The user tried Minoxidil without success, and Finasteride worked but caused sexual side effects even at a very low dose. They are seeking alternative treatments for hair loss as they cannot tolerate anti-androgens and are also in therapy for mental health.
The user mixes their own RU58841 solution and found that increasing the ethanol content improved absorption and reduced scalp itching. A study on minoxidil showed that penetration increased with higher ethanol concentrations, reaching maximum penetration at 90% ethanol.
The conversation is about whether castor oil can be effectively used alone after microneedling without a penetration enhancer like DMSO or ethanol. The user believes microneedling-induced wounds might be enough for absorption.
The user switched from an alcohol-based Minoxidil to a non-alcohol variant with oleanolic acid due to scalp dryness. They are concerned if the non-alcohol variant will be less effective for hair growth.
Enhancing minoxidil effects can involve using penetration enhancers like DMSO, urea, or retinol, and methods like dermarolling and adding substances like biotin and L-carnitine tartrate. Some users suggest trying higher concentrations of minoxidil if lower percentages are ineffective.