Minoxidil is one of the most popular hair loss treatments among patients and clinicians alike, with more than half of hair transplant surgeons prescribing it to their patients [1]. But with more and more people searching for effective hair loss solutions, other treatments have emerged on the market.
Nanoxidil is one of the newest hair loss treatments. Unlike Minoxidil, it’s not yet licensed for use in the UK, but there is early evidence to suggest it can also help treat hair loss.
So which is more effective for hair loss: Nanoxidil or Minoxidil? In this article, we’ll compare Nanoxidil vs Minoxidil for hair loss, including each treatment’s effectiveness, safety profile, cost, and application, so you can decide which treatment is best for you.
Nanoxidil vs Minoxidil at a glance
Here’s a head-to-head comparison of Nanoxidil and Minoxidil:
When you apply Minoxidil, just 1.4% of the active ingredient is absorbed through the scalp [4]. Nanoxidil was formulated to improve absorption by creating a similar formula with a lower molecular weight.
The Nanoxidil molecule has one less carbon chain and two fewer hydrogen atoms than Minoxidil:
Having a lower molecular weight may make it easier for Nanoxidil to penetrate the skin.
Nanoxidil’s similar structure to Minoxidil means it could improve symptoms of hair loss in the same way. Minoxidil is a vasodilator — it widens the blood vessels in the scalp, increasing blood flow and allowing more nutrients to reach the hair follicles [4]. It also opens the potassium channels within the peripheral artery cells, which can influence hair growth [5].
Nanoxidil also contains a potassium channel opener, so the mechanism is similar to Minoxidil [2]. But it’s also said to help tackle hair loss through several other ingredients, including:
While these extra ingredients and mechanisms might suggest Nanoxidil is superior to Minoxidil, clinical evidence indicates that Nanoxidil and Minoxidil are actually similar in terms of their effectiveness at treating hair loss. With both treatments, up to 75% of patients see substantial hair density improvements [2-3].
Nanoxidil and Minoxidil offer similar results in terms of effectiveness. Here’s a breakdown of results from clinical studies:
Hair density improvements
(% of patients)
These results suggest a very similar effectiveness profile for both Nanoxidil and Minoxidil, though the evidence for Minoxidil is more substantial.
This evidence relates to the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (also known as male pattern baldness or female pattern hair loss). Unlike Nanoxidil, Minoxidil has also been shown to effectively treat several other hair loss disorders, including [4]:
More research is needed to determine if Nanoxidil can address hair loss conditions besides pattern hair loss.
Nanoxidil’s creator, DS Laboratories, says the formula isn’t known to have any side effects.
However, the studies establishing the effectiveness and safety profile of Nanoxidil have noted some mild side effects [2, 14]. These include:
There haven’t been any long-term studies into the safety of Nanoxidil, so the likelihood of long-term side effects is unknown.
Unlike Nanoxidil, topical Minoxidil has been licensed as a hair loss treatment by the MHRA. Its known side effects include:
Minoxidil is recognised as one of the safest hair growth treatments, with fewer side effects than medications like Finasteride and Dutasteride. Minoxidil is also safe to use alongside other hair loss treatments, including Finasteride and PRP therapy. Using Minoxidil in conjunction with other treatments may offer better results [12, 15].
Nanoxidil is more expensive than Minoxidil. That’s because it’s only available as a branded formula, which costs £38.00 for one month’s supply.
Branded Minoxidil (known as Regaine in the UK and Rogaine elsewhere) is available at a similar price point (currently £34.95). But you can also buy generic Minoxidil, which is much cheaper. You can buy one month’s supply of generic Minoxidil for around £14.99.
Nanoxidil is available as a spray solution. Apply six sprays twice a day on the affected area, then evenly rub it into the skin.
Minoxidil is available with a spray, dropper, or foam applicator. Research suggests foam is the most effective type, as it allows for better absorption with less irritation, and is less likely to spread to other areas [4]. Find out how to apply Minoxidil for best results.
Both Nanoxidil and Minoxidil are safe and effective for women to use [2, 4]. These photos show visible hair regrowth in female hair loss patients after six months.
Unlike Minoxidil, the Nanoxidil formula contains ingredients that may help block DHT production. These include caffeine and azelaic acid.
More evidence is needed to show whether Nanoxidil blocks DHT production to the same extent as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors like Finasteride and Dutasteride.
For most people with hair loss, Minoxidil is the best entry-level hair loss treatment to try. It’s cheaper, has a more extensive body of evidence supporting its use, and creates minimal side effects.
That said, Nanoxidil may still offer good results for some patients with pattern baldness. Thanks to its mild and minimal side effects, there’s little risk in trying this formula if you want an alternative to Minoxidil. (Redensyl is another possible alternative with few notable side effects according to early research.)
For those with more advanced hair loss, there are lots of other treatment options that may be more effective than both Minoxidil and Nanoxidil. These include Finasteride, Dutasteride, and hair transplants.
Speaking to a hair loss specialist can help you determine which treatment is most likely to help with your hair loss. Book a free consultation with the Wimpole Clinic to discuss your treatment options.
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