Control GX Shampoo by Just For Men Reviews
Control GX Shampoo by Just For Men uses a formulation that reacts with air and traps color in the hair shaft, gradually reducing your numbers of gray hairs.
What is Control GX Shampoo?
Control GX Shampoo by Just For Men claims to use breakthrough technology that can gradually reduce gray hair with each shampoo for subtle, natural looking results.
The manufacturer tells us that you'll use Control GX just like any other daily shampoo. After a few washes, you'll notice a subtle reduction in the number of gray hairs. From there, you have complete control over how gradually your gray disappears at the start by using every day, or every other day.
When you’ve achieved the look you want—often within two to four weeks—you’ll continue using Control GX three to four times per week for maintenance. Results can last up to eight weeks.
In addition to gradually reducing your gray, Control GX Shampoo also promises to gently and thoroughly clean and revitalize hair, while increasing volume for a thicker, fuller look.
Just For Men’s lineup has been a staple among hair and beard coloring products for decades, but does this necessarily mean that their Control GX Shampoo is worth the money? Even then, is it really “shampoo with a brain”?
Here, we’ll discuss all the essential facts so you can make a more empowered purchase.
What Causes Grey Hair and Is It Reversible?
The Library of Congress tells us that your chances of going gray increase about 10-20% every decade after the age of 30, although the medical community still doesn't largely understand why this occurs.
Exactly how this occurs is a different matter, though. Here’s the situation in a nutshell (we know you’re busy):
Melanin is a pigment polymer that gives your skin and hair its natural color, which is delivered via specialized cells called melanocytes. In the instance of hair, these cells are located at follicles and inject color as the shaft grows.
At some point, these melanocytes slow or stop their pigment production, leading to gray, colorless hair.
While the gene for gray hair seems to have been recently identified, there is no cure for the condition, outside of coloring products like those from Just For Men.
In the instance of Control GX Shampoo, exactly which ingredients does it use to deliver results—and are they clinically proven to work?
How Do Control GX’s Ingredients Gradually Reduce Grey Hair?
While we didn’t encounter a product label during our research, Walmart.com listed the following ingredients for Control GX Shampoo:
Water/Aqua, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Decyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycol Stearate, Ethanolamine, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, N,N-Bis (2-Hydroxyethyl)-p-Phenylenediamine Sulfate, Acetic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, 1,2,4-Trihydroxybenzene, Cetearyl Glucoside, Erythorbic Acid, Sodium Sulfite, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Stearamide AMP, Panthenol, Manganese Sulfate, p-Aminophenol, Sorbic Acid, Etidronic Acid, Fragrance/Parfum, Limonene Linalool.
Like most hair care and coloring products, authoritative websites report that the majority of Control GX’s ingredients work as surfactants, emollients, emulsifiers, thickeners, pH regulators, hair dye agents (N,N-Bis (2-Hydroxyethyl)-p-Phenylenediamine Sulfate), enzymes (1,2,4-Trihydroxybenzene), and preservatives.
Just For Men tells us that Control GX’s formulation also contains a patented blend of molecules that break when massaged and exposed to air, releasing small amounts of the complex and trapping it in the hair shaft every time you shampoo.
In layman’s terms, Control GX is essentially hair dye in shampoo form that, instead of coloring all your hair at once, deposits molecules over time, which then build up and hide gray over the course of several weeks.
Will Control GX Shampoo Cause Any Side Effects?
Some Just For Men customers have reported chemical burns and allergies from the use of the company’s products, so they mandate that you perform a preliminary 48-hour skin allergy test with Control GX, according to directions, before full-scale use.
The company also notes that Control GX shouldn’t be used if you’ve experienced a reaction to other hair color products, if you have a rash or your face, or an irritated, sensitive, or damaged scalp.
Temporary black henna tattoos may increase your risk of allergy. In rare cases, the use of hair color has been associated with temporary and permanent skin depigmentation (lightening).
Just For Men tells us that Control GX Shampoo can be used on any shade of hair, although it’s advertised as ideal for light brown to black hair. You can also use it with other hair care products, but not on hair that has been lightened, bleached, highlighted, or colored.
Pro tip: Many customer reviews we read also mentioned that—like other hair dyes—Control GX has a tendency to stain fingernails, the shower area, and towels. As a result, they recommend massaging it in using your palms, thoroughly rinsing the shower area when you’re finished, and using dark towels to dry off.
How Much Does Control GX Shampoo Cost?
A 5 fluid ounce tube of Control GX Shampoo (enough to last for approximately six weeks, according to the manufacturer) is available at most retailers who carry Just For Men products for between $8 and $9.
It can also be purchased directly through the company for $8.49, with free shipping on all orders over $14.
Money saving tip: At the time of writing, you could also obtain a $2 off coupon on the Just For Men website.
In addition to Shampoo, Control GX also offers a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner that contains additional agents for easier combing, softness, and manageability, for the same price.
Are customers reporting a solid return on investment at this price?
Control GX Shampoo Reviews: Are They Good?
On the Just For Men website, Control GX had an average rating of 4.5 stars based on 300+ customer reviews. Most compliments referenced good coloring results, natural appearance, and ease of use, while what few complaints there were often related to messiness and minor nail discoloration.
What it similar elsewhere online?
We also encountered nearly 50 Amazon customer reviews for Control GX, who had given the shampoo an average rating of 3.7 stars. There, most of the compliments and complaints matched those on the Just For Men website.
According to Amazon’s Questions & Answers section, a couple of customers replied that they didn’t recommend Control GX for super short hair (1/4 inch or less). Another reviewer mentioned that you might want to use gloves to avoid staining your fingernails.
From a company perspective, the Just For Men lineup is manufactured by Combe Incorporated based out of White Plains, NY. They had an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and only two complaints as of 2/14/16, which referenced product formulation and side effects.
Does all of this mean you should spend your hard-earned money on Control GX?
Are the Gradual Results Provided By Control GX Shampoo the Way to Go?
While we didn’t encounter any products using the exact same formula as Control GX during our research, or those that were offered in shampoo form, HairFinder tells us that most dyes that promise to gradually reduce gray hair use metallic salts, which:
“… react with the sulfur in the protein chains of the hair to create a natural looking color in the hair over a period of repeated exposure.”
Perhaps the best-known gradual metallic hair dye is Grecian Formula, although Just For Men’s Touch of Grey treatment seems to deliver similar results. And both of these options are likely available locally for about the same price as Control GX.
How to decide? Just like anything else we choose to put on our body, the ‘best’ way of getting rid of grey hair will be based on your hair color (including level of grey), your hair cut (as well as any hair loss you’ve experienced), your skin type, and dozens of other personal factors.
In other words, there’s no way to know without giving it a try. Fortunately, Just For Men stands behind Control GX Shampoo with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, as might the retailer you purchase it from.
This way, you might not lose much more than a little of your time (and perhaps return shipping charges if you’re not near a retailer) for giving Control GX a shot and end up dissatisfied.
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1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Amazing
I have been using Control GX for about a year now. I am very pleased with this product. Right about six months or so into it, I noticed that I was losing hair. I read some reviews where others complained of same results. One day, when I was getting my haircut, I asked my girl to go easy on cutting my hair since I was losing hair by dying it. She told me that it was unlikely to lose hair from dye. She suggested it may be from medication or diet. She was absolutely correct. I had a back injury around that time and was taking prescription pain meds. When I stopped taking my meds, my hair got thicker again.
I take a shower and wash my hair daily. I use the product 2 to 4 times a week and use regular shampoo in between. I was 90% gray. Now I'm about 5 percent gray on the side only, which looks totally natural. Btw, it also works on other parts of the body, despite what the manufacturer says.
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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Great product
Not only does this product works for men, it works for women as well. In the past, I used female dyes, which only irritates and dries my scalp, but I used the product only twice and all I could say was "wow!" I saw the ad on TV and said "what the heck," so I bought it and was overwhelmed. I am NEVER going back to those harsh chemicals ever again.
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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4 out 5 people found this review helpful
Best thing I have found. Great results with no ill effects!
I am a 60-year-old Caucasian man. My natural hair color was always very dark brown, appearing black. Over the last twenty years it has gone more and more grey, and in the last five, it went way too grey to get away with calling it salt and pepper. It was near white. I wear a short cut, approximately 1/4 inch over the ears progressing to 1 to 1 1/4" on top. I have a full head of hair with no balding pattern, but it is noticeably thinner in the last ten years.
I tried the Control GX product mainly because I am a performer and I could not get roles I wanted without temporary dye, which always looks like crap. This product seemed to me to be accomplishing nothing for about five weeks used every day, until I saw some people I had not seen in that time and the first words they said were "Wow, you colored your hair. It looks great!" I tried to BS my way out of it but they had photos taken in the exact place we were standing at the time, and I was wearing the same shirt! They shot identical photos under the same lighting and did a side by side and there was no getting around it; my hair was many shades darker and looked absolutely natural, and it had been so gradual that I couldn't tell on a daily basis.
Perhaps the most telling factor: I am getting the parts I want (and not just in my hair!) I used the tiniest amount of shampoo each time, perhaps a half teaspoon. I used my fingertips and did notice some very minor staining. I solved that with a clear matte polish which I use on stage anyway. I let it sit about five minutes with each use as I shaved and washed the rest of myself. Tube says one minute. You will find that the color stains the tip of the tube and if you touch that it suddenly looks like you picked up a melted Hershey bar. DON'T TOUCH THE TIP!
Oddly, the shampoo is not dark out of the tube nor sitting on your head. Apparently the "dying" effect is a result of it building up gradually on your hair. Does it ONLY dye the grey? Not bloody likely, since it stains everything else it touches, according to the package, but perhaps it only actually adheres to the grey dues to some physical difference, or perhaps is just seems that way. I couldn't care less. IT WORKS.
There is no odor to the product. No scent or perfume etc. I did not find any problem of staining towels or tiles, etc. IMHO, this is a great product. I am STILL waiting for my wife to say something. I don't know if she hasn't noticed or is "protecting my dignity" by not mentioning it. I am waiting for when she does and I can say "Wanna try it?" LOL. Buy this product!
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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1 out 4 people found this review helpful
Not good
I used this product and noticed hair loss and not good hair covering of grey. I used it as instructed and maybe I'm sensitive. I have used Just For Men hair coloring and have no problems. I would advise to be careful and let others know of problems.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
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8 out 8 people found this review helpful
Works great
I tried Control GX a year ago and found it worked great, but as the grey reduced the color was too black for my natural light to medium brown. Recently I discovered Control GX for blonde to medium brown and the results are great, shiny brown with highlights probably, caused by my own percent of grey [70%] to brown ratio coloring at different rates. It does not look fake (hair dyes I have used in the past that cover too well give a helmet of the same color).
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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6 out 12 people found this review helpful
Results of using Just For Men Control GX
WARNING.
I was happy to read so many success stories, but mine is not one. Everything about the product ads was true except the results. My attempt was not to rid gray but to get an even color of gray. However, the product turned my hair a horrible Fluorescent Blue in only two applications. I had no problem with staining of the shower or myself, but I did follow instructions. I loved the texture (body) and shine on the first application, but all went downhill after that.
I have been in hiding now for about a week, and blue is slowly getting grayer gradually. The ad sounded like a perfect option to even my uneven gray hair, and I have never done anything to my hair past. Terrible experience for me. Just please be aware if you chose to use this product.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
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2 out 3 people found this review helpful
Feasible product
I have used Control GX regularly, however, it seems to show an appearance that the hair is dyed, which is a bit weird in that I don't want people to think I am dying my hair, but it does help.
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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4 out 15 people found this review helpful
Read instructions
I did not read the reviews before use. Although I've been using Just For Men for years, I tried Control GX for the first time. My hair is too short, and I have brown blotches on my head. Also, skin irritation. I have a job interview in the morning, but I don't think I'll go. What to do?
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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51 out 56 people found this review helpful
Great color gray hair alternative to Henna Orange and Grecian Lead Acetate and strong PPD chemicals
I've just discovered Just for Men Control GX Grey Reducing Shampoo with Conditioner, a great solution for covering gray hair without permanent PPD color issues, or henna mud, or Grecian Formula lead acetate.
I have fine light brown hair with about 60% gray. Based on numerous comments from others (mainly girlfriends) the gray made me look ten years older.
I'm 59 and used Grecian Formula for a couple of years until my Naturopathic Doctor informs me I have a lead build up in my blood.
I tried Just for Men's 5 minute color in a light brown/blonde which worked fast, but I would get a drastic shoe polish solid brown extreme color change. I slowly developed a bad allergic reaction to PPD chemicals with swelling, itching, for days. I had to take Benadryl. The allergic reaction got worse every time I used it until I got the message.
I switched to henna light brown windigo and it looked fine indoors but would reflect sunlight and fluorescent light with an orange on the brown hair and a brassy look on the gray. People would ask me if I was Irish. What a mess that stuff has been. It would also fade over weeks to an orange and brassy look under bright lights, fluorescent and sunlight.
I finally decided to go back to Grecian Formula and just try to be more careful to not contaminate by bathroom, house, brain, and blood with lead. It wasn't good. I was a walking lead contaminator, and I knew it. I always felt dirty especially if I ran my hands through my hair, plus the sulfur smell, and it gave me a puffed up blow-dried TV minister looking hairdo I didn't like, plus I had to shower it out at night, so I don't contaminate my pillow and bed with lead.
Then I discover Just for Men Control GX Grey Reducing Shampoo and Conditioner, and I believe I've finally found an easy, quick solution. The directions say shampoo, leave it for one minute, then rinse it out. Within 2 to 3 weeks you'll find your perfect shade. Cut back on use to occasionally to maintain the color. This stuff is great. I got a perfect multi-tone natural look with just a touch of gray if you look close. No more 5-minute shoe polish brown sudden color change from the Just for Men 5 minute stuff.
I did a 48-hour pre-test on the inside of my elbow and had no reaction, which surprised me. Then I started using it in the morning and night and leave it on for a minute at a time. After one week it had a subtle difference. I read a few reviews like this one on Just for Men Control GX Grey Reducing Shampoo and Conditioner where others said leaving it just one minute isn't long enough, try 2 to 3 minutes and it works quicker.
Then I ran across a review where a guy says to try combing it into the areas you want to target on dry hair and leave it for 5 minutes then rinse it out in the shower (at your own risk and after a 48-hour skin test). Which I tried and within 2 or 3 days I have the exact look I want and couldn't be happier. In fact, I'm ecstatic to finally find a quick, easy solution without lead acetate.
I rinse it out of my hair using lukewarm water because I don't want the hot water opening all the pores on my scalp to suck up the little bit of chemicals in this stuff.
I see this as the lesser of all the bad hair color chemical ingredient evils. Especially lead acetate. I am posting to help other guys (or women) who may be looking for a better solution.
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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11 out 11 people found this review helpful
Works great
I recently tried Control GX, and I'm totally pleased with the product that I had to express the satisfaction with Control GX. I'm 58 years old, tried it, and it really works. Anyone that says it doesn't must be doing something wrong. My hair looks natural, and the change is so subtle that nobody notices the change, which is what I wanted. Totally natural. It really works!
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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12 out 13 people found this review helpful
Very good product
I have recently (April 2017) started using Control GX. It works very well, and I have not experienced the same nail staining, towel discoloration, etc. that I've seen others comment about on various review sites. Now, I did try the Control GX with the Conditioner, and I don't think that works as well as the product without the conditioner. I used to use Grecian Formula, but considering the lead in that product, I will now stick with Control GX. It's easy to use, priced well and does what it advertises. Quite pleased!
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
