Nanoxidil vs. Minoxidil: Which Hair Loss Treatment is Right for You?

This page compares Nanoxidil and Minoxidil in detail, including their mechanisms, efficacy, side effects, and user recommendations, and serves as a great resource for people looking for reliable hair loss solutions.

Understanding Nanoxidil and Minoxidil   

Minoxidil, which was formerly a blood pressure drug, is now a standard treatment for androgenetic alopecia. It increases blood flow to hair follicles, extending the anagen period of hair growth. It is FDA-approved and compatible with hair transplant treatments, improving overall results. It comes in a variety of concentrations, with 5% being the most prevalent.  

Nanoxidil, a newer chemical, is comparable to Minoxidil but has a smaller molecular weight, potentially resulting in better skin penetration. It claims to promote hair growth while minimizing adverse effects. Its recipe contains azelaic acid, caffeine, topical retinol, and piroctone olamine, which target DHT production and promote hair health.

What is Nanoxidil?

Not only do the names sound alike, but Nanoxidil and minoxidil have essentially identical molecular compositions. This is a newer topical hair loss treatment and compound with a similar molecular structure to minoxidil. Is the only difference? Nanoxidil comprises one fewer carbon chain, which reduces its molecular weight and, theoretically, increases its absorption into the scalp.

What is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil, which is now a popular hair loss treatment, was first created as a hypertension medicine in the 1970s, according to Chambers-Harris. One of its negative effects was excessive hair growth on the body, which led to its development as a topical medicine for treating androgenetic alopecia in both men and women, she explains. Topical minoxidil is available as over-the-counter and prescription medicines in a variety of concentrations, as well as brand names and generic equivalents.

How Do They Work?

The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved minoxidil (the active ingredient in Rogaine®) in 1988 to treat male pattern baldness. Over 35 years after its approval, it remains one of the most popular and successful hair loss treatments. Researchers still don't grasp minoxidil's mode of action (how it acts on the body), but we do know two important things:

• Minoxidil is a vasodilator. This indicates that it dilates blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles. As a result, it improves scalp oxygen and nutrient delivery while promoting hair follicle growth. Larger follicles produce thicker, fuller hair.

• It reduces the telogen phase of the hair growth cycle (when hair is dormant) while increasing the anagen phase (when hair grows), which is necessary for hair renewal.

Benefits and Effectiveness 

Benefits of Using Nanoxidil

Nanoxidil is a topical hair loss treatment that could have several advantages, including:

• Nanoxidil may increase blood flow to hair follicles, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach the hair and promote growth.

• Nanoxidil may reduce scalp inflammation.

• Nanoxidil may cause fewer side effects than other hair loss drugs.

• Nanoxidil contains ingredients such as azelaic acid and caffeine, which may help reverse the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for pattern baldness.

• Nanoxidil contains topical retinol and piroctone olamine, which may stimulate hair growth and reduce shedding.

Benefits of Using Minoxidil

Minoxidil, an FDA-approved component found in topical hair loss therapy shampoos, increases oxygen and blood flow to the hair follicles. This substance offers essential nutrients directly to the hair follicles.

• Slows hair loss.

• Stimulates hair follicles to produce hair again.

• Clinically proven to produce results in approximately four months for women and 2-4 months for men.

• Extends the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle.

• Improves blood circulation in small blood vessels.

• Produces thicker hair.

Comparing Effectiveness

Comparing the Effectiveness of Nanoxidil and Minoxidil:

• Nanoxidil has a slightly lower molecular weight than Minoxidil due to a difference in structure of one carbon and two hydrogens. Nanoxidil weighs 195.22 g/mol, whereas Minoxidil weighs 209.25 g/mol. Technically, Nanoxidil's somewhat lower molecular weight may indicate that it penetrates and absorbs the scalp more effectively. However, this has yet to be proved through head-to-head trials.

• Minoxidil is currently available in a variety of locations, including pharmacies, grocery stores, big-box stores, internet, and compounding pharmacies, where it is mixed with additional active components. Nanoxidil may be a bit more difficult to find. There is now only one product that combines 5% Nanoxidil with other active chemicals, and it is available in some stores and online. Nanoxidil isn't as widely available.

• Minoxidil is typically less expensive than Nanoxidil products. Of course, this will depend on the specific product, whether other active substances are included, your source for the medication, and the amount you purchase.

• Minoxidil is commonly used in conjunction with another hair loss therapy medicine, Finasteride. This is because these hair loss therapies work differently and address distinct causes of hair loss. For some androgenetic alopecia individuals, the combination appears to work better than either substance alone. Minoxidil can be used with the prescription-only Finasteride in some formulations, such as our Strut Topical Finasteride therapy. However, there is currently no formulation of Nanoxidil coupled with Finasteride to help round out the treatment.

• Minoxidil is FDA-approved for treating male and female pattern hair loss. For decades, it has been the only over-the-counter medicine approved by the FDA for hair loss. Nanoxidil, on the other hand, is a relatively new medicine that has yet to be approved by the FDA for any reason. However, this does not imply that it is harmful or that FDA approval will not be granted at some point. These approvals take time, and Nanoxidil hasn't been around very long. It is feasible that the FDA will approve Nanoxidil in the future.

• Minoxidil has been approved and made available for the treatment of hair loss since 1996, and as a blood pressure drug since 1988. Nanoxidil has been around since 2011.

• There is a significant discrepancy between the data available on these two treatments. And this makes sense, given how long they've been around. There have been numerous studies conducted on Minoxidil in large populations, including head-to-head comparisons, strength testing, side effect studies, functionality studies when mixed with other actives, and so on. We understand how minoxidil works, what strengths are best, how it interacts with other hair-loss agents, and what adverse effects may occur. With Nanoxidil, we only have a few small studies that do not directly investigate the potential side effects on a large scale or compare the ingredient to similar medications, including Minoxidil. There is more to learn (or confirm) about Nanoxidil.

Side Effects and Considerations

Minoxidil can irritate the scalp and, in rare situations, promote undesired facial hair growth. Nanoxidil is marketed with a lesser risk of adverse effects. Its components may suppress DHT production, which is a major contributor to pattern baldness, providing a novel approach to hair loss treatment.

Common Side Effects of Nanoxidil

Side effects reported include:

• Skin irritation (small red bumps that cleared up after a reduced dosage)

• Skin dryness

• Mild to moderate skin redness.

• Oiliness or promoting greasy hair

There may be side effects from long-term Nanoxidil use, but these have not been thoroughly studied because most clinical trials have only lasted a short while.

Common Side Effects of Minoxidil

A medicine may have some unintended consequences in addition to its desired effects. Although not all of these side effects are likely to occur, if they do, medical attention may be required. If you experience any of the following side effects, contact your doctor as soon as possible:

• Itching or rash (continued)

• Rare

• Acne at the site of application

• Burning of the scalp

• Facial hair growth

• Increased hair loss

• Soreness or inflammation at the root of the hair

• Reddening of the skin

• Swelling of the face.

Safety and Usage Guidelines  

Keep minoxidil out of your eyes, nose, and mouth. If it goes into your eyes, nose, or mouth, rinse them with cool water. When using a pump spray, avoid breathing it in. Wearing gloves while applying minoxidil will help it soak into your scalp and make cleanup easier. Minoxidil should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, those under the age of 18, or those with certain scalp diseases. It is also not suitable for persons who are allergic to minoxidil or its components, such as propylene glycol. Minoxidil is designed to treat hair loss on the crown of the head, not receding hairlines. To treat dry scalp, apply half a capful of foam or one millilitre of liquid minoxidil. To treat thinning or hair loss, use half a capful of foam or one millilitre of liquid minoxidil on your dry scalp and hair twice a day. On the other hand, Nanoxidil comes in a spray container, so follow the instructions on the bottle. Wearing gloves when applying nanoxidil can help it penetrate your scalp and make cleanup easier.

Choosing the Right Treatment  

Nanoxidil and minoxidil are both hair loss therapies that act by dilating blood vessels, increasing blood supply to hair follicles, and extending the hair growth phase. Minoxidil has been used for about 40 years and has considerable research to support its efficacy, whereas nanoxidil is newer and lacks long-term trials. Nanoxidil may be a useful choice for persons who are sensitive to minoxidil's negative effects; nonetheless, minoxidil is typically considered safer.

Factors to Consider

Personal Experiences and Reviews

Nanoxidil and Minoxidil are two popular topical therapies for hair loss. Here's a comparison based on personal experiences and feedback:

• Minoxidil is well-known and beneficial to many people, but it has side effects and must be taken regularly.

• Nanoxidil is a promising alternative with comparable benefits and potentially fewer side effects but with less long-term data available.

Consulting with a Healthcare Professional

Topical minoxidil (Rogaine) can be applied twice a day to reduce hair loss and encourage new growth. This prescription cream can be coupled with a topical corticosteroid cream. Nanoxidil, on the other hand, is a relatively new medicine that has yet to be approved by the FDA for any reason. However, this does not imply that it is harmful or that FDA approval will not be granted at some point. These approvals take time, and Nanoxidil hasn't been around very long.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision for Your Hair Health

Nanoxidil and Minoxidil both have potential benefits for treating hair loss. Minoxidil is a tried-and-true option, whereas Nanoxidil offers a novel alternative with distinct components and a potentially superior side effect profile. Consultation with a healthcare practitioner or dermatologists is recommended to establish the best solution based on individual requirements.