Over-The-Counter Drugs Against Hair Loss

March 2018 in “ Dermatologie pro praxi ”

Markéta Peřinová

minoxidil caffeine vitamins minerals nutritional factors medicinal plant extracts Rogaine

From the encyclopedia

Minoxidil →

An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

Caffeine →

the stimulant you know and love can be used topically to stimulate hair

Studysummary This article reviews over-the-counter products and active ingredients marketed for hair loss treatment, noting that many lack robust efficacy evidence except for minoxidil, which has temporary effects, and highlights the caution needed when recommending products to pregnant and breastfeeding women. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The document from March 22, 2018, provides an overview of over-the-counter products and active ingredients available for self-treatment of hair loss, including both oral and topical applications. Although the market offers a wide range of products, few are registered as medicinal products, with most being dietary supplements or cosmetic products. The efficacy of most active ingredients lacks substantial evidence, with the exception of minoxidil, which has a proven effect that disappears 3-4 months after discontinuation. Other ingredients used include caffeine, vitamins, minerals, other nutritional factors, and extracts from medicinal plants. Special consideration is required for pregnant and breastfeeding women, for whom vitamin supplements specifically designed for them are the best choice.

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Research cited in this study

14 / 14 results

research Effect of Pumpkin Seed Oil on Hair Growth in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

36 citations , January 2014 in “Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine”

This study found that men with androgenetic alopecia treated with pumpkin seed oil for 24 weeks experienced a notable 40% increase in hair count compared to a 10% increase with a placebo.

research Guidelines for the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia (2010)

38 citations , December 2011 in “Journal of Dermatology”

This article reviews current guidelines for managing androgenetic alopecia and highlights the need for guidelines tailored to Japan; it reports no new clinical results.

research Evidence-Based Guideline for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women and Men

198 citations , October 2011 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft”

This article discusses the development of an evidence-based guideline for treating androgenetic alopecia and reports no new research results.

A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study to Assess the Efficacy of a 24-Week Topical Treatment by Latanoprost 0.1% on Hair Growth and Pigmentation in Healthy Volunteers with Androgenetic Alopecia

research A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study to Assess the Efficacy of a 24-Week Topical Treatment by Latanoprost 0.1% on Hair Growth and Pigmentation in Healthy Volunteers with Androgenetic Alopecia

81 citations , August 2011 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, latanoprost significantly increased hair density in young men with mild androgenetic alopecia after 24 weeks, suggesting it may stimulate hair follicle activity and treat hair loss.

research Medical Treatments for Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

212 citations , September 2008 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This review discusses the various treatment options for male and female pattern hair loss and provides no new clinical results; the authors outline the most effective strategies based on existing evidence.

research The Role of Hair Follicles in the Percutaneous Absorption of Caffeine

182 citations , December 2007 in “BJCP. British journal of clinical pharmacology/British journal of clinical pharmacology”

This study demonstrated that hair follicles significantly expedite the absorption of caffeine through the skin compared to interfollicular pathways.

research Follicular Penetration of Topically Applied Caffeine via a Shampoo Formulation

93 citations , January 2007 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology”

In this study, caffeine applied in a shampoo penetrated hair follicles faster and more effectively than through the skin surface within the first 20 minutes.

research Effect of Caffeine and Testosterone on the Proliferation of Human Hair Follicles In Vitro

114 citations , January 2007 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that caffeine can stimulate hair growth in vitro and counteract testosterone-induced growth suppression in hair follicles from male AGA patients.

research Dietary Supplement Increases Anagen Hair Rate in Women With Telogen Effluvium: Results of a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

47 citations , December 2006 in “Therapy”

This study found that a dietary supplement containing L-cystine, medicinal yeast, and pantothenic acid significantly improved hair growth in women with telogen effluvium over six months compared to placebo.

research A Pilot Study Evaluating the Efficacy of Topically Applied Niacin Derivatives for Treatment of Female Pattern Alopecia

27 citations , December 2005 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This study found that topical application of niacin derivatives significantly increased hair fullness in women with female pattern hair loss compared to a placebo after six months.

research Effects of the Extract from Bergamot and Boxthorn on the Delay of Skin Aging and Hair Growth in Mice

3 citations , August 2003 in “PubMed”

This study found that bergamot and boxthorn extract significantly improved skin antioxidant activity and collagen content while promoting hair growth in mice.

research Nutritional Factors and Hair Loss

239 citations , July 2002 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

This review explores the role of nutritional factors in hair loss, noting that iron and l-lysine supplementation may benefit some individuals, while excessive supplements can lead to hair shedding.

research Treatment of Hair Loss

370 citations , September 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

This article discusses the treatment of androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata with finasteride and minoxidil but reports no new clinical results.

research Randomized Trial of Aromatherapy for Alopecia Areata

122 citations , November 1998 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study found that aromatherapy involving essential oils significantly improved symptoms of alopecia areata compared to carrier oils alone in a randomized controlled trial.