Tretinoin is known to alter cell proliferation and differentiation and may promote vascular proliferation, and these actions may be important to hair growth and so affect hair follicle during the various growth and regression phases.
Diffuse hair loss ranks among the most frequent and psychologically most distressing adverse effects of systemic therapy with retinoids, which severely limits their therapeutic use even where clinically desired.
Abstract. Minoxidil enhances hair growth by prolonging the anagen phase and induces new hair growth in androgenetic alopecia (AGA), whereas retinol significantly improves scalp skin condition and promotes hair growth.
Topical all-trans-retinoic acid (tretinoin) alone and in combination with 0.5% minoxidil has been tested for the promotion of hair growth in 56 subjects with androgenetic alopecia. After 1 year, the combination of topical tretinoin with 0.5% minoxidil resulted in terminal hair regrowth in 66% of the subjects studied.
Some bad news: the side effects of using retinol on your face go for your scalp, too. "You can experience sensitivity, redness, and irritation, which can make the situation worse resulting in hair loss or thinning," Dr. Green explains. "The same holds true with regards to sensitivity.
Retinyl palmitate also strengthens the scalp by improving cell turnover, boosting collagen production to create the best conditions for hair to grow. At the same time, it can be used on sensitive scalps without irritation (we use a concentration of 0.5%).
Unlike some other medications, most of the side effects of tretinoin are skin reactions. Topical tretinoin usually doesn't cause side effects like hair loss, diarrhea, or weight loss, but it does irritate some people's skin.
Bazzano et al. studied tretinoin therapy for androgenetic alopecia. They reported an increase in terminal hair after using topical Tretinoin in 7 out of 12 individuals[18].
"Retinol is used in anti-ageing, as it increases cell turnover. It may also enhance the effects of minoxidil (hair loss medication) on hair growth when mixed together." In other words, it could have some benefits for hair growth when combined with other ingredients.
Tretinoin was shown to stimulate some hair regrowth in approximately 58% of the subjects studied. One female subject with pronounced alopecia for more than 20 years had regrowth of hair using only tretinoin for a period of 18 months.
Minoxidil (Rogaine).
Many people prefer the foam applied when the hair is wet. Products with minoxidil help many people regrow their hair or slow the rate of hair loss or both. It'll take at least six months of treatment to prevent further hair loss and to start hair regrowth.
Possible causes of hair loss include stress, poor diet, and underlying medical conditions. Everyone experiences hair shedding, and it happens to each of us every day. Most people lose 50 to 100 hairs per day as part of this natural cycle, more on days you wash your hair.
Here's the truth: You can't change the size of your hair follicles. If you were born with fine hair, it's genetics, and no product will completely alter that. Of course, there are ways to maintain your hair health, add volume, and keep it from getting any thinner.
Research shows that a lack of vitamin D in your body can lead to hair loss. One role vitamin D plays is stimulating new and old hair follicles. When there isn't enough vitamin D in your system, new hair growth can be stunted.
It could potentially reduce DHT production.
As mentioned above, retinol reduces excess surface oil on the scalp and also on the follicles. In doing so, Dr. Shainhouse shares retinol “may help to reduce DHT production. DHT is associated with genetic-type male/female-patterned hair loss.”
A 2018 study, however, found that isotretinoin doesn't affect short-term hair growth. It also concluded that hair growth is only affected when people take very high doses of the drug.
Accutane has a number of possible side effects, some of which can contribute to the thinning of hair. Isotretinoin can affect the hair shafts and hair follicles, which can change the hair growth cycle and over time cause the hair to thin.
Biotin. Biotin (vitamin B7) is important for cells inside your body. Low levels of it can cause hair loss, skin rashes, and brittle nails.
Zinc plays an important role in hair tissue growth and repair. It also helps keep the oil glands around the follicles working properly. Hair loss is a common symptom of zinc deficiency ( 13 , 14 ). Studies show resolving zinc deficiency with supplementation may reduce deficiency-related hair loss( 15 , 16 ).
While biotin is added to some shampoos that claim to reduce hair loss, there is no evidence that this works. Consuming foods rich in healthy vitamins and minerals will help with overall hair health. The best natural sources of biotin are meat, eggs, fish, seeds, nuts, and vegetables.
Strengthens and thickens: Biotin "is well known for its positive effects on hair including growing stronger thicker strands," says Friese. Protects: Because biotin strengthens hair, it is less likely to break off at the ends, promoting and protecting length, explains Friese.