KLS Aesthetics is now offering FINAPID, a topical hair treatment designed to enhance hair thickness and growth. This custom compounded prescription product combines two key ingredients: minoxidil (the active ingredient found in Rogaine®) and finasteride (found in Propecia®). Both ingredients have a long history of treating hair loss and are FDA-approved for use in both men and women. Each is supported by significant evidence, though there are a few major differences in the ways these medications work to stop hair loss and promote hair growth.
How Minoxidil Works
Originally developed to treat high blood pressure, minoxidil was found to have a side effect of promoting hair growth. It works by widening blood vessels in the scalp, increasing blood flow to the hair follicles — the tiny organs throughout your scalp from which individual hairs grow, and prolonging the hair growth cycle.
In addition to increasing blood flow, experts think minoxidil lengthens the anagen phase of your hair’s natural growth cycle. Your hair goes through a cycle, referred to, of course, as the hair growth cycle. It consists of three phases: anagen (growth phase), telogen (resting phase) and catagen (shedding phase).
Minoxidil extends the growth phase, allowing your hair to grow for a longer period before shedding. It also shifts dormant hairs, such as those in the telogen phase, into the anagen phase to stimulate hair growth.
You can think of minoxidil as a tool for stimulating hair growth and maintaining the hair you already have. While results depend on how long it takes minoxidil to work, hair regrowth can usually be seen after eight weeks of treatment.
How Finasteride Works
Finasteride, on the other hand, works by blocking the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that causes hair loss. By inhibiting the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT, finasteride helps protect hair follicles from damage and miniaturization, promoting hair growth and thickness.
DHT is produced as a byproduct of testosterone. As an adult, DHT can attach to receptors in the scalp and cause hair follicles to gradually miniaturize. Over time, this can impact your hair’s natural growth cycle and, eventually, stop hairs from growing at all. DHT normally affects hair follicles near the hairline and crown first. This results in the classic receding hairline that often develops in the early stages of hair loss.
Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, meaning it blocks the action of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme is involved in converting testosterone into DHT. Finasteride and minoxidil essentially treat hair loss from different angles.
Minoxidil is a topical medication that works like a fertilizer, giving your hair the nutrients it needs to grow to its full potential. Finasteride for hair loss, on the other hand, is more like a shield that protects your hair follicles from damage caused by certain hormones.
How to Use FINAPID
This topical solution works best when used on dry hair once daily. You may use the dropper or the spray. Avoid letting the solution drip onto your face or eyes. You must use every day to see results. You must be patient! The first 8 weeks you may notice more hair shedding as this is part of the process, the second 8 weeks you should see new hair growth. By month 6 you should see increased thickness in your hair. Keep in mind if you are not using this every day or you stop, the results will not continue.
Finasteride vs. Minoxidil Side Effects
Clinical trials have shown that both medications are relatively safe and effective for hair loss. Like all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, there is still a chance of experiencing finasteride and minoxidil side effects.
Although rare and relatively mild, common side effects of minoxidil include:
- Skin irritation
- Burning sensation
- Dry, itchy skin
- Exacerbation of seborrheic dermatitis
- Excessive hair growth
Since minoxidil interrupts the hair growth cycle, it may cause you to shed slightly more hair during the first few months of use.
The idea of a hair loss treatment causing more hair loss seems ironic, but don’t worry — it’s usually temporary, and you should start to notice a higher hair count within a few months of use.
Side effects of finasteride are also relatively uncommon but may include: headaches or lightheadedness.
NOTE: The biggest safety concern is that FINAPID (minoxidil/finasteride) topical should not be touched or used by women of childbearing age. Studies have shown that women who have contact with this product are at risk of bearing children with possible birth defects.
Additional Hair Growth Treatments at KLS
In addition to FINAPID, KLS Aesthetics offers PRP (platelet rich plasma) injections into areas of hair thinning or hair loss that contain rejuvenating growth factors to also stimulate your follicles to start growing hair. We also offer vitamin IM shots and have found that the Biotin, Glutathione as well as the Amino Acid shot are helpful in hair health.
FINAPID offers a powerful solution for those seeking to improve hair thickness and growth. With its unique combination of minoxidil and finasteride, FINAPID provides a comprehensive approach to combating hair loss. Contact KLS Aesthetics today to learn more about FINAPID and other hair growth treatments.
