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Hair loss is commonly associated with men, but it is also experienced by many women. While it is normal to lose 50 to 100 hairs per day, losing more than 125 hairs per day may be a sign of hair loss.
If you are noticing hair loss, you may be wondering what you can do about it. You can try over-the-counter products such as minoxidil (drop build) or prescription medications.
Those looking for a more natural alternative might consider trying Aveda Invati Advanced, a three-step hair care system designed to reduce hair loss.
Read on to find out if Aveda Invati Advanced is right for you.
Pros
- vegan-friendly and naturally derived ingredients
- simple three-step system is easy to use
- may be effective for minimizing hair breakage
Cons
- pricey
- may not be an effective solution for alopecia or female pattern hair loss
- some ingredients may cause scalp irritation
What is Aveda Invati Advanced?
Aveda is a vegan-friendly cosmetics brand that produces a variety of personal care products. The brand offers skin care, body care, men’s grooming products, fragrances and makeup products, but the company is primarily known for its hair care products.
Aveda Invati Advanced is the brand’s solution for hair loss and thinning hair. It is a three-step hair care regimen that includes a shampoo, conditioner and scalp revitalizing treatment.
The line also includes a mask, thickening foam and brow thickening serum – all of which are optional, but formulated to complement the three-step system.
These products are made from vegan and 94% natural ingredients, making the line a great option for those looking for a gentler hair loss solution.
Who is it for?
“Alopecia areata” is a general term used to describe hair that has stopped growing. There are many causes of hair loss, including alopecia areata, genetic hair loss, age, destructive hair habits, and postpartum.
Symptoms of hair loss may include:
Aveda Invati Advanced may be a good choice for people who are experiencing hair loss due to scalp pulling hairstyles, comb-overs, aging and postpartum.
Certain hair habits and styles, such as tight braids, ponytails and extensions, can pull on the hairline and scalp. Likewise, certain brushing methods can lead to breakage. For these reasons, the three-step process is best suited for people who are experiencing hair loss.
It may also be appropriate for people experiencing hair thinning, which occurs when the scalp sheds more than 125 hairs per day, causing hair to look thinner.
Does it really work?
Aveda’s hair loss system is expensive and promises 12 weeks of use to get the best results. So, is it worth your time and money? We asked two dermatologists and a trichologist (hair and scalp specialist) to weigh in.
“Caffeine may stimulate hair growth and prevent further hair loss, as seen in some in vitro studies of androgenetic alopecia,” says Robin Evans, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in southern Connecticut.
Some in vivo studies have found that applying ginseng to the scalp promotes hair growth by inhibiting an enzyme that causes male-pattern hair loss, Evans said. However, these studies were conducted on rats.
Inflammation of the scalp skin may be the culprit for hair loss. Aveda Invati Advanced contains ingredients that are known to reduce inflammation.
“The curcumin in turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that may play a role in inflammatory skin conditions that cause hair loss and thinning. Amla is a currant that contains essential fatty acids that may help create fuller, shinier, healthier hair and strengthen hair follicles,” Evans said.
Some of the key ingredients look promising, but Abolore Adekoyq, a nurse practitioner and trichologist in Chesapeake, Virginia, reminds us to check out the full list of ingredients.
“Many Aveda products contain harsh ingredients and surfactants such as glycolic stearate and sodium methyl cocoyl taurate,” Adekoyq says. “Depending on the condition of the individual’s scalp, these ingredients can cause scalp and hair irritation. This can lead to further hair loss rather than a reaction that helps hair loss.”
Adekoyq also stresses that “natural” isn’t always better.
“Products labeled ‘natural’ or ‘vegan’ may contain ingredients that can harm the scalp and hair tissue,” Adekoyq explains, adding that she recommends caution when seeking at-home be cautious when seeking hair loss solutions.
Determining whether Aveda Invati Advanced is right for you will depend largely on your symptoms.
Many people confuse hair loss with hair breakage. When you notice hair loss (for example, what appears to be an alarming amount of hair left in a brush or comb), it is most likely hair breakage, resulting in shorter hair but the same volume.
Hair loss is the actual shedding of hair strands from the roots, regardless of length, resulting in a reduction in hair volume.
“To clearly understand this product, the most important statement is how it defines ‘hair loss.’ Aveda uses the phrase ‘hair loss’ but defines it in the fine print as ‘hair breakage ‘,” says Erum N. Ilyas, MD, MBE, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in the Philadelphia and Boston areas.
“This product can be a great solution for hair breakage because its conditioning agents and oils cover the hair follicle and strengthen it, making it less fragile and prone to breakage. For some people, this will provide a healthy hair appearance. It’s important to note that this will not necessarily increase the actual growth of the hair or the density of the hair,” she says.
So, does Aveda Invati Advanced work?
For some people, maybe.
For people experiencing hair breakage rather than hair loss, this may be a more effective option.
There are many factors that affect hair loss and thinning hair, and this system may be helpful for some people, depending on their symptoms. However, it may not work for everyone, as treatment for hair loss is usually done by professionals on a case-by-case basis.
“People who experience actual hair loss without knowing the true nature of their condition will be at risk for poor results,” says Elias.
Aveda Invati Advanced products
Aveda Invati Advanced consists of seven products:
The three-step system includes a shampoo, conditioner and one of the scalp revitalizing treatments.
Other products, such as foams, masks and brow serums, are optional, but can be used in conjunction with the system.
Exfoliating Shampoos
The line includes two shampoos. Both aim to gently exfoliate and renew the scalp, but they’re for different hair types.
The light version is geared toward fine hair and a normal to oily scalp. The rich version is formulated for medium to thick hair with a normal to dry scalp.
Price: $35 for 6.7 ounces
Thickening Conditioner
Aveda Invati Advanced Thickening Conditioner is formulated with amino acids to help strengthen hair from the roots. It contains conditioning ingredients to help thicken hair and prevent breakage.
Price: $37 for 6.7 ounces
Scalp Revitalizer
The third and final step of the Aveda Invati Advanced program involves a scalp revitalization treatment. It comes in a spray bottle and is sprayed directly onto the hair. The formula is designed to support the hair’s natural keratin and to keep it longer by preventing breakage.
Price: $68 for 5 ounces
How it works
As you might assume, the three-step system requires only three simple steps, which may not be too different from your usual hair care routine.
Massage a shampoo onto wet hair and rinse
Choose a shampoo that is relevant to your hair type and scalp oiliness. This step not only removes dirt and buildup, but also exfoliates the scalp to promote renewal. This is the foundation of the routine.
Apply the shampoo to wet hair, focusing on the roots. Massage the shampoo into the scalp and rinse well.
Follow with the Thickening Conditioner
People with hair loss and hair breakage often notice thinning hair. This is evident in reduced hair volume. For example, your ponytail may not be as thick as it used to be. Thickening conditioners are formulated to strengthen hair to prevent breakage.
Apply the conditioner to the middle and ends of your hair. Use shampoo and conditioner together once a day, or as often as you wash your hair.
Spray the Scalp Revitalizer onto wet or dry hair
Aveda Invati Advanced is formulated with a blend of Ayurvedic herbs, plant extracts, amino acids, and bio-fermented ingredients.
The hero ingredients include:
Ingredients also include caffeine, coconut oil, tocopherols (vitamin E), fruit extracts and more. Each of these individual ingredients may be beneficial to hair health, and when put together, they may support thicker, fuller hair.
Aveda products are formulated without the following ingredients:
While the company has made great strides in avoiding potentially irritating and irritating ingredients, Adekoyq notes that some surfactants may be associated with irritation.
Customer reviews and brand reputation
One person’s holy grail product may be another person’s least favorite. As with all products, reviews of Aveda Invati Advanced products have been mixed. However, they are mostly positive.
“My hair is very thin and always flattened and greasy from head to toe. Since I started using this thickening conditioner in my volumizing shampoo, the texture of my hair has completely changed. My hair looks and feels fuller,” says Sadia A. in her review of the thickening conditioner.
Some reviews shared stories of their lack of results. Many reviewers said they couldn’t tell what difference the product made.
“There is no way to tell if this product works or not. After three months of use, there was no difference in my hair growth or hair loss,” Tiffany M. said in her review of Scalp Revitalizer.
The product’s earthy smell is one of the criticism points for some customers. Some who don’t like the smell will ignore it because they find the product works for them.
“Honestly, at first, I really didn’t like the product because of the smell. It has a very organic and natural [smell] with a hint of spice. However, after using the whole invati system for a month, I noticed a big difference in the fullness of my hair. I love that this lightweight shampoo doesn’t leave a residue or dry out my hair. It just feels soft and clean. I have also noticed that my hair is not as greasy anymore. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone with thinning hair or hair that breaks easily,” said Jennifer M. in her review of the exfoliating shampoo.
Despite dozens of positive product reviews, the brand received 1.5 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. Many customers have reported delivery issues, product malfunctions and website problems.
Cost
Aveda’s high-performance hair care products are more expensive than what you’ll find at the drugstore. The Invati Advanced product line is even more expensive than some of the brand’s other hair care products. In some cases, the bottles also contain less product.
However, the prices are in line with other high-performance hair care brands. These products also contain vegan and mostly natural ingredients that are highly prized.
Side effects
There are no known side effects associated with the use of the Aveda Invati Advanced system.
These products contain allergens such as coconut and potentially irritating ingredients such as surfactants, although these products are usually safe to use.
Aveda Invati vs. competitors
Products offered | Cost | Effectiveness | |
Aveda Invati Advanced | exfoliating shampoos, thickening conditioner, scalp-revitalizing treatment | $35–$68 per product | It may be effective to protect hair against breakage but likely not hair loss from the scalp. |
Hims | minoxidil foam, minoxidil solution, finasteride and minoxidil spray, oral finasteride, thickening shampoo, thickening conditioner, biotin gummies | starting at $19 per product | Nonprescription products may help hair appear thicker and fuller, while prescription products are clinically proven to help hair grow. |
Hers | shampoo, conditioner, minoxidil foam, minoxidil solution, finasteride and minoxidil spray, oral spironolactone, scalp scrub, biotin gummies, collagen powder | $19–$50 per product | Oral and topical products that require a prescription have been shown to improve hair loss in people with alopecia. |
Keeps | thickening shampoo, thickening conditioner, minoxidil solution, minoxidil foam, ketoconazole shampoo, oral finasteride | $10–$25 per product | Topical products may promote healthy hair growth and oral products target hormones that cause hair loss. Some require a prescription. |
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for Aveda Invati to work?
Seeing improvements in your hair and skin will not happen overnight. Aveda recommends using its Invati Advanced products for 12 weeks to see improvements.
How do you use Aveda Invati?
Aveda Invati Advanced is applied topically. Use the shampoo and conditioner in the shower as you normally would. Follow with the scalp-revitalizing spray, but do not rinse it.
How often should you use it?
Shampoo and conditioner can be used as frequently as regular shampoo and conditioner. Scalp Revitalizer can be sprayed on the hair twice a day.
Takeaway
Aveda Invati Advanced is a line of products that claims to reduce hair loss by 53%. However, it defines hair loss as hair breakage.
People experiencing actual hair loss may see less success with these products than those that deal with hair breakage.