Best Medicines For Hair Growth
The top 10 medicines for growing strong and healthy hair are listed below:
1. Cortisone
Cortisone is a steroid. This medicine for hair regrowth is potent and has shown effective results when taken in the form of injections directly on the scalp (1). Note: Oral steroids don’t promote hair growth. Instead, they may cause complications, and topical application may cause irritation and contact dermatitis. Hence, injections are used to treat alopecia areata.
2. Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a popular medicine for promoting hair growth (2), (3), (4). The commercial name of this medication is Regaine, and it contains 5% minoxidil. However, this medicine takes months to show positive results when used diligently. It is important to note that this medicine works temporarily, and hair fall reoccurs whenever the use of the medicine is stopped. Also, prolonged use of minoxidil may cause contact dermatitis, itching, and rashes.
3. Finasteride
Finasteride is another medicine that works on the lines of minoxidil and is more effective in cases where men get bald (5), (6). This medicine promotes hair growth in the crown region and even helps in preventing a receding hairline. Note: Finasteride should be taken under a doctor’s supervision after baseline investigations. Also, contraception is necessary while on treatment.
4. Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary extracts and essential oil have been shown to aid hair growth in multiple studies (7), (8), (9). Apply rosemary essential oil to the scalp to enhance the blood flow in the scalp, which eventually promotes hair growth.
5. Kalium Carbonicum
Kalium carbonicum is a homeopathy medicine that is generally prescribed for preventing the thinning and drying of hair.
6. Silicea
Another effective homeopathic medicine for promoting hair growth is Silicea (10). It is usually prescribed for baldness and brittle hair and nails. It can also help treat dandruff. Worrying about the slow growth of your hair or maybe excessive shedding? These can help!
7. Nioxin Vitamins
The Nioxin Recharging Complex Hair Growth Supplement is a blend of multiple nutrients, including vitamin A, biotin, iron, copper, silicon, and zinc that provide nourishment to hair support healthy hair growth. As we are aware, the lack of key vitamins and minerals in the diet can lead to hair fall. Nioxin supplements help provide your body with vital nutrients that aid hair growth.
8. Diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP)
This medicine is topically administered to the scalp and has shown to promote hair growth (11), (12). It is available in liquid form and has to be applied once a week to strengthen the hair roots and should be used strictly under a doctor’s supervision.
9. Licorice Extracts
This Ayurvedic medicine showed promising results in enhancing hair growth if used diligently (13), (14). Though available in the form of capsules, it can be applied topically as well. It is reasonably priced and excellent for growing good quality hair.
10. Sage Tea
A combination of herbs that included sage was found to enhance hair density and growth (15). Sage can also help reduce dandruff (16). This tea is readily available, and you can wash your scalp with it for better results. Note: Sage tea may cause scalp irritation, so do a patch test before using it on your hair. Is a vitamin E capsule good for hair? Check out the infographic below to learn more useful tips for taking care of your tresses. Yes. A research study showed that tocotrienol, a compound of the vitamin E family, can help boost hair growth by the end of 8 months of supplementation. When compared to people who don’t take this supplement, people taking vitamin E capsules of about 100 mg per day can show 34.5% increase in hair growth (17). Is aloe vera good for hair? Yes. Studies have found that aloe vera helps reduce scalp itchiness, dandruff, and hair fall. It may boost hair strength as well (18). Can onion juice regrow hair? Yes. Studies show that crude onion juice application for about 6 weeks may help regrow hair and boost hair growth, especially for men (19). Does rice water grow hair? Yes. Rice water contains beneficial compounds that help boost hair growth, reduce inflammation, and prevent hair fall (20).
