What is better than minoxidil?

Author: Amiya Abbott  |  Last update: Monday, April 21, 2025

For men experiencing male pattern hair loss, finasteride is widely considered to be more effective than minoxidil [5-6]. However, a combination of both hair loss treatments is often more effective than one or the other [7-9]. Finasteride can also work for women with female pattern hair loss [10].

Is anything better than 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.

What is powerful than minoxidil?

Yes, Redensyl is better than Minoxidil. It offers effective hair regrowth with no side effects, unlike Minoxidil, which can cause scalp irritation or hair shedding with other severe side effects.

What are the big 3 for hair regrowth?

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.

How can I regrow my hair without minoxidil?

Oral medications.

"It's helpful for people who aren't getting enough benefit from topical minoxidil, or those who have scalp irritation from the topical form." Other oral medications to treat hair loss include finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) and spironolactone (Aldactone).

Comparing Nanoxidil and Minoxidil | The Hair Loss Show

What can I replace minoxidil with?

Here are some hair loss treatment options to try if you are seeking a Minoxidil alternative.
  • Dutasteride. Dutasteride belongs to a group of drugs known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, or 5-ARIs. ...
  • Finasteride. Finasteride works similarly to Dutasteride. ...
  • Natural hair loss treatments. ...
  • Redensyl. ...
  • Low-level laser therapy.

Can thin hair become thick again?

Yes, absolutely! Stress, excessive heat styling, age and even genetics can deplete your hair's thickness. Keeping your scalp and roots healthy is how you can promote the growth of thick hair. You can do the same by oiling regularly, refraining from wearing tight hairstyles and following a nourishing hair care routine.

What is the number 1 thing for hair growth?

According to Michele Green, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in NYC, choosing products with clinically proven ingredients is key to finding an effective hair growth serum. Currently, the only FDA-approved topical treatment for hair loss is minoxidil.

What are the side effects of minoxidil?

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.

Can Stage 3 baldness reversed?

Patients at stage 3 of the Norwood scale are also suitable candidates for a hair transplant, because they are experiencing visible balding. A hair transplant works by removing healthy strands of hair from the lower back and sides of the scalp and transplanting them into the balding areas of the head.

Is Kirkland minoxidil as good as Rogaine?

Is Rogaine more effective than Kirkland minoxidil? Both products work by using the same active ingredient and should be equally effective, although some people may experience different results with each product.

Can you get stronger than 5% minoxidil?

Presently, no clinical trials have been published to compare the effectiveness of these formulation strengths. However, one 2020 study revealed Minoxidil 15% to be more effective than Minoxidil 5% in treating androgenetic alopecia, with no difference in side effects [7].

What is more powerful than minoxidil?

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.

What to use if minoxidil doesn't work?

If minoxidil is not working for you, there are a few solutions you can consider. You could try another hair loss treatment like finasteride, or you can combine minoxidil with finasteride to give you an extra boost and help you regrow thicker, fuller hair.

Which oil works like minoxidil?

Research from the SKINMed Journal of Dermatology for the Clinician showed that rosemary oil was as effective as minoxidil in boosting hair growth among participants with androgenic alopecia.

Why is minoxidil not recommended?

Contraindications include the following: Minoxidil should not be used in patients with a known history of hypersensitivity to the drug or its constituents, including propylene glycol. The utilization of minoxidil is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Does minoxidil cause weight gain?

While you are taking minoxidil, weigh yourself every day. A weight gain of 2 to 3 pounds (about 1 kg) in an adult is normal and should be lost with continued treatment.

Does minoxidil affect testosterone?

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.

Is caffeine better than minoxidil?

In this study, a caffeine-based topical 0.2% liquid was found to be no less effective than minoxidil 5% solution regarding the percentage change from baseline in AR at 6 months in both the PP population (primary end point) and ITT population, using frontal and occipital trichograms.

What really works to promote hair growth?

The most common options include: Minoxidil (Rogaine). Over-the-counter (nonprescription) minoxidil comes in liquid, foam and shampoo forms. To be most effective, apply the product to the scalp skin once daily for women and twice daily for men.

What vitamin makes your hair thicker?

Biotin remains commonly recommended by hair loss specialists at doses up to 5,000 mcg.

Why is my hair so thin I can see my scalp?

A visible scalp through your hair can be a sign that it's thinning (but not always). The factors that contribute to thinning hair (and thus a visible scalp) include stress, diet, vitamin deficiency and ageing.

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