Natural Hair Growth Solutions That Work Better Than Minoxidil And Finasteride?

Most people might assume that prescription hair loss treatments represent the strongest and most efficacious options. But in this article we’re going to compare the clinical results of the mainstream hairloss treatments (minoxidil and finasteride) with those found in our hair growth serum (melatonin, caffeine and adenosine).

Natural Topical Treatments: Melatonin, Caffeine, and Adenosine

Recent studies have highlighted the potential of melatonin, caffeine, and adenosine as natural hair growth enhancers. Across various trials, these substances have showcased significant increases in hair density and shaft thickness.

Melatonin: For example, in a study of men with male pattern baldness, melatonin was shown to cause a 41% increase in hair density over six months in nearly 60% of the participant. In another study with 1800 volunteers , the percentage of patients with a positive hair-pull test decreased from 61.6% to 7.8% while the percentage of patients with a negative-hair pull test increased from 12.2% to 61.5% [1]

Adenosine: In a study with 110 balding men, 0.75% topical adenosine was compared to 5% minoxidil. The adenosine group had non-inferior recovery rates to minoxidil while patient satisfaction was far higher than the minoxidil group.[2] In another study, 102 men treated with 0.75% adenosine noted a significantly increased percentage of thick hairs.[3]

Caffeine: In a 6 month study of 210 balding men, a 0.2% caffeine lotion was non-inferior to 5% minoxidil in improving the anagen ratio (hairs in growth phase). [4]In another study, a combined caffeine and adenosine solution led to an increased hair count of 55% in 8 weeks. [5]

Aside from results, one of the main advantages of these natural topicals is their almost non-existent side effect profile. Melatonin and adenosine are molecules produces by the body. And caffeine is a botanical stimulant which humans have used for eons and is safe for consumption. The studies on these ingredients consistently report few adverse effects, offering a reassuring option for those that have encountered serious side effects from prescription treatments.

Mainstream Hair Loss Solutions: Minoxidil and Finasteride

Minoxidil: The first product that people experiencing hair loss often go out and buy is called minoxidil (better known by the brand name Rogaine). It’s a topical solutions formulated in 5% for men and 2% for women - no Rx required. In a 2017 meta analysis of minoxidil, hair density increases were observed to range from 8.11% to 14.94% 6] While these results are on par with the aforementioned natural solutions, minoxidil often has side effects ranging from scalp irritation and unwanted body hair.

Finasteride: The second treatment which men experiencing balding often get their doctor to prescribe is called finasteride (Propecia). It’s a drug which reduces DHT levels in the scalp  (the main culprit of male pattern balding according to the scientific consensus). In a 10 yr study of 502 men taking finasteride, men noticed an increased hair count of 16% from baseline while adverse reactions were recorded in 6.8% of partcipants[7]

Comparative Insights: Natural vs. Prescription

Natural topicals offer an organic approach to hair regrowth enhancement with no hormonal meddling or need for a doctors supervision. These ingredients are widely used in skincare for their anti-aging effects and are harmonious with the body. In these studies cited, side effects were not observed and patient satisfaction was high. What’s more, visible results were often attained in a remarkably short time period. For example, 8 weeks in the caffeine adenosine tonic study.

Informed Choices for Effective Hair Regrowth

The choice between natural topicals and mainstream treatments is a nuanced one, requiring alignment with your preferences, timeline, and tolerance for potential side effects. The purpose of this article isn’t to dissuade you from seeing a medical professional and pursuing the mainstream treatments. Bu you should be informed on the latest in hair growth research and decide for yourself.

In our albeit not subjective opinion, these natural topicals - given their proven efficacy and safety - are well worth considering as a first line treatment. And depending on how aggressive your hair loss is, you can add on additional treatments from there.

[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10846263/

[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24183218/

[3] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ics.12235

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5804833/

[5] https://juniperpublishers.com/jojdc/pdf/JOJDC.MS.ID.555577.pdf

[6] https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(17)30306-7/fulltext

[7] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337105943_Long-term_10-year_efficacy_of_finasteride_in_523_Japanese_men_with_androgenetic_alopecia