Tag Archive for: Topical Minoxidil

Minoxidil Liquid Or Foam: Which One Is Right for You?

When choosing a hair regrowth treatment using Minoxidil, you might wonder whether the foam or liquid version is right for you. Dr. Ben Behnam always recommends liquid because foam has a lot of air pockets and gets trapped in your hair. This is an image of a client using a liquid for of Minoxidil with a dropper or pipette that has exact measurements on the glass tube for accuracy.

Once you’re on the path toward hair restoration, you’ll be faced with a variety of choices. For example, you may find yourself with the option of using foam or liquid Minoxidil like our customizable liquid topical Minoxidil treatment here at Happy Head. While the purpose of the medication is the same, they both differ in terms of application and absorption. Learning about the differences between Minoxidil foam and Minoxidil liquid can help you make an informed decision when the time comes to make your choice. 

What is Minoxidil? 

According to the National Library of Medicine, Minoxidil is a medication that’s commonly used for treating hair loss. Minoxidil is a vasodilator–a medication that widens blood vessels. Because of its ability to expand blood vessels, oral minoxidil was initially approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of severe high blood pressure. However, people who were prescribed the drug for their blood pressure began reporting a welcome side effect – hair growth!  As a result, doctors started prescribing minoxidil throughout the 1980s as an off-label medication to treat hair loss clients. 

Topical Minoxidil—available in 2% and  5% concentrations—is an effective hair loss treatment for both men and women. Minoxidil is a vasodilator, which means it works by widening the blood vessels in the scalp, which then increases blood flow to the hair follicles. This increased blood flow delivers more nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles, helping to stimulate hair growth. In addition, Minoxidil increases the size of hair follicles, which can lead to thicker, healthier hair. By “feeding” hair follicles, Minoxidil results in improved hair growth, healthier follicles, and longer strands. (01, 02)

Is Minoxidil an Effective Treatment for Hair Loss? 

Several clinical studies have investigated the efficacy of Minoxidil for the treatment of hair loss. One study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that topical Minoxidil was effective in promoting hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia, a common form of hair loss. The study involved 984 men with mild to moderate hair loss who were randomly assigned to receive either 5% topical minoxidil, 2% topical minoxidil, or a placebo. After 48 weeks of treatment, both the 5% and 2% minoxidil groups had significantly more hair growth than the placebo group. (03)

What Types of Hair Loss Does Minoxidil Treat? 

Although topical Minoxidil has received approval from the FDA for the treatment of specific hair loss conditions, the medication is also used to effectively treat a variety of hair loss disorders. (04)

The FDA currently approves topical Minoxidil for the treatment of these hair loss disorders: 

  • androgenetic alopecia
  • female & male pattern hair loss

However, Minoxidil is also successfully prescribed off-label for:

  • alopecia areata
  • beard and eyebrow growth
  • central centrifugal alopecia
  • chemotherapy-induced hair loss 
  • frontal fibrosing alopecia
  • telogen effluvium

Minoxidil is available in both topical and oral forms. The topical formulation is applied directly to the scalp or other affected areas, while the oral medication is ingested in tablet form. When applying the topical version, users will have to choose between foam or liquid Minoxidil. At Happy Head, our board-certified dermatologists offer both oral and liquid forms of Minoxidil, so after reading this article you can set up a free consultation with them online here. 

Happy Head custom hair loss treatments are made for you and your unique hair loss condition and pattern. We base this formula off of your unique responses to our questionnaire and your consultation with your dedicated board-certified dermatologist.

Minoxidil Foam Or Minoxidil Liquid?

When deciding between foam or liquid Minoxidil, users may need to consider a few factors. While both formulations are effective in promoting hair growth, there are some differences between them that may influence which one is best for a particular individual.

Minoxidil Liquid: Pros and Cons

Minoxidil liquid is the tried and true original formulation of the medication, and it has been available since the 1980s. This liquid version is applied directly to the scalp using a dropper, typically twice a day. One advantage of the liquid form is that it allows for more precise application to the scalp. This can be especially useful for individuals who have a specific area of the scalp where they are experiencing hair loss, as it allows them to target that area more effectively. 

Furthermore, some individuals may prefer the liquid formulation because it can be easier to spread evenly over the scalp. The liquid version of Minoxidil slides freely between hair strands. It also flows through the scalp’s dips and valleys much more thoroughly than the foam version., ensuring adequate coverage. Liquid Minoxidil also offers dry scalp or brittle hair some moisture, improving hair health. 

Along with these advantages comes a few disadvantages. The liquid version of Minoxidil can make an oily scalp look greasy. In addition, oily hair may look even oilier when using liquid minoxidil. Another disadvantage of the liquid formulation is that it can be messy and time-consuming to apply. 

Some people find it challenging to control the amount of medication that’s dispensed from the dropper. The solution to this problem is to use a dropper that’s calibrated and specific to the topical. Lastly, the liquid can take some time to dry after application. For individuals who are in a hurry to get out the door, waiting for the liquid to dry can be a small inconvenience. 

Minoxidil Foam: Pros and Cons

Minoxidil foam is a newer formulation that was introduced in the early 2000s. Much like hair mousse, the foam is applied directly to the scalp using a nozzle. One benefit of the foam formulation is that it makes application a breeze and the foam dries quickly. Minoxidil foam is  less messy than liquid formulations. 

Because the foam is applied using a nozzle, it is easy to control the amount of medication that is applied, and there is less risk of accidentally spilling or wasting the medication. In addition, the foam is less likely to drip or run down the scalp, which can be a problem with the liquid version. 

One significant disadvantage of the foam formulation is that it’s not as easy to target specific areas of the scalp. Because the foam is applied using a nozzle, targeting a specific area of the scalp is challenging. In addition, the foam tends to sit on top of any hair rather than flow to the scalp area. Therefore, foam requires a few extra steps to massage the medication directly onto the scallop. 

Which is More Effective? 

In terms of effectiveness, both the liquid and foam formulations of Minoxidil have been shown to be effective in promoting hair growth. Several clinical studies have investigated the efficacy of Minoxidil for the treatment of hair loss, and most have found that both formulations are effective in promoting hair growth and improving hair density.

One study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology compared the efficacy of 5% minoxidil foam to 5% minoxidil liquid in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men. The study included 45 men who were randomly assigned to receive either the foam or the liquid formulation. After 24 weeks of treatment, both groups showed significant improvement in hair count and hair thickness. Therefore, both foam and liquid are effective treatments for hair loss. (05, 06) As mentioned, at Happy Head, we’ve found our patients to use less product when using the liquid topical form of Minoxidil since the liquid gives you more control over the placement of the liquid topical medication as opposed to losing most of it in the hair when using a foam version.

Minoxidil Foam & Minoxidil Liquid Side Effects

Both Minoxidil foam and liquid have similar side effects. Because both formulations are topical, the most common side effect is skin irritation. Along with irritation, redness, itching, and dryness of the scalp can also occur. 

While these symptoms can be bothersome, they are generally mild and usually resolve on their own with continued treatment. A few rare side effects include fluid retention, blood pressure changes, and electrolyte imbalances. For the most part, Minoxidil topical, both foam and topical, is safe and effective for promoting hair growth in both men and women. 

Which One Should You Choose? Foam Or Liquid

Happy Head’s liquid Minoxidil is made with a special base solution, which is designed to soothe the scalp and minimize the appearance of side effects. Unlike other Minoxidil formulations, Happy Head’s gentler formula reduces skin irritation. Are you wondering which topical hair loss treatment is right for you? Consult with our board-certified dermatologists to develop an individualized hair regrowth plan with you in mind. 

Resources: 

(01) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6691938/

(02) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15034503/

(03) https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(03)03692-2/fulltext

(04) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482378/

(05) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0190962210018116

(06) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6691938/

 

What the Experts Know About Alopecia

Happy Head customer with thinning hair reviewing his progress with our custom topical treatment made my board-certified dermatologists.

Did you know that dermatologists treat more than just skin issues? During their twelve-plus years of training, dermatologists are also taught how to diagnose and treat patients’ hair and nail conditions. That’s why a licensed dermatologist should be your first stop if you’re experiencing hair loss that seems more than the norm. Yes, it’s possible that Covid-19 or the flu temporarily shocked your hair, and it will grow back on its own. However, some types of hair loss require attention. If that’s the case, you don’t want to risk losing valuable time and hair when you could be in treatment.  

So, if seeing hair everywhere but on your head is stressing you out, go ahead and schedule an appointment. Don’t have time to head to an office? Take our online questionnaire and we’ll match you with a dedicated dermatologist to help answer your questions. Don’t worry about your dermatologist thinking you’re crazy or an alarmist. They have seen it all. Meanwhile, here’s a sneak peek at what expert dermatologists know about alopecia and what may be in store for you.  

Alopecia is a Broad Term

Type “alopecia” into Google, and what comes up? Lots of results on alopecia areata. Alopecia areata is one very specific type of alopecia (we’ll talk more about it in a minute). However, there are many different types of alopecia, ranging from there’s nothing you can do but wait for your hair to grow back to it’s time to get on some medication. Alopecia is more of a finding than an actual condition. The word is used by professionals whenever there is some disorder causing hair loss. If you’re losing facial hair, that’s considered alopecia too. So, if your dermatologist uses the word alopecia, don’t worry. It’s a broad term that encompasses many types of hair loss.  

There Are Different Types of Alopecia

Hair loss is not one-size-fits-all. Symptoms and treatments vary based on what type of alopecia you are experiencing. Here’s a primer to help you understand what your dermatologist may look for during your consultation.  

Temporary Hair Loss

Finding hair everywhere but on your head can be upsetting. Before you plan for the worst, though, consider this. Not all hair loss is permanent. Certain medications, illnesses, surgery, and even ultraviolet rays from the sun disrupt your hair’s growth cycle and cause a condition called telogen effluvium. Telogen effluvium is self-limiting, which means that peace will be restored to your scalp once the trigger is removed.  

Insider Advice:  Although hair usually grows back on its own within six months to a year, the waiting game can feel long.  Supplements, thickening shampoos, conditioners, and regular trims can help support healthy hair growth while you wait.  

Genetic Alopecia

Have you ever heard of androgenetic alopecia?  Maybe not, but you’re probably familiar with Male and Female Pattern Baldness (MPB or FPB) which is the same thing.  But wait!  Isn’t that something that only happens to old people?  Well, not exactly.  Anyone who has gone through puberty can experience male or female pattern baldness, a form of genetic hair loss.  As a matter of fact, many people who experience MPB or FPB realize that they started losing their hair before the age of 40. (01)  Androgenetic alopecia is inherited through your family tree and occurs when testosterone converts to a substance called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).  DHT attaches to your hair follicles and gradually shrinks them until they close up.  Hair falls out in easily distinguishable patterns that can be compared to a Norwood-Hamilton Scale to determine the extent of your hair loss.  

Insider Advice:  Don’t fall for any “grow hair fast” gimmicks.  The most effective way to strengthen and regrow your hair is by using vasodilators and prescription DHT blockers.  Topical or oral Minoxidil, Finasteride, Dutasteride, and Spironolactone are all good options.  Don’t expect miracles overnight, though.  You’ll need to be patient.  It takes six months to a year to see results.  

Autoimmune Hair Loss

Autoimmune diseases occur when your body mistakenly attacks healthy cells in your body. When your hair is involved, your hair follicles are attacked, leaving you scrambling to find ways to fight inflammation that blocks your hair follicles’ openings. Autoimmune hair loss falls into two different categories: Non-scarring and scarring. Alopecia areata is a non-scarring alopecia.  Hair falls out in sporadic round or oval patches on the scalp. In some alopecia areata cases, hair will spontaneously grow back on its own.  

Scarring alopecias behave differently and do what their name indicates. Scars grow over the hair follicles and close them off, leaving doctors and patients to play a game of beat the clock. The goal is to keep hair follicles open and to preserve existing hair before the hair follicles are shrunken to the point where they are closed off.  

Insider Advice: Autoimmune hair loss can be tricky to manage. What works for one person may not work for another. Treatment may also require multiple medications. Be patient through the trial process while your dermatologist determines which combination of medications works best for you.  

Facial Hair Loss

If you’re losing facial hair, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s a real thing called alopecia barbae, and it’s usually autoimmune related. Alopecia barbae can cause hair to fall out in small round patches in men’s beards or mustaches. Hair can spontaneously regrow, or patches may stick around for a while. It’s difficult to predict the condition’s path.

Insider Advice: Don’t feel like you have to live with facial hair loss. Many of the treatments used to treat scalp hair loss can be used on your face too. These treatments may include steroids, topicals such as Minoxidil, or, in extreme cases, a class of medications called JAK inhibitors that calm the immune system.  

Give Yourself Time to Grieve, Then Move On

It’s only natural to go through a grieving process, regardless of the type of alopecia you’re battling. For some people like Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, hair can be part of your “brand,” something you’re known for. When that hair is gone, you can feel like you’re losing part of your identity. That’s completely normal. Although nobody wants to have any form of alopecia, keep in mind that the awful feeling you get during your diagnosis won’t last forever. Over time, you and the people surrounding you will get used to your new look.

Topical treatment by Happy Head, being piped out of the glass pipette. Each topical treatment is customized to your patient profile.

If you have difficulty accepting your new normal, try giving yourself a time frame. Say something like, “Self, it’s been a while since I’ve been happy. ’m giving you one more week to be down in the dumps, and then I’m making an appointment for a new haircut.  Then, I’m moving on.” If that doesn’t work for you, a support group or counseling may be what you need to get in the right frame of mind. 

So let’s recap what experts know about alopecia. You’d be surprised how many people suffer from hair loss before consulting a dermatologist. If you think your hair is thinning or balding, get an expert opinion. Your hair woes may be nothing to worry about, or there may be something that can be treated. You won’t know unless you talk with a professional.  

Tight on time? Happy Head can help. Our board-certified dermatologists are available to help answer your pressing questions and help you regrow your hair. Remember one-size-fits-all treatments are a thing of the past, so let’s create a custom treatment that’s formulated to your needs. Fill out our short questionnaire and add a few photos to get started.

Resources

(01) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9865198/

Can You Block DHT Naturally Without Medication?

“No way,” was my initial reaction when my dermatologist first recommended oral Finasteride for my rapidly receding hairline.  My mind was made up, and I was absolutely not taking prescription medication for my hair loss.  I was too afraid of the potential side effects I’d heard about.  Bald certainly was better than impotent, although neither seemed like a great option. True, the number of men who experience sexual dysfunction from Finasteride is minuscule.  With my luck, though, I would be one of the three men out of a million affected.

So, I started checking out natural DHT blockers.  Natural is a better way to go, right?  Here’s what I discovered.  Yes, some natural DHT blockers are showing promise and are worth a test drive.  Are they strong enough to stop your hair loss and regrow your hair?  After many nights of research and weighing the pros and cons, I ended up going the prescription route after all. That doesn’t mean that you won’t come to a different conclusion.   Here’s a guide to help you decide whether natural DHT blockers are the right choice for you.  

Do Natural DHT Blockers Work Differently Than Finasteride, Dutasteride, and Other Prescription Hair Loss Medications?

Is there a difference between how natural supplements and prescription DHT blockers work?  Yes and no.  Functionally, both natural and prescription DHT blockers do the same thing.  They prevent testosterone from converting into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that attacks and shrinks your hair follicles.  When your hair follicles are miniaturized, it’s difficult for healthy new hair to grow, and existing hair falls out.  So functionally, both natural and prescription blockers do the same thing.  The main difference is the way they block the DHT and their strength.  

What Enzymes are Being Inhibited?

One milligram per day of Finasteride selectively inhibits the Type 2 isoenzyme that converts testosterone to DHT.  Half a milligram of Dutasteride inhibits both Type 1 and Type 2.  Yes, Dutasteride is considered a stronger medication because it’s a broader spectrum drug.  How do natural remedies compare?  The jury is out.  Not enough research has been conducted to fully understand which enzymes natural DHT blockers inhibit or the amount needed to do the job.  That said, let’s discuss what we do know.  

Some Supplements Effectively Block DHT

Even though more research is needed, preliminary studies indicate that certain supplements show the potential to stop hair loss and promote new growth. Here are some to watch:

Pumpkin Seed Oil

According to a study conducted on 76 men with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness), pumpkin seed oil increased participants’ mean hair count by 40 percent compared to 10 percent of men who used the placebo.  Most participants did not experience any adverse effects from the pumpkin seed oil. (01)  Before you rush out and buy pumpkin seed oil, consider this.  The study was the first of its kind and the sample size was small.  The study also did not determine how pumpkin seed oil works.  Neither DHT nor prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were tracked.  

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil was put to the test in 2015 during a small research study of 50 men.  When compared to two percent Minoxidil, rosemary oil had a surprising result.  It was found to be equally as effective. (02)  Here’s the catch, though.  Five percent Minoxidil is stronger than two percent and more effective. (03)  Is there a dosage of rosemary oil strong enough to regrow your hair?  The jury is out.  More research is needed.      

Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto is a palm-like tree with berries.  Extracts are known to have medicinal purposes, and there’s evidence that saw palmetto stimulates hair growth.  Thirty-eight percent of men in one research study saw increased growth after using saw palmetto every day for two years.  Sounds promising, right?  It is.  That’s why we added saw palmetto to our supplements, shampoo, and conditioner.  

While saw palmetto is a good complementary treatment to prescription hair loss medications, we don’t recommend it as a stand-alone treatment for androgenetic alopecia.  In the same study, more men who used Finasteride experienced hair growth than men who used saw palmentto.  The study also indicated Finasteride was more effective for men with more advanced hair loss. (04)   

Green Tea

Green tea contains a plant compound called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that is believed to act as a DHT blocker and prevent hair loss due to male and female pattern baldness.  A study on mice indicated that 33 percent of the mice who drank extracted polyphenol from dehydrated green tea had significant hair growth compared to mice who drank plain water. (05)  Another study conducted in vivo and in vitro on humans substantiated the findings. (06)  Before you stock up, though, keep in mind that further research is needed.  We still don’t know exactly how much green tea is required to stimulate growth in humans or how green tea compares to other hair loss medications.  

Lifestyle Enhancements Can Help With Hair Loss

Sure, you know that eating a lot of junk food, drinking too much, and smoking are bad for you.  But, did you know that certain lifestyle changes can help you fight genetics?  Here are a few:

Scalp Massage

Research has indicated that just four minutes of scalp massage that stretches your skin to open the hair follicles can increase your hair thickness. (07)  Should you run out and get a scalp massager?  Maybe.  The study is promising, but it was only conducted on nine men.  A follow-up study indicates that scalp massage is more effective for frontal, temporal, or vertex thinning than diffuse thinning. (08)  More research is still needed.  

Exercise

Contrary to popular belief, exercise won’t make your hair fall out.  Although not proven, it may help promote hair growth and health by improving blood flow to your scalp.  

Diet

Certain foods aren’t likely to make your hair fall out, but nutrient deficiencies are another story.  Vitamin D and iron are the most common deficiencies that contribute to hair loss.  The good news is that the deficiencies are usually temporary.  Once supplements are taken, hair loss will be reversed.  Foods can help make your hair look thicker, healthier, and shinier.  If you’re concerned about hair loss, ensure you’re eating plenty of protein.  Protein is the primary building block contained in keratin that makes up your hair.  

Sleep

Little research has been conducted on the association between sleep and male and female pattern baldness.  One study did find that men with androgenetic alopecia tend to have more sleep disturbances than men who were not experiencing hair loss. (09)  Neither cause nor effect were established.  One explanation could be stress.  Chronic stress can push your hair into a resting phase and cause hair loss.  The solution?  A good eight hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Is There A Downside to Experimenting With Natural DHT Blockers?

If you’ve seen a Hamilton-Norwood scale, you know that male and female pattern hair loss progresses over time.  Early on, the hair follicles are still open, even though they may be starting to shrink.  It’s easier to regrow hair while those follicles are still viable.  If you use a natural DHT blocker that isn’t strong enough as a stand-alone treatment, the follicles could completely close, and you may lose the opportunity to maximize growth. 

What if you Need Something Stronger?

It’s understandable if you want to go the natural route to block DHT.  If going au natural isn’t right for you, though, there are options that will help you avoid the undesirable side effects that you may have heard about.  Topical treatments exist to treat male and female pattern baldness and have been proven to be as effective as oral pills. (10)  They avoid side effects because they are not metabolized systemically.  Here are the top contenders:

  • Topical Minoxidil 
    • Enlarges your hair follicles to allow for new, healthy growth
    • Sold over the counter in two and five-percent solutions
    • Available by prescription in higher dosages
  • Topical Finasteride
    • First-line DHT blocker 
    • Available to men and women who are not childbearing age
  • Topical Dutasteride
    • Broad-spectrum DHT blocker
    • Available to both men and women who are not childbearing age
  • Topical Spironolactone
    • DHT blocker 
    • Only prescribed to women

Another benefit of topicals is the ability to combine multiple treatments into one formula to give the highest opportunity for regrowth.  Minoxidil is often combined with DHT blockers to enlarge the hair follicles while preventing hormones that attack the hair follicles from converting.  

Want to try prescription topical medication?  Topicals can complement natural DHT blockers or work on their own.  New customers can get 50 percent off of their first order.  Visit us and learn how to get started.  

 

Resources:

(01) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4017725/

(02) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25842469/

(03) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12196747/

(04) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23298508/

(05) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2569505/

(06) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17092697/

(07) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4740347/

(08) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380978/

(09) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35469370/

(10) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34634163/#:~:text=Conclusion%3A%20Topical%20finasteride%20significantly%20improves,impact%20on%20serum%20DHT%20concentrations.