“A few years ago, my husband was stressing about his hair. He was using a product that smelled so bad and stained our pillows. So, at night, I did not want to be near him,” shares Dr. Janina Gutierrez-Tan.

A registered chemist, she challenged herself to come up with a better hair growth solution for her husband. Finally, after several tries, they succeeded in coming up with the right formula. Because of its efficacy, they were more than happy to share with their friends and dermatologists. “When we saw how effective the results were, we decided that it was time to share it to a bigger audience,” added Janina, who is now the founder and president of Hairreve.

When does hair loss occur?

“Hair grows in a cycle of growing, resting, and falling phases. Normally, the ratio between hair in the growing phase to hair in the falling phase is about 12 to 1 to 14 to 1. Hair loss happens when this ratio lowers. Hair thinning or hair loss occurs when the number of hair in falling phase increases and the ratio of growing to falling phase decreases,” explains the USTI and ACMA certified hair loss practitioner, who is also a university lecturer. 

There are many reasons for hair thinning or hair loss to occur. Dr. Janina shared a list which includes different types of alopecias such as androgenic alopecia or a genetic predisposition to hair loss due to sensitivity to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), alopecia areata which is an autoimmune disease, and traction alopecia or hair loss due to excessive force/pulling on the hair (one cause is due to tight hair styles). 

Other causes include postpartum due to sudden changes in hormones, during and after chemotherapy caused by the non-selectiveness of chemotherapy drugs in attacking cells, and thyroid problems that can cause changes in the hair growth cycle. 

More common reasons are aging and stress. “When a person is stressed, muscles often constrict, circulation on the scalp is poor, and follicles do not receive enough nutrition, hence the hair loss,” explains Dr. Janina.

How it works

Hairreve nourishes the hair follicles with its active ingredients that are natural and plant-based–but with science-based studies. To apply, part hair to expose scalp, spray serum onto scalp. Repeat on different parts of the scalp. Massage and leave on.

It is non-oily, non sticky, and nonstaining, which makes this an easy morning and evening application. Not only does it help reduce hair loss, it also alleviates scalp irritation and lessen dandruff as well. “In fact, it even adds volume to hair and can be used as a scalp refreshener, because it smells good,” Dr. Janina continues.“When the scalp is healthy, the hair that grows also becomes healthier and shinier.”

Priced at P1,399 for 100ml, Dr. Janina recommends using the product once or twice daily, “Significant effects are seen in six to eight weeks of daily use. As with all hair thickeners, it is advised to use the product for at least three to six months.”  

“Because it is made with natural active ingredients, it may be used by any age. However, for children below 18 years old, we recommend consulting with a pediatrician first. This is to also identify first the reason behind hair fall, hair loss or hair thinning,” reminds the doctor.