingredients, and intensive usage, we’re not convinced.

Neofollics Anti-Grey Hair Shampoo is a newer product still proving itself, but early results are promising. It follows a similar concept—cleansing while restoring colour—but uses milder ingredients and colourants that naturally blend grey hairs without irritating the scalp or relying on cheap cosmetic fillers.