You Could be Losing Your Hair – and Your Shampoo Might be the Culprit! Each year, millions are caught in the seemingly endless battle against hair thinning and loss, while the solution could be hiding in their very own bathroom – in their shampoo bottle. You might not realize this, but the shampoo you’re using can play a critical role in determining the thickness, structure, and overall health of your hair. Exciting results from numerous recent clinical studies have shown that the right shampoo could promote thicker hair, especially when used with the right accompanying products. Sadly, many are oblivious […]
Top 5 Natural Alternatives To Minoxidil Worth Trying
Updated on September 6, 2024
Most men and many women will struggle with hair loss. In fact, 2 out of 3 American men will experience noticeable hair loss by the age of 35 and by age 50, nearly all men experience significant thinning. (American Hair Loss Association).
It’s not just men who experience the loss. A study from Harvard Medical School found that 30% of women are affected by significant hair thinning.
Minoxidil: what you need to know
Minoxidil is one of the most popular hair loss drugs on the market. It’s also one of the few FDA-approved hair loss drugs clinically proven to reduce hair loss in some users.
However, it’s not a miracle drug. Several clinical trials have shown that Minoxidil is only effective for 60-70% of users, which means that up to 40% don’t see any difference in their hair loss.
Side effects of Minoxidil
Minoxidil has also come under fire because of the numerous potential side effects.
Minoxidil can make hair brittle or dry or change its texture. It also presents several serious risks, including dizziness, fainting, swelling, unusual weight gain, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, palpitations, and difficulty breathing in some cases. It may seem strange that a topical product can cause side effects throughout the body, but it makes sense when you understand that topical Minoxidil can be absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream.
Once in the bloodstream, Minoxidil can affect hormones, too. Please provide a reference for this or eliminate this as this is not true for topical minoxidil. The side effects of Minoxidil in females include increased hair growth on the face or other parts of the body, if one is not very careful during application.
To learn more, try searching “Minoxidil for women” reviews to hear it from the women who have struggled with these side effects.
It’s fair to say that Minoxidil safety is a real concern.
Minoxidil alternatives
Given the potential Minoxidil side effects, many people wonder if it’s worth trying for a 60% chance it will help their hair loss.
Hence, the rise of “natural alternatives” to Minoxidil.
What do we mean by natural? It’s not a scientific term, but it refers to hair growth products made without drugs. These alternatives can be obtained without a prescription because the risks are low to insignificant.
Natural alternatives to Minoxidil are typically made with plant-based ingredients, though it can be hard to tell from a list of ingredients without a degree in chemistry. Many use herbal extracts or compounds from plants with active ingredients (“phytochemicals”). They may also contain ingredients like alcohol, which increases the efficacy of the phytochemicals, as we’ll discuss below.
Just because natural alternatives to Minoxidil are drug-free and made with plant ingredients, you shouldn’t assume they are ineffective. Some have been clinically tested to help reduce hair loss, stimulate thicker and fuller hair, and improve hair density. (We’ll present a list of these solutions in a moment.)
In fact, some of these solutions use natural compounds that have been shown to be at least as effective as Minoxidil in helping reduce hair loss and boost hair thickness. For instance, the plant-based compound “Capilia Longa” – a natural molecule that has gained significant traction in the scientific community recently – was found to produce 177% hair follicle activity after 48 hours, compared to only 170% for Minoxidil.
According to researchers, higher hair follicle activity “correlates with a faster growth of new hair created,”—meaning that the more active our hair follicles are, the more hair we grow. However, some natural alternatives to Minoxidil offer little to no significant benefit for hair growth and activation. It can be hard to distinguish between natural hair loss solutions backed by sound scientific evidence and overpriced placebos, which is why we created this article.
What to look for in a natural alternative to Minoxidil
With so many new hair growth products on the market, it can take significant time to sort through the claims and ingredients. Here are the four criteria I use to objectively assess the potential of natural alternatives to Minoxidil.
1. Clinically-tested active ingredients:
Drugs don’t have a monopoly on clinically tested results. The fact is that drug-free alternatives to Minoxidil have also been demonstrated effective.
However, the market is also full of natural alternatives that don’t actually help stimulate growth. You may have to read between the lines to differentiate between marketing and scientific proof.
Choose products with ingredients that have been clinically tested to help reduce hair loss and increase hair density based on sound, peer-reviewed scientific studies. (Studies led by the brand and conducted in-house, with their own customers, are not enough.)
In this post, we’ll help you choose alternatives to Minoxidil with ingredients that have been scientifically tested to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss.
2. Safe ingredients and limited side effects
Even with natural products, there’s always the chance of an allergic reaction or sensitivity. Remember that plant ingredients have chemicals, too (phytochemicals)!
However, the side effects of natural products tend to be local and superficial, like scalp irritation.Before buying a natural hair growth product, review the potential side effects and reviews. If you have allergies or sensitivities, make an informed choice.
Before buying a natural hair growth product, review the potential side effects and reviews. If you have allergies or sensitivities, make an informed choice.
As mentioned, you may notice alcohol in the ingredients of natural products. While alcohol can cause a mild burning sensation, it’s there for a good reason. Alcohol helps to dilate or open the hair follicles, so the active ingredients can penetrate the scalp to promote hair growth at the root. That’s why many hair loss specialists recommend natural solutions that include a small amount of alcohol.
3. Formulas that improve how hair looks and feels
The best natural alternatives to Minoxidil improve overall hair and scalp health and appearance. Look for formulations that strengthen hair fibers, promote natural shine, and smoother or softer texture.
This is an important advantage these products can offer over Minoxidil and other drug-based growth products.
Also, look at what customers say about using the product. How does it leave hair looking, feeling, and smelling? These are important considerations because you’ll use this product every day.
4. Realistic hair growth claims
There’s no way around it: hair growth takes time. You will need to consistently apply the product daily before seeing results after 3-5 months. If a brand makes unrealistic claims about timelines, move on.
Likewise, beware of brands that only show users or models with unrealistically full hair. Good results are noticeable but more modest. Buy from brands that offer realistic results.
If a company’s marketing is misleading, they’re likely compensating for a poor product.
The Top 5 Best Natural Minoxidil Alternatives
While there are hundreds of natural Minoxidil alternatives on the market, few pass the tests. We evaluated the top contenders against the criteria above to recommend the best natural Minoxidil alternatives.
The recommendations below are based on scientific studies, evaluation of potential side effects, customer reviews, and ratings. This review has been conducted in collaboration with trichologists and dermatologists to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the information presented.
1. Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Growth & Nutrient Bundle
The Bio-Pilixin® formula was developed by Scandinavian Biolabs, a Danish brand known for formulating plant-based hair loss solutions with minimal side effects.
The star ingredient in Bio-Pilixin is Capilia Longa, a natural compound derived from Curcuma Longa, shown in multiple studies to reduce hair loss and increase hair density by boosting IGF-1 production, a key hair growth hormone. It is this clinically tested ingredient that makes Scandinavian Biolabs are top pick as a natural alternative to Minoxidil.
A 5-month study by the Capillary Technology Center found:
- 93.3% were satisfied with the results
- 93.3% of volunteers had reduced hair loss
- 73.3% saw improved hair density
PROS
- Independently evaluated clinical study.
- Key Ingredient Capilia Longa ™ Increased IGF-1 levels, 26% more effective than Minoxidil.
- Comprehensive solution with Nutrient Tablets and Hair Activation Serum
- Minimal side effects.
- 150-day money-back guarantee.
CONS
- Customers with sensitive skin may not tolerate the tingling sensation
- On the higher end for cost at £55
2. Vegamour GRO Hair Serum
Vegamour is another leading natural alternative to Minoxidil. The Vegamour serum contains several ingredients that may stimulate hair growth. It also includes an impressive number of ingredients to promote scalp comfort and improve hair texture.
Downsides? The results come solely from a “consumer study. Brand-led consumer studies are less reliable, which is where this serum loses points.
Also, the cost can be prohibitive. Ounce for ounce, Vegamour is almost 3x the price of the top-rated growth serum.
PROS
- Contains active ingredients for hair growth
- Users observed less hair loss and stronger, healthier hair
- Realistic promises (results start around 90 days)
- Promotes scalp and hair health
- Vegan, cruelty-free formula
CONS
- Expensive at US $60+ for 1oz (30 ml) bottle
- Results are from a brand-led user study (not a clinical study)
- Company has faced legal challenges for exaggerated marketing claims
3. Pura D’Or Hair Thinning Therapy Energizing Scalp Serum
We chose to include this natural alternative to Minoxidil because of the interesting combination of effective ingredients, such as caffeine, pea extract, and green tea extract. Some clinical research supports these ingredients. Users should note that the Pura D’Or serum also includes potential allergens and irritants, like many other natural products. Overall, the serum combines beneficial and scientifically backed ingredients with some elements that require caution.
PROS
- Contains active ingredients for hair growth
- Supports scalp health and circulation
- Promotes healthier hair
- Backed by positive customer reviews
- Relatively inexpensive at €30 for 4oz (120 ml)
- Vegan, cruelty-free
CONS
- Limited efficacy of growth ingredients
- Includes allergens and irritants
4. Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
The Mielle Organics natural alternative to Minoxidil is made with ingredients traditionally believed to promote scalp health and growth. Of these, rosemary oil is the most promising. If you have allergies or sensitive skin, note that some ingredients may cause irritation. Finally, while “organics” is in the name, the ingredients do not appear to be organic.
PROS
- May stimulate new growth and/or extend the hair growth cycle
- Moisturizes and protects the scalp and hair
- Very affordable at €10 for a 2oz (60 ml) bottle
- Backed by significant positive reviews
CONS
- Research on some growth ingredients is mixed
- Includes ingredients that may cause skin irritation
5. Grow Gorgeous Intense Hair Growth Serum
Again, this is another natural alternative to Minoxidil with a combination of natural ingredients that may stimulate growth. Some research supports the growth ingredients, which include caffeine, pea sprout extract, green tea extract, and clover flower extract. The Grow Gorgeous formula loses points because it includes multiple ingredients that could be irritating.
PROS
- Contains ingredients that can stimulate hair growth
- Exfoliates, deeply hydrates, soothes, and protects scalp
- Supports hair health
- Relatively inexpensive at US €45 for a 3.4oz (60 ml) bottle
CONS
- Includes multiple preservatives (safe within limits)
- Contains perfumes (better avoided)
- Contains sodium hydroxide (can be harsh and cause irritation)
- Contains phenoxyethanol (used in excess can cause skin irritation)
Sources
MyHealthGuide uses only trusted sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
- Oral Minoxidil treatment for hair loss: A review of efficacy and safety
- Minoxidil use in dermatology, side effects and recent patents
- Alternative herbal drugs used for treating hair disease
- Hair growth promoting effect of Zizyphus jujuba essential oil
- Rosemary oil vs Minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial
- Evaluating hair growth activity of herbal hair oil
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