Many people worldwide are concerned about hair loss, which can occur for various reasons such as family history, hormones, stress or insufficient nutrients. While scientific progress has yet to provide a cure for all types of hair loss, several new treatments have emerged.
Stemoxydine and Minoxidil are widely talked about when discussing topical treatments. They both focus on helping with hair thinning and stimulating regrowth, but they work differently and have varying levels of research support.
In this article, we will compare Stemoxydine and Minoxidil, examining their effects, treatment methods and suitability for individuals experiencing hair loss, so you can decide which is right for you.
What Is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil is FDA-approved medication that is used to treat androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness) and is popular due to its long-standing use.
See Also: Crown Balding Stages
How Minoxidil Works?
Even though the exact process is not completely understood, what is known is that minoxidil mainly acts through several different mechanisms:
Vasodilation
This medication increases the diameter of blood vessels. Enhanced circulation in the scalp and hair follicles is thought to increase oxygen, nutrients and growth factors (VEGF, HGF, IGF-1, PGE2), leading to stronger and thicker hair.
Potassium Channel Opener
Minoxidil sulfate, the active metabolite of minoxidil, functions by opening potassium channels. While this is understood to be a key mechanism, the precise way it stimulates hair growth through these channels needs further research.
Prolonging Anagen Phase
Minoxidil reduces the time hair spends in the resting stage and activates dormant follicles, thereby extending the anagen (growth) phase, resulting in longer and thicker hair.
Increasing Hair Follicle Size
It works to widen small hair follicles, causing them to create stronger, thicker hair.
Minoxidil Benefits & Efficacy: Clinical Evidence
Minoxidil is a well-researched treatment known for its effectiveness in treating hair loss and promoting hair regrowth.
Benefits Of Minoxidil:
- Stops hair thinning and promotes new hair growth.
- Effective for men at the crown and for general thinning in women.
- Increases both hair quantity and strand thickness.
Research indicates that a 5% minoxidil solution is more effective than a 2% solution, mainly for men. Both 2% and 5% formulations have been effective for women, but 5% usually yields better results.
It is important to apply Minoxidil daily, as users are likely to see results after using the product for 3-6 months. Evidence from ongoing studies confirms that continued use of the medication is necessary to maintain results; noticeable hair loss will occur within a few months of discontinuation.
What Is Stemoxydine?
Stemoxydine is a topical hair loss treatment developed as a patented molecule by L’Oréal. It is classified as a prolyl-4-hydroxylase inhibitor (also known as a PHD inhibitor), which works by mimicking a low-oxygen (hypoxic) environment around hair follicles.
How Stemoxydine Works?
Stemoxydine promotes hair growth by stimulating follicle stem cells, creating an environment that encourages the hair growth cycle and improves overall hair density.
Mimicking Hypoxia
According to clinical research, a low-oxygen (hypoxic) environment is essential for supporting hair follicle stem cells. Stemoxydine is engineered to foster the best environment for active stem cells in the hair growth process.
Shortening the Kenogen Phase
Stemoxydine decreases the period when the hair follicle is inactive after shedding. Its purpose is to cut down the resting time, encouraging more hair follicles to start growing and thickening the hair.
Stemoxydine Efficacy & Clinical Evidence
There is less scientific and clinical research on Stemoxydine compared to minoxidil, and most studies were conducted by L’Oréal, its creator. Certain small studies have demonstrated that Stemoxydine increases hair density in both men and women.
A study with 79 women reported thicker hair after 12 weeks of treatment. There is a significant constraint due to the lack of long-term trials that prove the molecule’s (or ingredients) continued safety and usefulness..
Therefore, even though the first effects of both may seem promising, more information about side effects and lasting benefits is needed.
Most companies market stemoxydine for hair growth rather than treating conditions such as androgenetic alopecia. It’s important to understand the difference, as cosmetic products typically aim to improve hair appearance and density, rather than directly treating the underlying genetic causes of hair loss.
Stemoxydine vs. Minoxidil: A Head-to-Head Comparison
Choosing between Stemoxydine and Minoxidil can be tricky. Both help hair regrowth but work differently. This comparison breaks down their features to help you decide which fits your hair care needs.
| Feature | Stemoxydine | Minoxidil |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism Of Action | Creates a hypoxic (low-oxygen) environment to stimulate stem cells in hair follicles, promoting hair regrowth. | Vasodilator that increases blood flow to follicles, prolongs the anagen (growth) phase, and may activate potassium channels. |
| Active Ingredient | Stemoxydine (often formulated at 5%) | Minoxidil (2%, 5%, or 10% solutions/foams) |
| FDA Approval | No (considered a cosmetic ingredient) | Yes (FDA-approved for androgenetic alopecia) |
| Effectiveness | Moderate (studies show ~4% increase in hair density after 3 months) | Strong (clinically proven, ~10-25% increase in hair count with long-term use) |
| Hair Growth Speed | Slower results (takes 3-6 months) | Faster visible results (3-6 months for noticeable improvement) |
| Side Effects | Minimal (rare irritation or dryness) | More common (scalp irritation, itching, shedding phase, facial hair growth, dizziness in rare cases) |
| Shedding Phase | No significant shedding reported | Possible initial shedding (due to hair cycle restart) |
| Application | Spray or serum, no rinsing required | Liquid or foam, applied 1-2x daily (no rinsing) |
| Suitable For | Men & women, early-stage thinning | Primarily men (women can use lower concentrations) |
| Maintenance Required | Yes (discontinuation may reverse gains) | Yes (hair loss returns if treatment stops) |
| Price | Moderate (often cheaper than Minoxidil) | Varies (generic versions are affordable) |
Minoxidil vs Stemoxydine: Comparing Effectiveness
Choosing between treatments depends on personal factors, desired outcomes, and the cause of hair loss.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a widely trusted treatment for hair loss, offering proven results and easy accessibility.
- Preferred For Established Hair Loss: Minoxidil is often seen as the preferred option for established hair loss such as androgenetic alopecia, because of its benefits.
- Proven Effectiveness: Numerous clinical trials and research surveys confirm that Minoxidil controls, halts and even reverse hair loss. FDA approval ensures its safety and effectiveness.
- Long Term Stability: Long term use of minoxidil has proven to keep hair growth stable for individuals.
- Accessibility & Cost: Easily available and cheaper, with similar effectiveness in many generic forms.
Stemoxydine
Stemoxydine shows promise for hair density but requires caution due to limited evidence and specific use cases.
- Promising But Caution Required: Stemoxydine looks very promising, it must be taken with extreme caution before any other treatment for noticeable hair loss, due to:
- Limited long-term, independent clinical trial evidence.
- Marketing focuses on hair thickness rather than addressing hair loss causes.
- Potential Use: Stemoxydine may increase hair density or complement other therapies. People with less severe signs of thinning or those who prefer non-pharmaceutical remedies with less body-wide impact might consider it.
Stemoxydine vs Minoxidil: Factors to Consider
While considering Minoxidil and Stemoxydine for hair loss, consider much more than just their working mechanisms and others experiences.
Consistency Is Key
Whatever choice you make, you need to use the product daily for the best outcomes. Hair growth doesn’t happen quickly, so people often stop using the product too soon and miss the results.
Patience Is A Virtue
It usually takes several months to notice improvements from either kind of treatment. Remember, significant results take some time.
Combination Therapy
Occasionally, you may be told that combining different treatments will offer the best results. For example, minoxidil can be combined with Finasteride (a medication for men with androgenetic alopecia) or other topical hair loss treatments. It could also be used as an additional product with these established treatments.
Understanding Shedding
Before you see results, you should be prepared for minoxidil to cause initial shedding. Although it may seem strange, this is usually a good sign that the treatment has started growing stronger, more resistant hairs.
Consult A Professional
Consult a dermatologist or hair loss specialist before trying out any new hair loss treatment. They are able to find out the reason for your hair loss and offer the best and most suitable treatment for you. They may advise you if certain medications or conditions can interact with your health.
Ready to take control of your hair loss?
At Asli Tarcan Clinic, our experts are here to guide you with personalised advice and proven treatment options — whether you’re curious about hair transplants or looking for the right solution for thinning hair.
No pressure. Just clear, expert support to help you make the best decision for your hair.
Book your free consultation today and start your journey with confidence.
See Also: Hair Transplant for Alopecia
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for stemoxydine to work?
After using Stemoxydine for just 6 weeks, you may observe increased hair density, though the best results appear after using it regularly for 3 to 6 months.
Is Stemoxydine more suitable for long-term use than Minoxidil
Even though studies have shown support for Stemoxydine, there is still less research compared to Minoxidil and its ability to help with hair growth for an extended time.
Can I safely use Stemoxydine alongside other hair loss therapies
Stemoxydine can be used together with PRP therapy and other hair loss treatments, and many find it useful as a supplement to clinically proven treatments.
What are the ingredients in Stemoxydine?
Stemoxydine 5%, also known as Diethyllutidinate is the main ingredient in Stemoxydine products, along with Aqua/Water, Alcohol Denat, PEG 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Neohesperidin Dihydrochalcone and occasionally Resveratrol.
How long does it take for minoxidil to thicken hair?
Hair growth with minoxidil typically begins after 2 to 4 months. You will see significant hair regrowth after 4 to 6 months, and maximum hair regrowth after about a year of daily use.
