Guide to Minoxidil Alternatives for Hair Loss Treatment
Minoxidil is a commonly prescribed medication for those experiencing hair loss. Whether it is female pattern hair loss or male pattern baldness, the medication has been used across Australia to support a range of hair growth journeys.
However, Minoxidil alternatives are also available in the Australian market. There is a mix of natural alternatives and professional treatments to explore for promoting hair growth.
This guide will walk you through the most well-known alternatives to Minoxidil, including how they aid in healthy hair growth or reduce the rate of hair thinning. Read on to learn more about what options you have available.
What is Minoxidil and its Use in Hair Loss Treatment?
Minoxidil is a medication used in the treatment of female and male pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia. It can only be prescribed by a health care professional but is often used by those looking to manage their hair loss or thinning.
There is both topical and oral Minoxidil, providing two distinct methods of treatment:
- Topical Minoxidil requires the user to apply the medicine to areas of the head where they want hair regrowth
- Oral Minoxidil is prescribed in pill form
- Both methods will have their method and rate of application tailored to the user's hair needs and health
Regardless of the method of application, Minoxidil works by widening the scalp's blood vessels. In turn, this increases blood flow and the delivery of nutrients to the hair follicles, stimulating hair growth.
Although it is not guaranteed to regrow hair to the extent of a hair transplant, Minoxidil is generally recommended to those experiencing:
- Sudden loss of hair
- A receding hairline
- Loss of hair density or thinning in parts, especially if it has only occurred recently
- Family history of hair loss
- Circular or patchy bald spots across the scalp
- Dissatisfaction with current hair thickness
- Noticeable amounts of hair strands on their pillow, in hairbrushes or the shower drain
However, Minoxidil is not the only option available for those looking to undergo a hair growth journey. It may also not be the method you prefer for a range of reasons.
Why You May Not Want to Take Minoxidil
It is important to note that, while Minoxidil has become more widely used in hair regrowth treatment plans, it is not guaranteed to work for everyone.
Everyone's medical history, scalp condition and reaction to the dosage is unique. This means that Minoxidil's effectiveness will vary between users.
You may need to trial the medication for some time to determine its use in your tailored treatment of hair loss. It is advised to report any changes in your condition or comfort to your prescribing health professional to ensure your continued health and safety.
Minoxidil Side Effects
Minoxidil may also cause some side effects in users. While long-term effects are not that prevalent in most users, some common side effects you may encounter are:
- New hair growth in areas of the head beyond the scalp, such as the forehead
- Scalp irritation or redness
- Changes to your usual hair texture or colour
- Less common and more severe side effects that Minoxidil may cause include:
- Dizziness or fainting
- Heart palpitations or a sense of tightness in the chest
- Extra hair growth on the face and body
- Weight gain
- Swelling of extremities
- Fatigue
If any of these symptoms arise, Minoxidil should be stopped immediately. Consult with your health professional on what to do next for your well-being and hair growth journey.
Minoxidil should not be taken by those under 18 years of age, nor by those who are pregnant and/or lactating.
Minoxidil Alternatives for Hair Loss
If Minoxidil is not the treatment method best suited to your hair growth cycle, there are alternatives to explore. Ranging from professional medical treatments to natural remedies, various alternative methods come with their unique advantages.
It should be noted that the following alternatives to Minoxidil vary in effectiveness and credibility. Discuss with your hair growth consultant and/or health practitioner to learn what options would best suit your hair and needs.
Prescriptive Medications
If you want to maintain a prescriptive approach to your hair loss treatments, there are other medications in the market beyond Minoxidil. They will also need to be prescribed by a trusted health practitioner and will vary in effectiveness.
Finasteride
Another commonly used hair loss medication, Finasteride, is intended solely for the treatment of male pattern hair loss. Women are not recommended to make use of this treatment.
Finasteride works by blocking specific male hormone production in the scalp. Excess of this hormone tends to cause hair loss or thinning in the scalp, especially across men's crowns.
The medication usually comes in the form of oral tablets and is prescribed based on a health practitioner's recommendations.
Dutasteride
Much like Finasteride, the medication known as Dutasteride aids in treating androgenetic alopecia in men. It does so by blocking the excessive production of specific male hormones in the scalp that lead to hair loss.
Dutasteride generally takes several months to show visible results. However, it has been shown to be effective in improving hair count, density, and overall growth.
Natural
Few of the following natural alternatives to Minoxidil have definitive proof of treating hair loss. However, they have been included in this guide due to their prevalence in the general populace's recommendations.
While a healthcare professional may not prescribe the following natural treatments, they can be used in a supportive manner to your main treatment plan. Trialling these methods may not lead to hair restoration, but they may improve its health or appearance.
Pumpkin Seed Extract
Pumpkin seed oil has been identified as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient. While research does not definitively indicate its effectiveness in treating hair loss, there are hints that it can improve hair health.
This includes preventing further hair loss by lowering testosterone production in the scalp. Such an approach is suitable for both men and women wanting to stimulate hair regrowth.
Retinoids
Some research into retinoids suggests that issues with hair follicles can be improved with the application of the compound.
Retinoids are often prescriptive, and your health professional may suggest using the compound alongside existing treatments. That is, using an oral medication like Minoxidil with retinoid application.
Generally, however, it is agreed that further research into the subject is required to link retinoids with the treatment of pattern hair loss.
Essential Oils & Natural Ingredients
There is a range of essential oils believed to offer some help in addressing hair loss. Using them on their own is unlikely to cause any improvements, but certain ingredients within them have been noted to improve overall hair health.
- Rosemary oil: Studies have shown that regular application of this essential oil to the scalp can prevent hair loss nearly as well as 2% Minoxidil products. The oil is presumed to do so with increased blood circulation and promotion of cellular regeneration in the scalp.
- Coffee Arabica oil: Also known as green coffee oil, the caffeine in this product is thought to reduce the presence of testosterone in the scalp. Leading to slower rates of hair loss and potential regrowth.
- Capsaicin: A compound found in peppers, capsaicin is currently being tested for its use in hair loss treatments. There is an indication that the application of the compound to the scalp can generate some growth in hair follicles.
More essential nutrients can be found in other oil varieties and products in the market. Performing your own research and trials with these essential oils may result in you finding a product that can support your hair growth journey.
Otherwise, you can wait for the possible results from future clinical trials on the matter. There may be a topical solution discovered that uses natural ingredients to aid in hair loss management.
Medical Treatments
While natural alternatives to Minoxidil may not have much solid evidence of their effectiveness in treating hair thinning or loss, there are medical treatments more trusted in the community. The following treatments may be suggested by a hair growth professional to prevent further hair loss and stimulate some growth.
In some cases, a combination of treatment methods may be suggested for more effective results. This can also include some prescriptive medications like Minoxidil and its alternatives.
Hair Transplant
A hair transplant is a long-lasting and effective means of treating hair loss for most users.
When performed by a professional, new hair follicles can be inserted into the scalp at areas of concern. These new growths can be encouraged to restore hairlines and fill in bald spots for a range of hair loss conditions.
At Gro Clinics, we offer the Precise Follicle Placement (PFP) method for those interested in hair transplants. Unique to our range of clinics, many Australians and New Zealand residents have seen successful hair growth to their precise needs.
Regenera Activa
A non-invasive medical alternative, Regenera Activa uses special cells collected from your own scalp. These cells are applied to areas of concern to bolster the growth of hair follicles.
Over time, your scalp condition improves alongside the presence of new hair growths.
Platelet Rich Fibrin
Much like its label infers, Platelet Rich Fibrin uses your natural platelets to encourage hair regeneration. Over time, better hair density, growth and follicle thickness are projected to improve.
Growth Factor Therapy
A three-step process that uniquely processes blood drawn from you, Growth Factor Therapy injects the blood into key areas of the scalp. The injections introduce proteins known as growth factors, which can reawaken damaged hair follicles.
Low-Level Light Therapy
Low-Level Light Therapy introduces a specific wavelength to areas of concern on the scalp. This light is devoid of heat, vibrations and sound, making it a gentle approach to bolstering hair health and growth.
The treatment works by enhancing the function of connective tissue cells known as fibroblasts. It also works as an anti-inflammatory agent to improve hair and scalp health.
Find the Hair Loss Treatment Alternatives That Suit Your Needs
There are plenty of alternatives to Minoxidil available in the hair loss treatment market. Explore your options with the support of a professional with Gro Clinics.
The experts at our wide range of Australian and New Zealand clinics can help you design a treatment plan tailored to your hair loss needs. With prescription services and medical treatments alike conveniently located in the same place, an answer to your hair loss condition can be found.
Get started today with a free consultation, or send us a message on our website to connect.
FAQs
Can I Regrow My Hair Without Minoxidil?
With a wide range of surgical and non-invasive treatments available, it is possible to grow your hair without Minoxidil. Talk to your health or hair care professional to learn what alternatives best suit your needs.
Is Rosemary Oil as Good as Minoxidil?
With studies showing that rosemary oil may be as effective as Minoxidil 2% treatments, the oil may be as good in managing hair loss. However, it is best to determine a treatment plan with a professional for the safest and most effective possible results.
Can You Still Go Bald on Minoxidil?
Users' experiences vary with Minoxidil.
There are many cases where users continue to experience hair loss at the start of treatment, generally for a few weeks. However, further shedding of hair usually stops after a certain point.
Minoxidil is not completely effective in treating hair loss. There may be instances where hair continues to fall out during treatment. If this happens, it is best to talk to a professional for a revision of your treatment plan.
