Conclusion. A caffeine-based topical liquid should be considered as not inferior to minoxidil 5% solution in men with androgenetic alopecia.
And indeed, the researchers found that after 6 months, the percentage of anagen hairs in the caffeine group had increased by 10.59%. Compared to 11.68% for the minoxidil group. This small difference was not statistically significant. Meaning that in principle, caffeine is just as effective as minoxidil.
Oral finasteride is one of the most popular alternatives to minoxidil for male pattern baldness. Known by the brand-name Propecia, finasteride has DHT blocker effects and is FDA-approved as an effective medication to stop hair loss in men. It is also approved for an enlarged prostate under the brand-name Proscar.
The results showed that the stimulant did, in fact, help aid in hair growth, with even the hair treated with growth inhibitors showing improvement. It seems that the caffeine both stimulates the hair shaft and blocks the effects of growth inhibitors such as testosterone.
In fact, we have quite a few studies showing that topical caffeine is effective for hair loss. There have even been randomized controlled trials of caffeine, which is the highest level of scientific evidence for a treatment's effectiveness.
“Caffeine has been shown to block DHT to the scalp and can also push hairs into the growth phase for those suffering from thinning.
No, no need to wash the hair prior to use! You can simply apply every night and then leave the product on to be absorbed by the scalp. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE RESULTS? You will see results from using the Caffeine Stimulating scalp treatment after using every night over a 3 month period.
You can start by incorporating foods like green tea, saw palmetto, and pumpkin seeds into your diet, as they are believed to have properties that reduce DHT production. Additionally, managing stress and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can contribute to natural DHT reduction over time.
Several studies were conducted on this topic, and many found similar positive conclusions. Caffeine consumption (up to 800mg) was linked with higher testosterone levels of up to 14% if taken before a workout; however, cortisol levels increased as well, with one study citing a 21.3% increase and another at 44%.
Rosemary essential oil
In a trial with androgenetic alopecia patients, application of rosemary oil topically in the form of lotion, was found to be the same in effect as topical 2% minoxidil, which makes it a perfect minoxidil alternative for hair growth.
Minoxidil is considered safe for long-term use; there are few to no withdrawal effects, nor long-term side effects (aside from in very rare cases). Stopping minoxidil should not cause you any further issues aside from the return of your hair loss.
As mentioned, there are many types of medical therapies, both biochemical and natural, that have been shown to have excellent results. There are only two FDA-approved medical therapies for use for AGA hair loss: oral finasteride for men and topical minoxidil for men and women.
Research shows that while 5mg of finasteride is more effective than 5mg of oral minoxidil, the latter can be more effective than an oral dose of 1mg finasteride [6]. Most finasteride patients are prescribed 1mg a day.
All caffeine absorbed by hair follicles occurs within 30 min of application and accounts for 10.5 to 33.8% of the total amount absorbed across the skin for all subjects, whereas absorption of caffeine through the stratum corneum can occur over several hours.
SULT1A1 (Minoxidil Sulfotransferase) enzyme booster significantly improves response to topical minoxidil for hair regrowth.
Does Minoxidil increase testosterone? No – there is absolutely no evidence to suggest this. While studies have looked into the possible effect of the hair loss treatment on your hormones, no definitive conclusion has been reached. In fact, Minoxidil may well have the opposite effect.
Can caffeine help with hair loss? Short answer: Potentially. "Caffeine is a stimulant that increases circulation, allowing beneficial nutrients and oxygen to be delivered to the hair follicles to keep them healthy," explains Dr. Michele Green, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
Dermatologists recommend using Viviscal Pro, Nutrafol, and Rogaine for their clinical effectiveness. Prenatal vitamins and folic acid supplements can also help. Ask a dermatologist before considering alternative treatments that may cause harm to your health.
The testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) concentrations were measured in the plasma. Our results show that caffeine intake increased the concentrations of T and DHT, organ weight, epithelial cell proliferation and AR tissue expression in the ventral prostatic lobe.
Most of the time when people are chatting about the big 3 for hair loss, they are referring to Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Ketoconazole (Nizoral) shampoo. Although, there are some who feel like the third component of the big 3 should be microneedling in place of Ketoconazole shampoo.
Redensyl is a more natural, non-hormonal option, ideal for those looking for a gentler approach with fewer side effects. On the other hand, Minoxidil is a well-established treatment, backed by decades of research and proven results, particularly for individuals with androgenetic alopecia.