Fact Checks
Common product claims verified against peer-reviewed research. Every verdict traces to named studies, not opinions.
Microneedling for Hair Loss: Evidence Review
Microneedling combined with minoxidil significantly outperforms minoxidil alone in RCTs. Multiple trials show 40-60% greater hair count improvement vs minoxi...
Does Spironolactone Work for Hair Loss?
Spironolactone is used off-label for female pattern hair loss. Not FDA-approved for hair loss. Evidence from observational studies and small RCTs shows benef...
Topical vs Oral Finasteride: Key Differences
Comparable hair regrowth efficacy. Topical: 4% serum DHT suppression, not FDA-approved. Oral: 65% DHT suppression, FDA-approved since 1997. Full comparison.
Does Topical Finasteride Work for Hair Loss?
A Phase III RCT found topical finasteride 0.25% spray added 20.2 hairs vs placebo at 24 weeks. Not FDA-approved. Similar efficacy to oral but much lower DHT ...
Caffeine Shampoo for Hair Loss: Evidence Review
Caffeine shampoo has limited clinical trial evidence. One RCT found caffeine 0.2% comparable to minoxidil 5% over 6 months. Not FDA-approved. Small studies o...
Does Ketoconazole Shampoo Help Hair Loss?
Ketoconazole 2% shampoo has small trial evidence for modest hair density improvements. Not FDA-approved for hair loss. Anti-androgenic and antifungal mechanism.
Saw Palmetto for Hair Loss: Evidence Review
Saw palmetto has limited evidence for hair loss via 5-alpha reductase inhibition. Small trials show modest benefit. Not FDA-approved. Evidence quality is low.
Does Biotin Help Hair Growth? Evidence Review
No clinical trial evidence supports biotin supplements for hair growth in people without deficiency. Biotin deficiency does cause hair loss but is rare.
Post-Finasteride Syndrome: What Research Shows
Post-finasteride syndrome is listed in the NIH rare disease database (2019). FDA added suicidal ideation to the label in 2022. No established diagnostic crit...
Finasteride for Women: Safety and Evidence
Finasteride is not FDA-approved for women and is contraindicated in women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. Limited evidence for postmenopausal use only.
Finasteride 1mg vs 5mg for Hair Loss
Finasteride 1mg is the FDA-approved hair loss dose. 5mg is approved for prostate conditions. Meta-analysis: no significant efficacy difference for hair. 5mg ...
Finasteride Shedding and Timeline: What to Expect
Finasteride shedding can occur in months 1-3. Visible results from 3-6 months. Maximum results at 12-24 months. What the evidence shows.
Does Finasteride Work for Hair Loss?
Finasteride 1mg is FDA-approved for male pattern hair loss. Meta-analysis: +16.4 hairs/cm2 vs placebo at 48 weeks. Hair weight +35.8% at 96 weeks.
How to Use Minoxidil: Application Guide
Apply 1ml solution or half capful of foam to a dry scalp. Solution twice daily, foam once daily. Do not rinse for 4 hours. Wash hands after applying.
How Long Does Minoxidil Take to Work?
Minoxidil typically shows first results at 2-4 months. Maximum results at 6-12 months. Initial shedding in weeks 1-8 is normal and expected.
Minoxidil 2% vs 5%: Which Is More Effective?
5% minoxidil produced 45% more hair regrowth than 2% in a 48-week trial (18.6 vs 12.7 hairs). Both FDA-approved but 5% causes more scalp irritation.
Minoxidil Foam vs Solution: Key Differences
Minoxidil foam (once daily, no propylene glycol) and solution (twice daily) have similar efficacy. Main differences: tolerability, application frequency, and co
Minoxidil for Women: What Research Shows
Topical minoxidil 2% and 5% foam are FDA-approved for women with female pattern hair loss. Clinical evidence, correct concentration, and what to expect.
Does Minoxidil Work for Hair Loss?
Minoxidil is FDA-approved and clinically proven. In a 48-week trial 5% produced 45% more regrowth than 2%. About 40-60% of users see significant improvement.
Minoxidil Sexual Side Effects: What Evidence Shows
The FDA label does not list sexual side effects for topical minoxidil. Only 8 reports in 10 years of FDA adverse event data. What research actually shows.
Minoxidil Side Effects: What Research Shows
Scalp irritation affects ~7% of topical minoxidil solution users. Rates for shedding, contact dermatitis, systemic effects and safety by concentration.
Finasteride Sexual Side Effects: What Research Shows
Finasteride 1mg increases the risk of sexual side effects vs placebo. Research on ED, libido, reversibility, and post-finasteride syndrome.
Topical Finasteride Side Effects: What Research Shows
Topical finasteride side effects include scalp irritation and, in rare cases, sexual dysfunction. What clinical trials and the FDA 2025 warning actually found.
Oral vs Topical Minoxidil: What Research Shows
In 4 controlled trials oral and topical minoxidil 5% produced similar hair density results. Oral causes 2x more unwanted body hair growth.
Does Oral Minoxidil Work for Hair Loss?
Oral minoxidil produced hair improvement in 47% of patients across 27 studies. In trials it matched topical minoxidil 5% for hair density.
Oral Minoxidil Side Effects: What Research Shows
Oral minoxidil side effects: hypertrichosis affects 15% of patients. Clinical data on fluid retention, weight gain and tachycardia rates.
Oral Minoxidil Dosage for Hair Loss: What Doctors Prescribe
No FDA-approved dose exists for oral minoxidil hair loss use. Most doctors prescribe 0.5-2.5mg for women and 1-5mg for men, starting low and titrating up.
Finasteride vs Minoxidil: Which Works Better?
Finasteride vs minoxidil: both proven for hair loss but work differently. Research comparison of effects, side effects, and combining both.
Does Minoxidil Cause Hair Loss? What Research Shows
Yes, minoxidil can cause temporary shedding in 2.4-22% of users starting 2-8 weeks in. How long it lasts, why it happens, and when to worry.
Does red light therapy actually work for hair loss?
We reviewed peer-reviewed studies on low-level laser therapy for hair loss. Here is what the research actually shows.