Nioxin System 1 vs 2 - Tips from a Hairstylist

Nioxin System 1 vs 2 – how to choose between the number system, how to use them, why use them, when to use them, and what’s the difference between the two.

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Here we’ll discuss the difference between the two, and some other tips from a pro that has used the product in the salon first-hand and been using it to treat clients for over 10 years!

What is Nioxin System 1 vs 2?

The Nioxin product line was originally designed for chemo patients, it’s a medicated product, which is why it can not be found in grocery stores with generic products.

The Nioxin Number Systems are so that you can measure the intensity of your hair loss and treat it accordingly. You don’t want to treat lightly thinning hair too aggressively, or progressively thinning hair too gently.

Does Nioxin Regrow Hair?

It does not regrow hair but encourages a healthy environment for the hair to grow back.

Sometimes it unclogs pores and follicles that have been clogged, that had been preventing hair from continuing to grow. If a clogged follicle is cleaned out and is still alive, some hair will regrow!

The Difference Between the Nioxin Systems

Nioxin’s System 1 is formulated to refresh and revive fine and normal hair that has become thin-looking. If you’re trying to increase the fullness of your hair, this product may be the one for you.

The Nioxin System 1 comprises a blend of several high-quality ingredients. These include cleansers, scalp revitalisers, dermabrassers, circulatory activators and menthol, which help to stimulate and nourish the scalp.

This combination stimulates the scalp to retain moisture and increases the fullness of the hair. Additionally, Nioxin System 1 helps to strengthen hair strands, reduce breakage and reduce the appearance of thinning hair.

Nioxin’s other systems—System 2, 3 and 4—also contain high-quality ingredients that are tailored to address individual hair and scalp concerns.

For example, System 2 is designed to nourish and revitalise chemically treated hair that has been damaged and thinned.

System 3 is formulated to cosmetically enhance coloured hair that needs additional strength, while System 4 is designed for fine, chemically treated hair that is prone to breakage and shedding.

Each Nioxin system comprises a unique set of ingredients, designed to meet specific hair and scalp needs. However, each system does contain similar ingredients, such as dermabrassers, scalp revitalisers and circulatory activators, to nourish and stimulate the scalp for stronger, fuller hair.

Also, each system contains menthol to help stimulate circulation, resulting in a healthier scalp and more vibrant looking hair.

In professional shops, Nioxin is the most professional and reliable product out there for hair loss.

What is the Difference Between Nioxin System 1 vs 2

To simplify things, Nioxin System 1 is for lightly thinning hair.

Nioxin System 2 is for progressively thinning hair.

The difference between Nioxin System 1 vs 2 on your hair is important when determining which system is best for you and categorize how intense the thinning is progressing.

These are the two most important of the systems to understand because if you can determine the difference between lightly thinning and progressively thinning you will understand the other systems better.

Lightly Thinning Hair vs Progressed Thinning – Nioxin System 1

“Lightly” thinning hair is the natural, slowly progressing hair loss that might be genetic.

Essentially Nioxin System 1 is a prevention measure when you begin noticing your hair becoming a little thinner as time goes on.

Nioxin System 1 is designed for lightly thinning ‘virgin’ hair, meaning there has been no color, highlights, perms, bleaching, or other chemical treatments on the hair.

Progressed Thinning Hair vs Lightly Thinning – Nioxin System 2

“Progressively” (or aggressively as I like to think of it) thinning hair is when you are losing clumps at a time so fast that you can see the scalp when in just a few weeks before you could not. Nioxin System 2 is for this type of hair loss.

Nioxin System 2 is designed for progressively thinning ‘virgin’ hair, meaning there has been no color, highlights, bleaching, perms, or other chemical treatments on the hair.

This type of hair loss is common when aggressive medications cause hair loss, chemo therapy or other heart or thyroid medications can cause progressively thinning hair loss.

How to Choose Which Nioxin System is for You

Nioxin has a system by number based on a person’s level of hair loss.

Nioxin 1– Is for lightly thinning hair

Nioxin 1 Treatment Kit for $31.33

Nioxin 2– Is for progressively thinning hair

Nioxin 2 Treatment Kit for $33.25

Nioxin 3– Is for chemically treated, lightly thinning hair

It’s the same as Nioxin 1, except for colored, highlighted, or permed hair.

Nioxin 3 Treatment Kit for $33.25

Nioxin 4– Is for chemically treated, progressively thinning hair

The same as Nioxin 2 but for colored, permed, or highlighted hair.

Nioxin 4 Treatment Kit for $33.25

Nioxin 5– Is for coarse, lightly thinning hair

The equivalent to Nioxin 1 but for coarse hair.

Essentially the equivalent to Nioxin 2 but for coarse progressively thinning hair.

To test to see if you have coarse hair, take an individual hair strand between your fingers and twist the strand, does it feel thick or fine like silk? If it doesn’t feel like silk but is thick feeling as an individual strand, your hair is coarse and Nioxin system 5 might be for you.

Nioxin 5 Treatment Kit for $33.25

Nioxin 6– Is for coarse progressive thinning hair

Essentially the equivalent to Nioxin 2 but for coarse progressively thinning hair.

Coarse hair does not mean there is a lot of hair, coarse hair means that an individual hair strand between your finger does not feel fine but thicker in diameter.

Nioxin 6 Treatment Kit for $33.25

How to Use Nioxin Treatment Systems

Start with the cleanser shampoo, work it into your hair and scalp and allow it to sit for at least one minute. Rinse thoroughly.
Next is the conditioner, also work it through the hair. Leave it in for 5 minutes and rinse well.
The treatment is a little different. Think of it as a leave-in conditioner treatment. Which means you don’t wash it out. With towel-dried hair, massage the product (after shaking the bottle, of course) through your hair gently and into the scalp. Remember that a little bit goes a long ways so use it sparingly!

One thing to keep in mind is Nioxin System Kits stop working when you stop applying them. So as long as you use it, it should work.

Use the system best for your hair type for at least 30 days before expecting to see results. However, best results are typically after 3-6 months.

Conclusion and FAQs for Nioxin System 1 vs 2

As a professional barber and cosmetologist, I highly recommend Nioxin for your preventative needs as well as your concerns for thinning in general.

However it’s important that you understand how to assess the level of loss and which number system is best for your hair needs.

Lightly Thinning vs Progressive Thinning Hair

The difference between lightly thinning and progressive thinning hair is the amount of hair coming out at once.

Lightly thinning means that you can see a slight difference but nobody else can tell. You don’t want to ‘fix’ your hair but keep what you have and not lose any more.

Progressive thinning means that you are losing handfuls of hair at a time to the point that you have bald spots or can see through your hair to the scalp within a few weeks.

Nioxin Conditioner for Color Treated Hair

Nioxin conditioner for color treated hair would be Nioxin 3 or 4 depending on whether your hair is lightly thinning, for which you would use Nioxin System 3.

Or progressively thinning – in which case you would use Nioxin System 4.

Does Nioxin 2 Regrow Hair?

Nioxin does not regrow hair from the number systems. The regrowth product Nioxin does offer is Minoxidil, which can be comparable to a professional level of Rogaine, which is more over the counter.

It is VERY important when considering to use Nioxin Minoxidil to only use the correct product for men OR for women.

Using the incorrect Minoxidil can cause you to grow hair in areas where you don’t want it to regrow or grow at all. So be sure that you get either the Nioxin Minoxidil for Men, or the Nioxin Minoxidil for Women.

What is Nioxin 2 System Used For?

The Nioxin 2 System is used for progressive thinning hair – so a lot of loss at one time – and has not been treated with chemicals such as color, highlighting, bleach, perm, relaxers, or brazillian blowout.

Nioxin System 1 Ingredients

The Nioxin System 1 comprises a blend of several high-quality ingredients.

These include cleansers, scalp revitalisers, dermabrassers, circulatory activators and menthol, which help to stimulate and nourish the scalp. This combination stimulates the scalp to retain moisture and increases the fullness of the hair.

Additionally, Nioxin System 1 helps to strengthen hair strands, reduce breakage and reduce the appearance of thinning hair.

The Difference Between Nioxin Systems 5 and 6

The difference between Nioxin Systems 5 and 6 are –

Nioxin System 5 is for lightly thinning coarse hair.

Nioxin System 6 is for progressive thinning coarse hair.