The US may be experiencing a possible shortage of popular hair loss treatment, minoxidil, also known as Rogaine, according to recent research. This means that people who depend on the oral version of the medication may begin to lose the hair they’ve regrown, warned Adam Friedman, professor and chair of dermatology at George Washington University.
Although minoxidil is seen as one of the best products for hair growth, there are other options available from prescription medications to essential oils. However, dermatologist Brendan Camp from New York noted that trying new alternatives, particularly natural products, could involve some trial and error.
If you’re affected by the Rogaine shortage, it might be worth switching medications or choosing high-quality supplements instead. Here are five options to consider:
1. Finasteride
Aside from minoxidil, Camp said that finasteride (brand name Propecia) is another prescription medication that treats thinning hair. However, it’s intended only for male patients, as it can cause birth defects in pre-menopausal women.
2. Rosemary oil
A small 2015 study involving 100 men found that massaging rosemary oil into the scalp weekly could help regrow hair over 3-6 months. Although the study only involved men, some women also reported successfully using rosemary oil to treat hair loss.
3. Saw palmetto
This extract from a tree of the same name is “thought to block the activity of an enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT, the hormone that causes hair loss,” says Camp. It’s considered one of the best oils for treating thinning hair, although more high-quality studies are required to compare its effectiveness to leading hair growth medications.
4. Spironolactone
For female patients experiencing hair loss, spironolactone, a blood pressure medication commonly prescribed to treat hormonal acne, can also help with thinning hair. By interfering with androgen signaling, it reduces hair loss. Men can take spironolactone, but some undesirable side effects, including breast tissue growth and erectile dysfunction, are possible.
5. Microneedling
At-home microneedling kits may stimulate blood circulation on the scalp, which can improve oxygenation on the scalp skin. Microneedling can potentially preserve hair follicles and reduce hair loss.
While these alternatives are worth considering, users should always double-check with their doctors before starting any new treatments. Supplements and oils are not FDA-regulated, so the purity may vary from product to product, warns Camp.
