Minoxidil (Rogaine)
Minoxidil is available over the counter (OTC) in two strengths (2% and 5%) and different formulations, like liquid, foam, and spray. It's FDA approved to treat scalp hair loss in women and men.
'The big 3' in hair loss usually refers to the main products that are used to reduce hair loss. These products are Minoxidil (Rogaine/Regaine), Finasteride (Propecia) and Ketoconazole (Nizoral) and today we're looking at all three medications.
Finasteride and minoxidil are the main treatments for male pattern baldness. Minoxidil can also be used to treat female pattern baldness.
Oral Finasteride
Finasteride slows the rate of hair loss and stimulates new hair growth by inhibiting the body's production of a hormone that destroys hair follicles. This medication is taken once a day by mouth and is most effective when taken at the same time each day.
Finasteride (Propecia).
You take it daily as a pill. Many men taking finasteride experience a slowing of hair loss, and some may show new hair growth. It may take a few months to tell whether it's working for you. You'll need to keep taking it to retain any benefits.
Experts in dermatology who treat patients with hair loss support hair growth products like Viviscal Pro, Nutrafol, and Rogaine. All three products have published clinical studies that support their effectiveness.
Most of the time, dermatologists are able to determine the cause of hair loss during a physical examination and trichometric analysis.
The most common side effects of topical minoxidil application are redness and irritation of the skin. Rarely, patients have reported headaches, palpitations, and dizziness. Oral minoxidil side effects include palpitations, dizziness, low blood pressure, chest pain, headaches, and swelling of the legs.
Niacinamide (Figure 1A), also known as nicotinamide, is a water-soluble amide form of vitamin B3 (niacin). It is widely used in cosmetics including skin and hair care products. Niacinamide has long been used as an active ingredient in anti-hair loss preparations.
If you're struggling with hair loss, the Big 3—Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Ketoconazole Shampoo—are among the most effective treatments available today.
Telogen effluvium is a common type of hair loss that affects people after they experience severe stress or a change to their body. Symptoms include thinning hair, usually around the top of your head. Treatment exists to reverse hair loss, but hair will typically grow back in three to six months without treatment.
It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it's more common in men. Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp. Hereditary hair loss with age is the most common cause of baldness.
Despite its popularity in the media and amongst consumers, biotin has no proven efficacy in hair and nail growth of healthy individuals. Only 1 study has shown decreased levels of biotin in healthy individuals, though this data was confounded by multiple factors, including patient history.
Currently, the only FDA-approved topical treatment for hair loss is minoxidil. Dr. Green explains that decades of scientific research have backed its safety and effectiveness. She notes that minoxidil enhances blood flow to hair follicles, stimulates growth, and helps prevent hair loss.
Taking hair loss medication
According to a 2019 review of studies , minoxidil, applied topically, is the go-to treatment for androgenetic alopecia in both men and women. Minoxidil is the active ingredient in Rogaine, which is available over the counter (OTC).
Studies show that Nutrafol may improve hair growth, thickness, and shedding over time, but consistency is key - it typically takes at least three to six months to see results.
Hair follicles are part of your skin that are responsible for growing your hair. If you accidentally pull out a strand of your hair and it has a ball (bulb) on the end of it, you didn't pull out the follicle, and instead, you removed your hair root. That root grows back and your hair will grow back, too.