From the Guidelines
Hair growth oils typically contain a combination of carrier oils and active ingredients known for promoting hair health, including minoxidil, as evidenced by studies such as 1, which showed that topical minoxidil 5% can be effective in treating hair loss.
Key Ingredients
- Carrier oils: coconut oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil, which provide moisture and nourishment to the scalp and hair follicles.
- Essential oils: rosemary, peppermint, lavender, and tea tree oil, which are added for their stimulating properties.
- Bioactive ingredients: caffeine, saw palmetto extract, and biotin, which are included to combat hair loss and encourage growth.
- DHT blockers: pumpkin seed oil or green tea extract, which can prevent hormone-related hair thinning.
- Antioxidants: Vitamin E, which is added to protect hair from damage.
Application and Effectiveness
These ingredients work together by improving blood circulation to the scalp, providing necessary nutrients to hair follicles, reducing inflammation, and creating an optimal environment for hair growth. For best results, hair growth oils should be massaged into the scalp regularly, typically 2-3 times per week, and left on for at least 30 minutes or overnight before washing, as supported by the use of minoxidil in studies like 1 and 2.
Considerations
It's also important to consider the potential side effects and interactions of these ingredients, as well as individual tolerance and sensitivity, as noted in studies such as 3 and 4.
Most Recent and Highest Quality Study
The most recent and highest quality study, 5, highlights the effectiveness of autologous platelet concentrates, such as PRP, in promoting hair growth, which can be used in conjunction with hair growth oils for optimal results.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Hair Growth Oil Ingredients
The ingredients used in hair growth oils are typically designed to promote hair growth, reduce hair loss, and improve the overall health of the hair and scalp. Some common ingredients used in hair growth oils include:
- Minoxidil: a vasodilator that helps to increase blood flow to the scalp and promote hair growth 6, 7, 8
- Finasteride: a 5α-reductase inhibitor that helps to block the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can contribute to hair loss 6, 7, 9, 10
- Other ingredients: such as saw palmetto, biotin, and keratin, which may help to promote hair growth and improve the health of the hair and scalp
Mechanism of Action
These ingredients work by:
- Increasing blood flow to the scalp and promoting hair growth (minoxidil) 6
- Blocking the production of DHT, a hormone that can contribute to hair loss (finasteride) 6, 9
- Providing essential nutrients and building blocks for hair growth (biotin, keratin, etc.)
Efficacy and Safety
The efficacy and safety of these ingredients have been studied in various clinical trials, including:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of minoxidil and finasteride for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia 7
- A systematic review of topical finasteride for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men and women 9
- A prospective, randomized, controlled trial of the association of topical minoxidil and topical finasteride compared to their use in monotherapy in men with androgenetic alopecia 10