Shampoos, Vitamins and Other Promises: What Does Minoxidil Really Boost?

Hair loss is a growing concern for many people, which has fueled a market saturated with products that promise to reverse or slow down this process. Between fortifying shampoos, specialized vitamins and miracle serums, one of the few treatments approved by regulatory agencies such as the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) and the EMA (European Medicines Agency) is minoxidil. But how much can this drug really boost? Can it replace other solutions, or should it be used in conjunction with them? Throughout this article we will explore what science says and separate the evidence from the commercial promises.

Minoxidil: A drug with a history

Minoxidil was not born as a hair treatment. Initially, it was developed in the 1970s as an oral vasodilator to treat high blood pressure. However, one side effect caught the attention of researchers: hair growth in different areas of the body. This led to its topical reformulation for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, also known as male and female pattern baldness.

Today, minoxidil is available in 2% and 5% concentrations, with studies showing its effectiveness in prolonging the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. But its exact mechanism of action remains unclear, although it is believed to improve vascularization of the hair follicle, increase the size of miniaturized follicles, and activate potassium channels.

The most commonly used products with minoxidil**

Minoxidil is marketed under various brands and formulations that vary in presentation and concentration. Among the most recognized are:

Rogaine (Regaine in Europe): This is the pioneer brand in topical minoxidil and one of the most clinically studied. Available in 5% foam and solution versions for men and 2% for women.

Kirkland Signature: Known for offering a more affordable alternative to Rogaine, it contains 5% minoxidil in topical solution.

Foligain: Features formulas with minoxidil in combination with other active ingredients such as peptides, caffeine, and DHT blockers.

Hims & Hers: Companies specializing in customized hair loss treatments, including minoxidil in their formulas along with specific supplements and shampoos.

Keeps: Another brand focused on treating male pattern hair loss with minoxidil, finasteride, and complementary products.

Lipogaine: Known for including additional ingredients such as biotin, azelaic acid, and saw palmetto extract to improve scalp health.

These brands have developed different formats and strategies to improve treatment adherence, reducing side effects such as scalp irritation. Additionally, some products have incorporated ingredients such as biotin and caffeine with the promise of boosting hair growth, although scientific evidence on their effectiveness combined with minoxidil remains limited.

Minoxidil is found in various forms, but the most commonly used are:

Topical solution: This is the most common form, available in 2% and 5% concentrations. It is applied directly to the scalp and must be used continuously to maintain its effects.

Foam: Similar to the solution, but with a lighter texture that facilitates absorption and reduces irritation in people with sensitive scalps.

Oral minoxidil: Although it is not approved by the FDA specifically for alopecia, some dermatologists prescribe it in low doses for certain cases of hair loss resistant to other treatments.

Combined shampoos and serums: Many brands include minoxidil in formulas with other ingredients such as caffeine or biotin, although evidence on its effectiveness in these formats is limited.

Despite the variety of presentations and combinations, the key factor remains consistency in its application and following an appropriate regimen under medical supervision.

Products that combine minoxidil and biotin available on the market

There are products on the market that combine minoxidil and biotin, seeking to offer a comprehensive solution for hair growth and strengthening. Below are some of them:

PEFAMNE 5% Minoxidil for Men and Women: This oil combines a 5% concentration of minoxidil with biotin, as well as other vitamins and nutrients. It is designed to restore hair follicles, maintain hair density, and promote healthy new growth. It is recommended to apply it twice a day for best results.

Minoxidil Thickener with Biotin - Minoxigrow Brand: This product combines 5% minoxidil with biotin and saw palmetto. It is aimed at both men and women and promises growth, thickening, strengthening, and hair loss control. Its effectiveness in thickening facial hair and covering areas with lower hair density is also mentioned.

It is important to note that although these products combine minoxidil with biotin, scientific evidence on the additional efficacy of biotin in people without specific nutritional deficiencies is limited. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist before starting any hair loss treatment.

Does it work better combined with shampoos or vitamins?

Hair product brands often combine minoxidil with other active ingredients in shampoos or vitamin supplements, suggesting that this will enhance its effect. However, available research does not support a significant improvement when minoxidil is used in shampoos rather than in its classic solution or foam form.

Studies have shown that minoxidil requires prolonged contact with the scalp to be absorbed. A shampoo, being a product that is quickly rinsed off, drastically reduces the exposure time, which limits its effectiveness. The FDA has not approved any shampoo with minoxidil to treat alopecia, indicating that the evidence for its role in this form is insufficient.

As for vitamins, the situation is different. Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of iron, biotin or vitamin D, can contribute to hair loss. However, in people with a balanced diet, supplements do not offer a significant extra benefit in treatment with minoxidil. In fact, studies have shown that excess of certain vitamins, such as A, can even cause hair loss.

The myth of the immediate "boost": Is it more noticeable in topical or oral form?

One of the most widespread misconceptions is that minoxidil produces immediate results or that its effect is cumulative in the short term. In reality, the first visible changes usually appear between three and six months of constant use, with maximum results observed between the first and second year of treatment.

The perception of a "boost" or acceleration in results can vary depending on the form of administration:

Topical minoxidil: Since it is applied directly, its effect depends on the consistency of its use. Many people experience an initial phase of "shedding" (temporary hair loss) before noticing improvements, which can lead to confusion.

Oral minoxidil: Some studies suggest that in certain patients, especially women with chronic telogen effluvium or diffuse alopecia, low-dose oral minoxidil may provide faster results than the topical version. However, more research is still needed to determine its long-term safety and effectiveness.

Note: It is important to note that minoxidil does not "revitalise" follicles indefinitely. Continued use is necessary to maintain results, as when it is discontinued, the hair stimulated by the drug falls out again within a period of months.

González, M. E., & Cantelli, L. (2020). Minoxidil in the treatment of alopecia. Cosmetic, Medical and Surgical Dermatology, 18(3), 171-176. Retrieved from https://www.medigraphic.com/pdfs/cosmetica/dcm-2022/dcm223q.pdf

Rodríguez, C. L., & Jiménez, F. (2021). Oral minoxidil for the treatment of androgenic alopecia: a review. Dermo-Sifiliographic Acts, 112(9), 755-762. Retrieved from https://www.actasdermo.org/es-fr-minoxidil-oral-el-articulo-S0001731019301668

González-González, M., & Camacho, F. (2020). Treatment of alopecia with oral minoxidil: 5 key aspects. Medscape in Spanish. Retrieved from https://espanol.medscape.com/verarticulo/5908458

United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2022). The FDA approves the first systemic treatment for alopecia areata. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/la-fda-aprove-el-primer-tratamiento-sistemico-para-la-alopecia-areata

IRYCIS researchers coordinated a worldwide multicenter study including more than 1,400 patients to confirm that low-dose oral minoxidil is a therapy against alopecia with a good safety profile as well as efficacy. (2021). Ramón y Cajal Institute for Health Research (IRYCIS). Retrieved from https://www.irycis.org/es/comunicacion/noticias/141/investigadores-del-irycis-coordinan-un-estudio-multicentro-a-nivel-mundial-alquil-a lkyl-alkyl-alkyl-alkyl-alkyl-in-low-dose-is-a-anti-alopecia-therapy-with-a-good-safety-profile-as well as-effective

Minoxidil and Biotin Hair Growth Oil for Beards and Prevent Hair Thinning, 5% Minoxidil for Men and Women, 1 Ounce. (n.d.). Amazon. Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Minoxidil-crecimiento-prevenir-adelgazamiento-minoxidil/dp/B0CH9TVW58

5% Minoxidil for Men with Biotin, Minoxidil for Women, Topical Hair Growth Solution. (n.d.). Amazon. Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Tecflox-Minoxidil-minoxidil-crecimiento-unidades/dp/B0DLVS91WL

CUTEM Hair Solution Minoxidil 5% Finasteride 0.1% Biotin 0.1% 120ml. (n.d.). CUTEM Pharmacy. Retrieved from https://farmaciacutem.com/producto/cutem-solucion-capilar-minoxidil-5-finasterida-0-1-biotina-0-1/

Study finds which treatment for male pattern baldness is most effective. (2022). CNN in Spanish. Retrieved from https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2022/02/03/estudio-tratamiento-calvicie-masculina-trax

Minoxidil in women. (2023). Capilando. Retrieved from https://capilando.com/blog-capilar/minoxidil-en-mujeres/