What is Aminexil? Aminexil Uses and Benefits for Stronger, Healthier-Looking Hair

Increased hair fall and shedding is arguably the most universal hair concern – but it can still feel like an isolating experience. If hair fall is uncharted territory for you, we’d like to introduce you to one of the most effective anti hair-fall ingredients: Aminexil.

So, what does Aminexil do?

In this guide, we’re lifting the veil on one of Kérastase’s hero ingredients, diving into Aminexil benefits and uses – and how you can introduce it into your hair care routine to promote fuller, more resilient strands.

What is Aminexil?

Aminexil is a cosmetic hair care ingredient formulated in shampoos, serums, and conditioners to target the causes of hair fall concerns and foster an environment for future hair growth. You might have seen Aminexil referred to as ‘kopexil’ – they are the same chemical compound. However, kopexil is the ingredient’s chemical name, whereas Aminexil is its trade name that’s used for consumer products.

How does Aminexil work?

Aminexil works by preventing the hardening of collagen around the hair follicle – a process that causes follicles to shrink. Follicle shrinkage means the hair struggles to stay anchored to the root, which leads to increased hair fall.

In scalps with hair loss concerns, follicles are shallow-rooted, and the sheath around the follicle thickens – resulting in thinner strands¹.

One of the contributing factors to hair fall is a malfunction in collagen production that results in collagen deposits on the hair follicle sheath. When this sheath thickens, it makes it more difficult for oxygen and nutrients to pass through.

¹https://www.loreal.com/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/corp/master/lcorp/7-local-country-folder/japan/press-releases/jp-science-technology/2022/pdf/prenaminexil220902.pdf

5 Aminexil benefits

Incorporating Aminexil-infused products into your hair care routine helps counteract the hardening of collagen around the root. As a result, aminexil benefits the hair and scalp by:

• Re-anchoring the hair fibre, which minimises your chance of excess shedding
• Stimulating blood flow to the hair follicles, thereby encouraging new growth
• Improving scalp flexibility and strengthening hair against breakage
• Supporting hair density to give the appearance of fuller hair
• Helping purify the scalp and create a positive growth environment

Aminexil uses in anti hair-fall hair care

Aminexil is an integral component of Genesis – Kérastase’s anti hair-fall collection – which supports weakened strands that are prone to shedding. There are four key Aminexil uses in anti-hair fall hair care: a scalp treatment, serum, shampoo, and conditioner.

Below, find out how you can introduce this ingredient at each step of your routine.

As a scalp treatment

You can harness Aminexil benefits using the Spécifique Aminexil Force R Scalp Treatment, our targeted six-week treatment to help visibly reduce hair fall and thinning.

How to apply: This treatment should be applied daily onto either dry or damp, towel-dried hair. One dose equals one application, so evenly distribute one dose all over the scalp, working section by section. Massage with your fingertips, then proceed with styling as usual.

As a serum

Thanks to their concentrated formulas, serums are particularly useful in delivering ingredients to the scalp and hair. Designed to boost resistance at the scalp, the Genesis Anti Hair-Fall Fortifying Hair Serum works by imparting Aminexil benefits to weakened hair that’s prone to breakage. With consistent use, the Genesis Anti Hair-Fall Fortifying Hair Serum reduces hair fall due to breakage by up to 84%*.

How to apply: Starting with dry or damp, towel-dried hair, disperse one pipette of the serum all over the scalp in even sections and massage gently. This leave-in serum can be used daily – morning and night – for six weeks.

*Instrumental test after one application of Nutri-Fortifiant + Masque Reconstituant + Serum Anti-Chute Fortifiant versus classical shampoo.

As a shampoo

If you’re using a targeted Aminexil-enriched serum or treatment, we also recommend building the rest of your hair care routine around your hair fall concerns. The Genesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant Shampoo For Thin Hair is formulated to reinforce hair fibres, mitigate hair fall from breakage, and gently clarify the scalp.

How to apply: Take a dollar-coin-sized amount of product into your palm and use water to emulsify – this will help you create a better lather. Massage the emulsified product onto your scalp, then rinse. Follow with a second cleanse using the same emulsify-and-massage method, then thoroughly rinse any remaining product.

As a conditioner

While Aminexil benefits tend to be most impactful in scalp care, you can support the rest of your products with an Aminexil-infused conditioner, such as the Genesis Reconstructing Anti Hair-fall Conditioner. This formula helps fortify brittle strands and leave hair smoother, shinier, and more resilient over time.

How to apply: After shampooing, squeeze the excess the water from your hair. Take a small amount of product (the size of a 20-cent piece) and disperse through your hair. Work from the mid-lengths to the ends, avoiding the roots. Massage into your strands, then leave on for two to three minutes to allow the ingredients to penetrate. Rinse thoroughly.  

Now that you’re well-versed in Aminexil uses, explore another important ingredient for hair growth with our guide to the benefits of vitamin E for hair.