Tretinoin for Hair Growth and Hair Loss

I have talked about Tretinoin on this blog before, but it was always about skincare. Today, I want to talk about Tretinoin for Hair Growth and Hair Loss. Yes, Tretinoin and Hair! Apparently, tretinoin can be a powerful ingredient for hair growth or hair regrowth, especially when combined with minoxidil.

In this article, I will tell you everything I’ve found about tretinoin for hair growth and hair loss. I will explain how it works, what are the benefits and risks, and how to use it properly. Hopefully, by the end of this article, you will be well-informed and ready to decide if tretinoin is the right plan of action for your hair growth needs.

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How Tretinoin Works on the Skin and Hair

Tretinoin is a form of retinoic acid, which is a natural substance that regulates cell growth and differentiation. Tretinoin works by increasing the turnover of skin cells, which means that it helps the old and damaged cells to shed and the new and healthy cells to emerge. Cell turnover has the ability to improve the appearance and texture of the skin, as well as reduce inflammation, unclog pores, and stimulate collagen production . If you would like to learn more about tretinoin and skincare CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE ON RETINOIDS and RETINOIC ACIDS!

Now that I’ve given my spiel on how tretinoin affects skin, the real question is: How does Tretinoin work on hair? Well, tretinoin can affect the hair follicles by increasing the blood flow to the scalp, which means that more oxygen and nutrients can reach the hair follicles. Therefore, tretinoin is able to help hair follicles grow stronger and faster. Tretinoin can also prolong the growth phase of the hair cycle, which is called the anagen phase, meaning your hair can grow longer and thicker before it falls out.

Benefits of Tretinoin for Hair Growth and Hair Loss

Now that you know how tretinoin works, let’s talk about the benefits of using it for hair growth and hair loss. There are a few studies that show the effectiveness of tretinoin (SEE BELOW) in enhancing hair growth and preventing hair loss, especially in combination with minoxidil. Minoxidil is another topical treatment that works by widening the blood vessels and increasing the blood flow to the scalp. Minoxidil can also stimulate the growth of new hair follicles and extend the anagen phase of the hair cycle (just like tretinoin) .

When tretinoin and minoxidil are used together, they can have a synergistic effect, which means that they can boost each other’s performance. Some studies have shown that tretinoin can enhance the absorption and penetration of minoxidil into the scalp, as well as increase the expression of growth factors that promote hair growth.1 2 Some studies have also shown that tretinoin can allow for once-daily application of minoxidil instead of twice3, which can make the treatment more convenient and cost-effective .

Some of the advantages of using tretinoin for hair regrowth are:

  • It can improve the quality, texture, and thickness of your hair
  • It can help you grow more hair and prevent further hair loss
  • It can make your hair more resilient and less prone to breakage
  • It can enhance the effectiveness of minoxidil and other hair growth products
  • It can save you time and money by reducing the frequency of minoxidil application

How to Apply Tretinoin Topically for Optimal Results

If you are interested in using tretinoin for hair regrowth, here are some tips on how to apply it properly:

  • Use a pea-sized amount of tretinoin cream or gel (0.025% or 0.05%) and spread it evenly over the scalp, avoiding the hairline and the eyes
  • Apply tretinoin at night, before going to bed, and wash it off in the morning
  • Apply minoxidil (2% or 5%) in the morning, after washing off the tretinoin, and massage it gently into the scalp
  • Use a mild shampoo and conditioner that are suitable for your hair type
  • Protect your scalp from sun exposure by wearing a hat or using hair sunscreen (CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE ON HAIR SUNSCREENS)
  • Be patient and consistent with the treatment, as it may take several months to see noticeable results

Risks of Tretinoin for Hair Growth and Hair Loss

Before you start using tretinoin for hair growth and hair loss, you should also be aware of the risks and side effects that may come with it. Tretinoin is not approved by the FDA for hair loss and more research is needed to confirm its safety and efficacy. Tretinoin may also cause some side effects, such as:

  • Skin irritation, dryness, peeling, and redness
  • Sensitivity to sunlight and increased risk of sunburn
  • Headache, dizziness, and nausea
  • Hair shedding or increased hair loss in the first few weeks of treatment
  • Allergic reaction or contact dermatitis

Therefore, it is important to consult with a doctor before using tretinoin for hair loss and to follow the prescribed dosage and instructions. You should also monitor your scalp and hair condition and report any adverse effects to your doctor. You should also avoid using tretinoin if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of skin cancer or liver disease.

Curls On Demand Tips

Alternatives or Complementary Treatments for Hair Loss

If you are not comfortable with using tretinoin for hair loss or if you do not see satisfactory results, you may want to consider some alternatives or complementary treatments for hair loss, such as:

  • Oral medications, such as finasteride or dutasteride, which can block the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink and die
  • Supplements, such as biotin, zinc, iron, or vitamin D, which can support the health and growth of your hair
  • Natural remedies, such as aloe vera, coconut oil, onion juice, or rosemary oil, which can nourish and stimulate your scalp and hair
  • Hair transplant, which is a surgical procedure that involves moving hair follicles from one part of the scalp to another, where there is thinning or balding
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, which is a non-surgical procedure that involves injecting your own blood plasma, enriched with platelets and growth factors, into your scalp, where it can stimulate hair growth and healing

Scientific Studies on Tretinoin for Hair Growth and Hair Loss

Although tretinoin is not approved by the FDA for hair loss, there is some evidence that it can help with hair growth and hair loss, especially when used in combination with minoxidil. However, more research is needed to confirm its safety and efficacy, as well as the optimal dosage and frequency of application.

Here are some of the scientific studies that show the effects of tretinoin on hair growth and hair loss:

  • A 2007 study compared two treatments in men with androgenetic alopecia: a combined solution of 5% minoxidil and 0.01% tretinoin, and 5% minoxidil alone. Both groups experienced hair growth, with no statistically significant differences between the groups. However, the group using the combined solution applied it only once a day, while the group using minoxidil alone applied it twice a day. This suggests that tretinoin may allow for a more convenient and cost-effective use of minoxidil. 3
  • A 2019 study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a combined solution of 5% minoxidil and 0.1% tretinoin in 20 patients with androgenetic alopecia. The results showed that the combined solution was more effective than 5% minoxidil alone in increasing hair density, hair diameter, and anagen hair percentage. The combined solution was also well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported. 2
  • A 2004 review summarized the available literature on the use of tretinoin for hair growth and hair loss. The review concluded that tretinoin may have a beneficial role in enhancing hair growth and preventing hair loss, especially in combination with minoxidil. However, the review also highlighted the limitations of the existing studies, such as small sample sizes, short durations, and lack of controls. The review recommended further research to establish the optimal formulation, concentration, and frequency of tretinoin for hair growth and hair loss.6
  • A 2014 study examined the role of tretinoin in hair growth and loss in a mouse model. The study found that topical tretinoin increased the expression of genes related to hair follicle development, growth, and differentiation. Tretinoin also increased the number and size of hair follicles and the length and diameter of hair shafts. The study concluded that tretinoin may have a beneficial role in stimulating hair growth and preventing hair loss.7

Conclusion

Tretinoin is a medication that can help with hair growth and hair loss, especially when combined with minoxidil. But, I think it’s important that you remember that tretinoin is not approved by the FDA for hair loss and more research is needed to confirm its safety and efficacy.

Therefore, it is important to consult with a doctor before using tretinoin for hair loss and to follow the prescribed dosage and instructions. And if you choose to add tretinoin to your hair regrowth journey without a doctor’s supervision, make sure to do your own research and take precautionary methods to ensure your health and safety.

I hope this article has provided you with insights about tretinoin for hair growth and hair loss. If you have any feedback, questions, or experiences with tretinoin, feel free to share them in the comments section below. I would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading and happy haircare! 😊

References

  1. Ferry, J. J., Forbes, K. K., VanderLugt, J. T., & Szpunar, G. J. (1990). Influence of tretinoin on the percutaneous absorption of minoxidil from an aqueous topical solution. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 47(4), 439–446. https://doi.org/10.1038/clpt.1990.55 ↩︎
  2. Sharma, A., Goren, A., Dhurat, R., Agrawal, S., Sinclair, R., Trüeb, R. M., Vañó‐Galván, S., Chen, G., Tan, Y., Kovacevic, M., Situm, M., & McCoy, J. (2019). Tretinoin enhances minoxidil response in androgenetic alopecia patients by upregulating follicular sulfotransferase enzymes. Dermatologic Therapy, 32(3). https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.12915 ↩︎
  3. Shin, H. S., Won, C. H., Lee, S. H., Kwon, O. S., Kim, K. H., & Eun, H. C. (2007). Efficacy of 5% Minoxidil versus Combined 5% Minoxidil and 0.01% Tretinoin for Male Pattern Hair Loss. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 8(5), 285–290. https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200708050-00003 ↩︎
  4. Shin, H. S., Won, C. H., Lee, S. H., Kwon, O. S., Kim, K. H., & Eun, H. C. (2007). Efficacy of 5% Minoxidil versus Combined 5% Minoxidil and 0.01% Tretinoin for Male Pattern Hair Loss. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 8(5), 285–290. https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200708050-00003 ↩︎
  5. Sharma, A., Goren, A., Dhurat, R., Agrawal, S., Sinclair, R., Trüeb, R. M., Vañó‐Galván, S., Chen, G., Tan, Y., Kovacevic, M., Situm, M., & McCoy, J. (2019). Tretinoin enhances minoxidil response in androgenetic alopecia patients by upregulating follicular sulfotransferase enzymes. Dermatologic Therapy, 32(3). https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.12915 ↩︎
  6. Bandaranayake, I., & Mirmirani, P. (2004). Hair Loss Remedies-Separating Fact From Fiction. 73, 107. https://cdn.mdedge.com/files/s3fs-public/Document/September-2017/073020107.pdf‌ ↩︎
  7. Aldhalimi, M. A., Hadi, N. R., & Ghafil, F. A. (2014). Promotive Effect of Topical Ketoconazole, Minoxidil, and Minoxidil with Tretinoin on Hair Growth in Male Mice. ISRN Pharmacology, 2014, 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/575423 ↩︎

Additional Sources

  • Hyeon Gyeong Yoo, Chang, I.-Y., Hyun Keol Pyo, Kang, Y., Seung Ho Lee, Oh Sang Kwon, Kwang Hyun Cho, Hee Chul Eun, & Kyu Han Kim. (2007). The Additive Effects of Minoxidil and Retinol on Human Hair Growth in Vitro. Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 30(1), 21–26. https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.30.21
  • Bazzano, G. S., Terezakis, N., & Galen, W. (1986). Topical tretinoin for hair growth promotion. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 15(4 Pt 2), 880–883, 890–893. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0190-9622(86)80024-x
  • Rodriguez, R. (2023, March 24). TikTok Users Claim Tretinoin Stimulates Hair Growth, So We Asked Experts. Popsugar. https://www.popsugar.com/beauty/tretinoin-hair-growth-49126276
  • ‌https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2023/04/11349959/tretinoin-retinol-for-hair-growth-differences

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