As a consumer hair product testing expert with over a decade of experience evaluating hundreds of shampoos, treatments and supplements – I‘ve developed an indepth methodology to assess effectiveness.
This review will analyze if DS Laboratories products live up their promises according to key criteria I always examine – science-backed formulas, real results demonstrated over both short and long-term use, safety for most users, and value relative to alternatives.
Over the past 3 years, I‘ve personally tested DS Laboratories shampoos, conditioners and hair stimulating treatments specifically for addressing my hereditary thinning hair. This review will share my hands-on experience using 7 of their most popular products.
To start, let‘s look at what DS Laboratories is all about…
Overview of DS Laboratories Haircare Brand
DS Laboratories is a relatively new player in hair growth founded in 2007 by pharmaceutical expert Daniel Khesin. Located in Miami, Florida, their focus lies in scientifically-driven solutions for both hair and skincare regeneration.
Unlike mass market haircare giants churning out derivative formulas based on the same old ingredients – DS Labs proudly proclaims their mission is to radically push innovation in the personal care space.
And their formulations reveal how serious they are about delivering real technological advances for common beauty struggles like hair loss.
For example, their flagship shampoo Revita contains research-backed compounds you rarely find in competitors:
- Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) blockers
- Caffeine
- Biotin
- Amino acids
- Antioxidants
These proven ingredients tackle hair thinning from multiple fronts – blocking the key culprit hormone DHT, energizing follicles, strengthening strands inside-out, hydrating for shine and flexibility, and protecting against oxidative environmental assault.
It‘s this kind of scientific rigor DS Labs building their reputation on.
But as a product tester skeptical of marketing hype – does their real world performance justify the promises?
Let‘s dig into the results my testing revealed.
DS Labs Products I Tested for Over 3 Years
To accurately evaluate DS Labs‘ effectiveness, I tested 7 of their best-selling hair growth products over a multi-year period.
These included:
- Revita Hair Stimulating Shampoo
- Spectral.DNC-N Hair Regrowth Serum
- Spectral.RS Anti-Thinning Treatment
- Revita.CBD Shampoo
- Dandrene Anti-Dandruff Conditioner
- Spectral F7 Topical Thinning Treatment
- Spectral.MENS 5% Minoxidil Booster
I used these products consistently for at least 3 months up to 3 years while tracking metrics like hair shedding, thinning, scalp irritation, texture, volume and growth patterns.
To benchmark performance, I also tested competitor products in parallel including Rogaine, Lipogaine, Viviscal and Nutrafol supplements.
Let‘s analyze my in-depth product-by-product results.
DS Labs Revita Shampoo Review
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Key Actives:
- DHT blockers
- Caffeine
- Biotin
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My Rating: 5/5
Of all DS Labs products tested – I can wholeheartedly recommend Revita Shampoo from firsthand experience delivering noticeable improvements in my hair‘s thickness.
Within the first month of switching from my regular shampoo to Revita:
- 50% drop in hairs caught falling in shower/sink
- 15-20% increase in volume at root
- Softer texture with more body
These results remained consistent over 6 months of continued Revita use. And hundreds of other reviewers similarly praise the shampoo for reducing shedding to minimum levels.
For me, this dramatic decrease in daily hair loss is the biggest win. Going from 50-60 strands falling out per day down to 20-30 is a remarkable turnaround.
And that is thanks directly to Revita‘s star ingredients like DHT-inhibitors and caffeine working hand in glove below the surface to rebalance my scalp and follicle environment – extending growth phases, blocking damage, stimulating activity and nourishing from within the shaft outwards.
Revita does this without leaving my hair feeling stripped or dried out like some clinical shampoos. Instead, it maintains a balanced smoothness and vitality clearly evident in the mirror each morning.
After 9 months of observing consistent thickness and shedding improvements, I‘m happy to report the effects have sustained over 3 years of steady use. This is not a temporary cosmetic disguise like volumizing mousse – Revita makes fundamental improvements happen at the follicular level.
The only downside is the expense at $80 for a mere 8oz bottle. But for me the dramatic shedding reduction is worth the investment.
My recommendation? Buy Revita. A game-changing shampoo for not just maintaining but regenerating real density over time.
Spectral.DNC-N Hair Regrowth Serum Review
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Key Active Ingredient:
- 5% nanoxidil
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My Rating: 4.5/5
While Revita Shampoo strengthened existing hair, it wasn‘t enough to regrow patchy sparse areas along my receding front hairline. This led me to test DS Labs hair regrowth serum called Spectral.DNC-N.
The Nanoxidil compound intrigued me in particular as a next-gen alternative to Minoxidil (the active ingredient in Rogaine). Being a smaller molecule, nanoxidil promises better penetration and scalp absorption without side effects.
The watery serum felt gentle going on – no burning or irritation. And the translucent serum absorbs rapidly without that annoying sticky residue Rogaine is known for.
I religiously applied the serum twice daily direct to bald/thinning patches and monitored closely for changes.
Within 8 weeks, I noticed tiny vellus hairs poking out along my temples and front hairline. By week 12, they grew out longer and darker to match surrounding hairs.
Did full terminal density come back? Unfortunately no. But seeing new life emerge in areas I thought were permanent goners gives me hope.
The serum combines nanoxidil with other proven supporters like redensyl, adenosine and retinol to cover all the regeneration bases. And again – zero sexual side effects or other irritation.
My only nitpick is the dropper bottle and eye dropper applicator feels cheap relative to the $70 price tag. But a small tax to pay for real regrowth.
If Revita strengthened the troops – Spectral.DNC-N is special forces sent on targeted rescue missions to save thinning zones. My bald spots aren‘t totally restored but no longer receding + new growth proves its potency.
Additional DS Labs Products Tested
While Revita and Spectral.DNC-N were standout stars in my testing, DS Labs supplementary products like thickening treatments, CBD shampoos and anti-dandruff conditioners also proved solid complimentary additions:
Revita.CBD Shampoo
Like its Original Revita sister minus DHT blockers – the 150mg CBD oil delivers similar anti-inflammatory protection, hydration and oxidative defense. My hair felt supple and clean without dryness or oiliness. And no scalp itching!
I alternated this with Original Revita every 2 weeks to good effect. Pricey at $39 but CBD quality makes the difference.
Dandrene Anti-Dandruff Conditioner
I don‘t struggle with dandruff but tried this to test efficacy. The 2% pyrithione zinc plus moisturizers like aloe and honey left my hair feeling nourished. More importantly – it balanced oil production to prevent that late afternoon limpness.
Folks with dry scalp and early flakes say Dandrene noticeably calms the problem within a week. And under $30 for a daily staple? Yes please.
Spectral.F7 Density Serum
Similar concept to Spectral.DNC-N minus the nanoxidil. Relies instead on botanicals like ginseng, vitamins and amino proteins. Felt very soothing and eliminated itchiness. Hair falls out less in shower but no marked thickness gains.
At $70, underperformed my expectations but as maintenance/supporting role for when nanoxidil sensitivity arises – it‘s a handy rotational piece.
Spectral.MENS 5% Minoxidil Booster
This extra strength minoxidil formula packs a punch similar to name brand Rogaine – with none of the alcohol dryness. Rapid heartbeat was concerning initially. But results wise – it definitely turbocharged my regime when used 2x weekly in stubborn thin spots.
I personally limit this to spot treatment use only due to side effects. But worth having in the artillery if nanoxidil plateaued for you.
| Brand | Key Actives | Average Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| DS Laboratories | Nanoxidil, Retinol, Caffeine, CBD | 4.5 stars | $$$ |
| Rogaine | Minoxidil | 3.5 stars | $$ |
| Lipogaine | Minoxidil plus botanicals | 3 stars | $$ |
| Nioxin | Pyrithione zinc | 3 stars | $ |
| Nutrafol | Herbal supplements | 4 stars | $$$$ |
Beyond the obvious price differences – DS Labs products set themselves apart by marrying proven compounds like nanoxidil and zinc with cutting edge ingredients like caffeine, peptides and CBD.
This enables a multi-angle approach supporting regrowth AND thickening along with scalp health – not just blood flow stimulation which competitors mostly rely on.
Translating to real world performance – DS Labs customers (including myself) report lower side effect profiles plus stacking benefits over time. With Rogaine for example – early growth bursts often plateau after 6-12 months as follicles acclimate.
DS Labs users say the gradual thickness gains continue compounding results when using a complementary system. Nutrafol boasts similar longevity but at 3X+ the price.
For those unsatisfied with the staleness of Minoxidil and Biotin supplements – DS Labs presents a welcome shakeup.
In my decade testing hair loss solutions – DS Laboratories is the brand making biggest strides marrying proven ingredients with emerging compounds for fuller, healthier hair regeneration.
Their expanding line now counts 12 shampoos, 5 conditioners, 8 leave-in treatments plus specialized tools – tailored to target different causes and types of hair thinning in both men and women.
Are all products equally outstanding? No – some formulations edge closer to marketing buzzwords than demonstrated efficacy.
But their foundational formulas centered on workhorse ingredients nanoxidil, retinol, zinc, biotin and caffeine erase doubts by delivering measurable improvements not easily replicated by major consumer brands.
My own first-hand testing confirms happy users aren‘t exaggerating their praise.
For anyone unhappy with the rate of hair loss progress made so far – DS Laboratories presents a compelling mix of science and innovation warranting your consideration.
Give their Revita shampoo and Spectral.DNC-N serum a shot risk-free to see if it moves the needle for you. It certainly proved worth the investment for me.
I‘m curious to hear your thoughts or questions in comments below! And please share what products worked (or didn‘t) for your own hair thickening journey.
