Due to the challenges of modern life, hair loss, alopecia or pattern baldness are clinical problems that have haunted many and bothered pharmaceutical researchers to dig deep and find a solution. One of the firsts and the most popular is the Minoxidil 5% medication, commonly known and branded as Rogaine. However, recently another laboratory has come out with a new cure designed for the same problem, Nanoxidil.

With two contending products in the market it raises a dilemma as to which one is effective – the tried and tested solution or the innovation? What is important is to dig deep and look into their compositions, their effectiveness, and the results.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a highly sought-after drug that has been a popular and proven cure for hair loss and alopecia. It has been used as a topical medicine to treat hair loss problems or androgenetic alopecia since the late 1980s. In around 1988, under the brand name of Rogaine, the product was launched and is still in the knowledge of the masses.

Minoxidil comes in two formulations 2% and 5%. Many studies have been carried out to see which one yields better results. The final verdict shows that the higher concentration is likely to show better and faster growth and hence Minoxidil 5 is widely used by the masses now.

How effective is Minoxidil 5?

It is known that Minoxidil 5 stimulates hair growth by enhancing blood circulation to the hair follicles in the scalp. The medication uses potassium channel openers (PCO’s) to open the hair channels and do not affect the hormones in your body. Thus, Minoxidil 5 is effective in cases of hair loss apart from androgenetic alopecia

Nanoxidil

In 2011, DS Laboratories or Divine Skin Laboratories came out with a serum named Spectral.DNC-N contains the formula Nanoxidil. Nanoxidil has been claimed to be an alternative to Minoxidil and as well as advanced Minoxidil. But, the company sure brands it to replace the traditional products as a more efficient option.

Effectiveness of Nanoxidil

The serum deploys 5% Nanoxidil which had significant growth on its testing on mice. Nanoxidil is still under clinical trial and currently, the phase 2 trial is trying to evaluate the degree of efficacy and safety of serum.

Minoxidil vs Nanoxidil: Major Differences

Here are some differences between the two:

●    Chemical Formula

Minoxidil has the formula of C₉H10N5O and a molecular weight of 209.25 g/mol. Nanoxidil has the formula C8H13N5O and a molecular weight of 195.22 g/mol

●    Absorption

The low molecular weight of Nanoxidil theoretically ensures better penetration and absorption of the absorption than the Minoxidil treatment

●    Ingredients

The Spectral.DNC-N serum has more ingredients whereas the Minoxidil 5 medication only consists of Minoxidil. That not only promotes hair growth but also improves hair condition.

Those ingredients are as follows:

1. Caffeine
2. Adenosine
3. Aminexil
4. Procyanidin B2
5. Copper Tripeptide -1
6. Retinol
7. Piroctone olamine
8. Lysophosphatidic Acid

●    Effect on Hormones

Nanoxidil inhibits the male hormone responsible for the thinning of hair named dihydrotestosterone or DHT.  Minoxidil doesn’t affect any hormones and only works through the PCO’s channels.

● Target areas

While Minoxidil 5 is most effective in the crown of the head, Nanoxidil is believed to work both in the crown and on the edges of the head.

● Origin

Minoxidil was redeveloped as a topical hair-growth medication from a hypertension drug whereas Nanoxidil was a research development targeted at hair-loss treatment.

Minoxidil vs Nonaoxidil: Which is more effective?

Nanoxidil is a very recent development and is still under trial. Although the initial studies show results in favor of the efficacy of the medication, the only upside is the lesser side-effects of the new drug which too cannot be ensured. This is because long-term effects are yet to be observed. These reasons have prevented Nanoxidil from receiving FDA approval.

Contrary to this Minoxidil has tried and tested results and an FDA approval. Both 2% and 5% solutions have been in the market since 2006. Before 2014, however, if 5% was used by women it was off-label.  The 5% foam was so popularized amongst men for its convenience that it became a hit for hair loss treatment and its impact on female clients was needed to be evaluated. Thus, after this 2014 experiment 5% minoxidil was approved by FDA for female usage. Besides, it is to be noted that 5% minoxidil is the preferred choice amongst both male and female users.

Thus, Minoxidil is a safe choice and its guidelines and the treatments for its side effects are also well known. You can buy minoxidil 5% hair growth solution to improve your hair thinning condition. Although Nanoxidil shows potential it has yet to pass many tests. It is advisable to consult an expert or a physician before switching from Minoxidil or choosing the former over the latter.