Honest about the evidence.
Most "clinically proven" hair claims fall apart the moment you read the fine print. So here's ours — in full. What the studies measured, who ran them, and exactly what they do and don't prove.
Three rules we hold ourselves to.
We cite the ingredient studies
Our actives — Densidyl and Baicapil — are backed by clinical research from the labs that developed them. We tell you that's what the data is: ingredient-level, not a finished-formula trial. We never imply otherwise.
We attribute every number
Every figure on this page is sourced and linked. If we can't point to where a number came from, it doesn't appear on our site. (That's why you won't find a certain triple-digit "growth" stat here — we couldn't verify it, so we removed it.)
We tell you the timeline
Hair works on a ~30-night cycle, not 30 days. We'd rather set a real expectation and keep you than promise fast results and lose your trust.
Densidyl™
Densidyl is a microalgae-derived active developed by Algaktiv. It's built around a simple, modern idea: stress doesn't just live in your head — it shows up in your hair. The complex pairs phycocyanin from Spirulina maxima with xanthophylls from Chlorella emersonii to support the scalp against both internal (hormonal/stress) and external stressors.
- Calms the stress signal — helps modulate cortisol and support melatonin activity at the follicle.
- Protects the follicle — antioxidant support against everyday environmental stressors.
- Supports density — helps more hairs stay in the active growth (anagen) phase.
A 5-month clinical study on Densidyl.
50 volunteers with stress-related hair loss, using 2% Densidyl.
Source: Algaktiv clinical data, reported in Personal Care Magazine and Cosmetics & Toiletries (5-month study, n=50, 2% Densidyl). Ingredient-level research conducted by the active's manufacturer. Individual results vary; consistency over ~30 nights is key.
Study conducted by ingredient manufacturer Algaktiv on Densidyl at 2% concentration (n=50, 5 months). Individual results may vary.
Stress shows up in your hair. Densidyl works on the signal.
The stressor
Emotional and environmental stress raise cortisol — which disrupts the follicle and pushes hairs out of their growth phase.
Densidyl steps in
Microalgae actives (from Spirulina maxima + Chlorella emersonii) help modulate cortisol and support melatonin at the scalp.
The result
A calmer, more hydrated scalp — and more hairs held in the active growth phase.
Baicapil™
Where Densidyl calms the stress signal, Baicapil works on anchorage — helping hair stay put. It's a botanical complex developed by Provital, studied for its support of follicle anchorage and the hair's natural growth phase.
- Supports anchorage — helps reduce the look of shedding.
- Extends the growth phase — supports fuller, thicker-looking hair over time.
Manufacturer (Provital) study: reported ~22% increase in hair density and a reduction in hair loss over a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial at 3% application. Ingredient-level data conducted by the active's manufacturer.
"I chose these actives the way I'd choose a protocol for a client — for the evidence behind them, and for what they leave out."Jessica Pantermuehl, FNTP, CHHC · Founder of Byrch
Why this happens in the first place.
We didn't invent perimenopausal hair change. Here's how the medical community describes it.
"Estrogen plays a critical role in hair density, fullness and growth, so it is natural to see more shedding in menopause, causing thinning of the hair and widening of the hair part."
— Dr. Melanie Palm, board-certified dermatologist, via NBC Select"If your once-full ponytail feels half its size, menopause might be to blame."
— Manisha Purohit, MD, via HonorHealthThese physicians describe the condition generally. They are not affiliated with Byrch and do not endorse our products — we include their words for honest context, not as a claim.
What this is — and what it isn't.
What it is
- A cosmetic scalp serum with two clinically-studied actives
- Supported by ingredient-level clinical research, cited above
- Designed to support the appearance of fuller, thicker-looking hair
- Clean and hormone-conscious, to EU formulation standards
What it isn't
- A drug — it isn't minoxidil or finasteride, and makes no drug claims
- A finished-formula clinical trial — the studies are on the actives
- A 30-day miracle — real change follows ~30 nights of consistency
- A treatment for medical hair loss (thyroid, autoimmune, etc.) — see your provider
- Personal Care Magazine — "Algaktiv reveals anti-hair loss, anti-greying active." personalcaremagazine.com
- Cosmetics & Toiletries — "Algaktiv's Microalgae-derived Densidyl Fights the Emossome and Exposome." cosmeticsandtoiletries.com
- SOFW — "Algaktiv Introduces ALGAKTIV® Densidyl." sofw.com
- Provital — Baicapil™ manufacturer clinical data (botanical anchorage complex).
- NBC Select — menopause & hair, featuring Dr. Melanie Palm. nbcnews.com
- HonorHealth — "How to hit pause on menopause hair loss," featuring Manisha Purohit, MD. honorhealth.com
Claims on this page are structure/function (cosmetic) claims. Densidyl and Baicapil studies are ingredient-level research conducted by the respective manufacturers. Byrch has not conducted a clinical trial on the finished formula. Individual results vary.
The Scalp Serum.
Two clinically-studied actives, an honest timeline, and one bottle — no subscription unless you choose it.
See The Scalp Serum →