Natural Alternatives to Minoxidil
Are you looking for a minoxidil alternative for hair growth? Well, we have you covered. Hair loss is a prevalent concern in both men and women. It is often a result of lifestyle choices like excessive heat application for hairstyling, chemical hair treatments, and poor diet.
The best natural alternatives to Minoxidil
Are you looking for a minoxidil alternative for hair growth? Well, we have you covered. Hair loss is a prevalent concern in both men and women. It is often a result of lifestyle choices like excessive heat application for hairstyling, chemical hair treatments, and poor diet. Conditions like anxiety and stress might also trigger hair loss in some people. Some medical conditions like hormonal changes, autoimmune diseases and certain medical treatments also lead to the occurrence of hair loss or alopecia.
We live in the day of science and technology, the knowledge and extensive research has made it possible for several solutions to hair loss to be available. One of the most familiar, commonly used and very inexpensive treatments are Minoxidil for hair loss.
What is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil or as it is more popularly recognized by its brand name, Rogaine, is a topical solution applied to the scalp to help promote hair regrowth. It can be used to treat male or female pattern baldness and minoxidil effectiveness in terms of hair loss is quite popular among adults whose hair loss is recent.
Minoxidil reviews, however, state that it does not treat all hair loss concerns. It does not have any effect on people suffering from unexplained hair loss or those experiencing hair fall in patches.
The positive effects of minoxidil on hair growth were found as a side effect of clinical trials using Minoxidil to treat high blood pressure. While the product came out in 1987, it only became instantly popular when minoxidil for hair loss was switched from a liquid formulation to a much more convenient to apply foam form.
That’s when Rogaine turned it into what it is today: one of the most commonly used treatments for alopecia, hair loss, and thinning hair. Minoxidil for hair loss became the most popular and economical option people had for their hair problems.
How does Minoxidil work?
Minoxidil helps with both raised bp and hair fall by acting as a vasodilator. It widens the blood vessels, bringing more blood and nutrients to the scalp and the hair follicles present there, which strengthens hair, and aids in its growth. Minoxidil, receding hairline-two words that are not heard together in a sentence after rogaine introduced this product in the market.
It usually takes between 2 and 4 months to start seeing results from using the formula. However, it’s pertinent to know that hair growth only lasts for as long as Minoxidil usage is continued. As soon as its use is discontinued, its benefits go away. This is a big side effect of minoxidil on hair which reduces minoxidil effectiveness in the long run.
Minoxidil is an effective drug that can be easily bought without prescription with no fuss and not too much money. Everyone seems to be convinced of its effectiveness but the fact that it is not as rigorously regularized as other chemical drugs makes its use a little more risky. Hence the question arises-is Minoxidil safe to use?
Why should you look for a minoxidil alternative?
This medication, along with its hair growth properties, also comes with several minoxidil side effects. Generally, minoxidil long term side-effects are not common if it’s taken in the proper dosage. However, the most common minoxidil side effects include:
- Scalp irritation (like stinging and burning sensation or flushing at the site of application)
- Hair growth in adjacent areas (such as your forehead)
- Changes in hair texture or color
More uncommon and severe minoxidil adverse effects are:
- Extra facial/body hair
- Palpitations
- Fainting
- Dizziness
- Swelling of hands and/or feet
- Chest tightness
- Increase in weight
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
Immediate discontinuation of the product is advised if any of these symptoms are encountered. Also, experts advise against its usage for people under the age of 18.
Have you started looking for a minoxidil alternative yet? We have some suggestions for you!
What are some Minoxidil alternatives?
Finding an effective, all-natural growth-specific formula that counters minoxidil side effects is surely a challenge for many. So to assist you in this regard here are some suggestions you can try instead. These ingredients make very efficient minoxidil alternatives and are present readily in Scandinavian Biolabs products, which provides the consumer with an effective and high quality all-natural formulae. These products are not only as good as minoxidill at what they do but are 100% safe and chemical free. The best hair care without any chemical insult-the stuff is what dreams are made of!
The ingredients used to make Biolabs’ products supremely effective are:
- Pumpkin seed oil
Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) comes from the squash family, local to North America. Pumpkin seed oil extracted from this plant is brimful of phytosterols. This is an ideal minoxidil natural alternative. These compounds are known to inhibit testosterone conversion to its active form dihydrotestosterone and further androgen.
A study noted that consumption of 400 mg of oral pumpkin seed oil daily for 23 weeks in around 75 patients with androgenetic alopecia demonstrated an exponential rise in the hair density of the participants. Usually, this minoxidil alternative is used in conjunction with other constituents like chemicals extracted from, primrose, mixed vegetables, red clover, and tomatoes which give it added benefits in this regard.
Additional research is needed to make sure the results of the application of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth are consistent and how good of a minoxidil natural alternative it can be.
- Biotin
Vitamin B7 is also known as biotin. Its deficiency is a common cause of hair loss, so it is quite logical that supplementing with the vitamin could help manage the effects of the deficiency. Hence, it is also an efficient minoxidil alternative for hair growth. If you are looking for products that contain biotin and all the natural goodness your hair needs to regrow and revitalize, all you need to do is get yourself our hair care products. Our shampoos, conditioners and serums contain all the right, natural ingredients that your hair needs, including biotin.
In recent years, Biotin has become the top, most well-known minoxidil alternative to aid hair regrowth. Biotin’s main role is in helping the body convert food into energy. It also improves the strength of your nails, hair, and skin. It can have a very positive effect if applied topically to the scalp where it gets absorbed easily and through the skin and rehydrates it along with unclogging its pores.
Currently, the clinical studies indicate that biotin supplementation is an effective answer to the hair loss problems but only secondary to biotin deficiency cases.
- Saw palmetto
While saw palmetto fails to outperform conventional treatments for hair loss, it does show certain advantages when taken topically or orally. When taken orally, palmetto shows increased hair growth in 38 percent of males, which makes it a fairly good minoxidil alternative.
It is extracted from the berries of the saw palmetto palm tree. It is full of fatty acids, phytosterols (β-sitosterol), β-carotene, and polysaccharides that help it become a inhibitor of all forms of 5α-reductase in a competitive, non-selective manner. Additionally, it increases the activity of 3α-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase, which increases the transformation of harmful androgen to androstanediol. As a result, the saw palmetto works on multiple sites of action, countering hair loss.
This particular minoxidil natural alternative is also being studied as a topical agent as it has many therapeutic roles and is an efficient choice of treatment for individuals who rather not have oral supplements.
- Rosemary essential oil
Rosemary oil, another minoxidil natural alternative, is derived from rosemary, an aromatic, evergreen herb. It exhibits anti-fungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory characteristics. Rosemary aids to enhance perfusion in the capillaries. 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. Additionally, rosemary oil is essentially a safe, naturally sourced, minoxidil alternative as it did not cause any adverse reactions in recipients.
- Capsaicin
Capsaicin which is derived from chillies is an ingredient found in peppers that have been studied for its usage in both oral and topical applications as a minoxidil alternative. In a 5-month trial, it helped enhance hair growth when compared to a placebo. The use of topical capsaicin, however, resulted in the development of vellus hair contrary to the thick scalp-type hair that people suffering from hair loss would want. While this was a major setback, Biolabs has come up with products that provide you with hair that are thick, lustrous and as thick as you had before they started falling out. This is the reason Biolabs uses all-natural, top of the line ingredients to ensure the maintenance of effectiveness and quality.
- Curcumin
Curcumin is the main ingredient in turmeric and for centuries it has been used therapeutically against inflammation. Curcumin is an excellent minoxidil natural alternative as it works by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines which play their part in depletion of follicles. It also exhibits antimicrobial, antineoplastic, antioxidant, and anti-androgenic properties. Studies do not have enough evidence about the efficacy of curcumin extract only for hair growth; a synergistic effect when used with minoxidil is readily suggested. Curcumin plays a vital role in increasing penetration of minoxidil in the epidermal layer, improving drug availability in patients. So not only it can be used as a minoxidil natural alternative, but it can also increase the medicine's efficacy. To enjoy the hair growth benefits of turmeric try our hair strength and recovery bundle for women.
- Onion Juice
Onion juice is surprisingly another excellent minoxidil natural alternative. Although how applying onion juice in patients of AA is not completely understood, it is deduced that different compounds like phenols and sulfur present in it cause irritation upon contact with dermatitis which results in stimulating hair growth through immune system activation competitively. The efficiency of onion juice, topically in the management of alopecia was evaluated which demonstrated full hair regrowth after an 8 weeks period. The unanimously reported side effect was only an unbearable odor.
- Procyanidin
Procyanidins are flavonoids that you can find mainly in plants like cinnamon, apples, grapes, and cocoa. They exhibit antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. They also stimulate an anagen phase in hair hair development, which brings it forward as an efficient minoxidil alternative for hair growth.
Oral supplementation with procyanidin has proved to be very efficient in all clinical parameters for hair, with increased hair density, hair weight, and keratin content at 2 months. Procyanidins also help to counteract the effects of hair growth inhibitory TGF-β in the body. All these properties just go on to prove the efficacy of this minoxidil alternative. Give these hair nutrient tablets a try to give your hair a fighting chance.
- Caffeine
DHT is the harmful androgen that makes it very difficult to grow new hairs. There are several different ‘DHT Blocker’ products in the market already. These are curated to stop the conversion of testosterone into DHT, which as a result, helps alleviate hair loss.
In a recent study, caffeine has shown wonderful results in helping to block the effects of DHT on hair – which is the reason why you might find it as a prime ingredient in many hair regrowth products. You can enjoy this minoxidil alternative’s effects if you introduce caffeine into your hair care routine and you can do this by using biolabs’ hair products full of the goodness of caffeine.
This minoxidil alternative for hair growth acts as an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase and works by stimulating proliferation of cells. Numerous studies have reported that this minoxidil natural alternative blocks the negative effects of testosterone on hair growth and encourages not only lengthening of hair shaft but also extends the period of anagen stage along with stimulating keratinocyte proliferation. It also helps to down-regulate the expression of certain hair growth inhibitors while increasing the activity of growth factors which act as hair growth promoters. Hair follicles in women also exhibit increased sensitivity to application of caffeine.
Studies have found that the continuous application of this minoxidil alternative for six months daily showed less number of hair shafts on the hair-pull test and while combing. Speed of hair loss appeared to be reduced and overall very less hair loss was observed, making it a super effective minoxidil alternative for hair growth. Caffeine lotion has also proven effective in this regard with similar results.
- Amino acids
There are several amino acids that have been observed as potential minoxidil alternatives, but cysteine and lysine have particularly been studied in humans. These amino acids have been, however, evaluated in conjunction with numerous other ingredients like, vitamin B12, selenium, biotin, and vitamin C. Exponentially reduced hair shedding in women was observed after six months of application. Our hair strength shampoo is very effective in providing your hair much needed amino acids for strength.
Several studies, similarly have experimented with and observed the effects of cysteine in synergy with other ingredients, and have recorded those formulas to provide promising results as minoxidil alternatives. If you want to try products brimming with amino acid goodness you must give our hair strength and growth bundle a try.
Conclusion
Growing healthy hair is a complex matter and depends on various elements concurring and working together to give us our hair goal or what we perceive as a full head of healthy hair.
Every person might notice that a different solution works best for them. Some might find minoxidil to be more effective than any other solution or medicine. However, it is supremely important to be aware of all of the side effects and make an informed decision about whether it is worth taking the risk before using Minoxidil.
There is no valid reason, however, to expose yourself to a product that may be harmful to you by introducing it into your routine, when there is an abundance of minoxidil natural alternatives available. We will always recommend natural, safe ingredients and a holistic approach to your wellbeing. It will for sure make a positive change on the condition of your hair.
We will always be advocates for science-backed, natural remedies when it comes to hair loss. Nature has gifted us all the necessary ingredients to manage our health concerns. We must continue to harvest these sustainably and ethically to address our hair concerns.
References:
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure-medication/art-20048154
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/minoxidil-topical-route/side-effects/drg-20068750?p=1
- https://www.drugs.com/rogaine.html
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/68082
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2007.03119.x
- https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/picture-of-the-hair
- https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/androgenetic-alopecia/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430924/
- https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/studies-uncover-new-approaches-combat-hair-loss-men-and-women
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13659-020-00267-9#Sec12
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17569567/
- https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/492035
- https://www.karger.com/article/fulltext/492035#ref12
- https://www.karger.com/article/fulltext/492035#ref23
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Does minoxidil work?
Yes, minoxidil is an effective solution for hair regrowth. The results are more pronounced if you're under age 40 and have only recently started to lose your hair. It has been medically proven as an effective way to treat hair loss. The rate of its success is, however, down to consistent use. The moment you stop using it, the effects disappear and hair fall ensues.
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Is minoxidil safe?
Like any other medication, Minoxidil might potentially cause adverse effects. The recurrent side effects observed are scalp irritation and redness. After you start taking this drug, you might notice increased shedding instantly- with consistent usage this settles down and it starts to work. There is little evidence from several studies that using Minoxidil for a long period can result in negative side effects. To be safe, it is always best to familiarise yourself with the product, even when there are very low chances of developing side effects.
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Can minoxidil cause hair loss?
Increased hair loss, one of the most common side effects of minoxidil, is often the result of hair follicles rapidly going through the hair growth cycle and shedding before they can enter the anagen phase. This is very normal and a part of the mechanism of how minoxidil works. This instant hair loss settles down after consistent use and then the hair starts to grow back.
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Does minoxidil work for women?
Minoxidil is the only FDA-approved medicine for managing female pattern baldness. It does so by extending the anagen phase of the hair follicles. It's highly recommended for women to use minoxidil 2%, while for men the 5% formula is more effective, as observed. In most women, minoxidil lessens or completely stops hair loss.
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Is minoxidil natural?
No. Minoxidil is actually a type of drug that is converted to its active form, minoxidil sulfate, once in the body by the process of sulfation through an enzyme ‘SULT1A1’. This active form is used as a hair re-growth medicine.
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Why can’t women use minoxidil?
Women can use minoxidil. Minoxidil is now an FDA-approved, over-the-counter medication for both male and female hair loss, unlike its initial form where it was approved only for use among men. In fact, it has now become the most recommended treatment for female pattern hair loss, and studies show the significance of minoxidil in increasing total hair count leading to fuller hair after using it at least for 24 weeks. There are two forms currently available: a 2% topical solution and a 5% topical foam for women to use.
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How effective is minoxidil?
In terms of solving hair loss problems, the researchers found that minoxidil is very effective in 16% of people, just effective in 48% of patients, and had moderate effect on 20% and zero effect in about 16% of the patients.
Further effectiveness depended upon the percentage of solution, consistency, and cause of hair loss among the patients. But overall minoxidil was found to work for every two men out of three.
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Why does minoxidil not work?
As with most medications – sometimes minoxidil does not work depending on the cause of hair loss. Minoxidil has been shown to help stop male pattern hair loss, but a small number of men may not see the results they were hoping for. However, Minoxidil is still one of only two hair loss medications that are backed up by science. When used consistently, Minoxidil can give you the very best of your desired results.