You may be wondering: "Can I combine hair growth treatments for better results?” With many so-called “expert” opinions on hair growth treatments, you are not the only one confused about suitable hair loss treatment options.
Since so many customers asked the same questions, we asked our expert, Dr. Ben Behnam, renowned dermatologist and co-founder of Happy Head Hair Growth Treatments, his opinion. Here’s what he tells patients when they ask, “Can I combine hair growth treatments?”
Key Takeaway
- It is not only necessary to combine hair growth treatments but also recommended to do so.
- Combining hair growth treatments improves results and is effective in treating people diagnosed with more than one type of alopecia.
- Minoxidil and Finasteride are currently the best combination for treating male pattern baldness, while Minoxidil and Spironolactone pairing is the best for women.
Your Hair Growth Treatment Options: Oral and Topical
First, let’s talk about the options available out there. It’s no secret that there are plenty of over-the-counter (OTC) hair loss foams, creams, and supplements. Are they just as good as prescription medications?
While many OTC hair loss products include tested and proven key ingredients, prescription medications are available in higher doses. For example, Minoxidil is available OTC in 2 and 5 percent liquids and foams. You’ll need a prescription to get higher eight or ten percent topical dosages.
Then, there’s the oral versus topical debate. Which to use often comes down to personal preference. Topical medications have been proven equally effective as oral medications when used at recommended dosages.
Since topicals aren’t ingested, systemic side effects aren’t typically an issue. If scalp irritation becomes an issue, cortisone or switching to a liposomal formula should solve the problem. Topicals with a liposomal base release medication into the hair follicles gradually, minimizing potential side effects.
People concerned about sexual side effects associated with Finasteride, Dutasteride, and other DHT blockers may prefer topicals.
People who don’t want to apply hair oil or cream a couple of times a day may prefer oral pills. Orals are an easy-to-take, no-mess option. Since they are ingested, however, they can cause systemic side effects.
Benefits of Combining Topical and Oral Medications for Hair Growth
Let’s return to our original question: Can I combine topical and oral medications? The answer is yes.
Dr. Ben likes to call this technique “sandwiching.” Sandwiching by mixing topical and oral hair loss treatments helps attack hair loss from multiple angles. Here’s how it works:
Start With Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a vasodilator. It widens your blood vessels, increasing oxygen, nutrients, and growth factors. Topical Minoxidil is absorbed into your skin and penetrates the epidermis to reach the hair follicles. Ingested oral Minoxidil works similarly to topical but can affect other blood vessels in your body, too, since it’s systemic.
Both topical and oral Minoxidil affect your hair growth cycle. Minoxidil shortens the resting phase when hair stops growing, falls out, and kicks more hair follicles into the growth phase. The result is less hair loss and longer hair growth.
In fact, studies demonstrate that 61 to 100 percent of patients with androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss) who took 0.25 to 0.5 milligrams of oral Minoxidil saw significant improvement. (1)
Add a DHT Blocker
DHT is the villain that causes androgenetic alopecia by attaching to your hair follicle’s receptors and signaling them to shrink. When that happens, the follicles produce thinner and shorter hair strands. Over time, the weak follicles may stop producing hair altogether.
DHT blockers are medications that prevent testosterone from converting to a hormone called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The most well-known DHT blockers are Finasteride and Dutasteride.
Finasteride selectively inhibits type II 5-alpha-reductase enzyme. Targeting this enzyme can help slow down hair loss. Dutasteride inhibits both type 1 and type II of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme.
Because it has a wider spectrum, it can be more effective at reducing DHT levels in some people, especially those who do not get the desired response from Finasteride.
Finasteride and Dutasteride are both available orally and topically. Since you’ve already decided to take oral Minoxidil and may not want to take too many systemic medications simultaneously, you can choose to use topical Finasteride or Dutasteride simultaneously.
Note: Are you looking for an extra boost from your DHT blocker? As long as your dermatologist is on board, you can use the same oral and topical DHT blockers, including Finasteride and Dutasteride, simultaneously.
Spironolactone is Another Option for Women
Spironolactone is another type of DHT blocker. It stops the effects of the hormone testosterone produced in the adrenal glands. It also blocks DHT, which makes it a popular treatment for androgenetic alopecia.
Oral Spironolactone is usually only prescribed to women since it can cause breast enlargement. Topical is safe and effective for both men and women. Research indicates that Spironolactone’s efficacy improves when combined with Minoxidil (2). So, for women, pairing up Minoxidil and Spironolactone may be a good option.
Regrow Your Hair With Key Ingredient Dutasteride
How Can I Combine Hair Growth Treatments That Work for Me?
There isn’t one surefire hair growth product or treatment that works across the board for everyone. Hair loss treatments can be combined in many different ways, and it may take some experimenting to see which combo works best for you. Here are some tips that will help you throughout your hair regrowth journey:
- Start with a personalized treatment plan. A board-certified dermatologist can evaluate your hair loss and recommend the proper medications for you.
- Track your progress by taking photos around the same time each month. Your regimen can be adjusted as needed.
- Manage your stress. Hair is sensitive to your overall well-being. Both short-term and chronic stress can affect your tresses. Go for a walk, listen to your favorite song, get a massage, talk to a therapist… do whatever it takes to keep your head in the right place.
- Eat well. Your hair gets its nutrients from your body. The better you feed your body, the healthier your hair will be.
- Take care of your hair. Use suitable hair care oils and gentle shampoo and conditioner, avoid heat styling, and get regular trims.
Let’s recap. Not only can hair growth treatments be combined, but it’s often recommended. Since the most effective hair loss treatments are only available by prescription, you’ll need to consult with a dermatologist who specializes in hair loss.
Both oral and topical medications are equally effective. Depending upon your medical history and personal preferences, you may have some flexibility with the type of hair loss medication you choose. Common combinations are Minoxidil with some type of DHT blocker. Oral and topical DHT blockers can often be used at the same time as well.
If you’re looking for help with your treatment plan, look no further. Happy Head is here to help. Our hair growth specialists and licensed dermatologists located in every state are available to review your case and make recommendations. You can get customized formulas delivered directly to your front door.
Have any questions? Get in touch. We’re here to support you on your hair growth journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I combine hair growth treatments?
Yes. You can not only combine different hair growth treatment medications, but it is also recommended that you do so. There are different types of alopecia, and one can be diagnosed with more than one type. Combining medication, in this case, is necessary.
Additionally, different people have different responses to hair growth remedies. Finding the right combination for your hair type can speed up hair growth and even produce better results.
What is the best combination I can use for hair growth treatment?
The best combination for hair growth treatment depends on many factors, including the type of alopecia, side effects, and gender. For instance, only two scientifically proven hair growth medications for male pattern balding are Minoxidil and oral Finasteride. For women, pairing Minoxidil with Spironolactone may be a good option.
However, consulting a certified dermatologist can be a good starting point for finding the best combination for hair growth treatment.
Can I use over-the-counter hair oil instead of consulting a dermatologist?
While there are many OTC products out there to choose from, the problem is that you don't know what combination best works for your hair loss problem. In fact, buy cosmetic oils meant to make your hair attractive but not help you with your hair regrowth journey. It is better to seek a qualified opinion and prescription from a dermatologist.
What are the side effects of combining hair growth treatments?
The side effects of combining hair growth treatments may vary from one person to another, which is why you want to seek an expert opinion before jumping into a cocktail of drugs and hair growth oils. Allergy, pregnancy, and age are some side effects of combining hair growth treatments.
Even for topicals that aren’t ingested, side effects such as scalp irritation may still be experienced.
Are there any particular benefits to combining hair growth treatments instead of just one option?
Yes. Combining oral and topical hair growth treatments provides the most effective results, as it can address different types of alopecia simultaneously and speeds up the hair regrowth process.
References
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13659-020-00267-9
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10010138/
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