Exploring Hair Growth: What Grows Hair Like Minoxidil?

October 7, 2025 •

5 min read

Androgenetic alopecia, or pattern hair loss, affects an estimated 50 million men and 30 million women in the United States [1.10.4]. For those seeking solutions beyond the popular topical treatment, the question arises: what grows hair like minoxidil? A variety of alternatives exist, from other FDA-approved medications to promising natural compounds.

Quick Summary

A detailed look at pharmacological, natural, and procedural alternatives for hair regrowth. It compares options like finasteride, rosemary oil, and laser therapy to minoxidil's effects.

Key Points

Finasteride: An FDA-approved oral pill that works by blocking DHT, the primary hormone responsible for male pattern baldness [1.11.3].
Rosemary Oil: A natural topical alternative that one study found to be as effective as 2% minoxidil for hair regrowth after six months [1.6.5].
Mechanism of Action: Most treatments work either as vasodilators (like minoxidil) to increase blood flow or as DHT blockers (like finasteride) to address the hormonal cause of hair loss [1.11.1].
Combination Therapy: Using a DHT blocker like finasteride and a growth stimulant like minoxidil together is often more effective than using either one alone [1.5.2].
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): FDA-cleared devices like caps and helmets use red light to stimulate follicles, offering a non-invasive treatment option [1.3.5, 1.7.3].
Female-Specific Options: Spironolactone is an anti-androgen medication used off-label specifically for female pattern hair loss [1.2.3].
Consult a Professional: The most effective and safe treatment plan should be determined in consultation with a dermatologist or healthcare provider [1.2.1].

The Quest for a Fuller Head of Hair

Minoxidil (commonly known by the brand name Rogaine) is an FDA-approved, over-the-counter treatment for hair loss that works primarily as a vasodilator [1.11.3]. It widens blood vessels in the scalp, which is believed to increase the flow of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to hair follicles, shifting them into the anagen (growth) phase [1.6.2, 1.11.4]. While effective for many, it's not the only option available. A range of alternatives tackle hair loss through different mechanisms, offering choices for those who may not respond to minoxidil or who are looking for a different approach. These options include other medications, natural ingredients, and advanced clinical procedures.

Understanding the Mechanisms: Vasodilators vs. DHT Blockers

Most effective hair loss treatments work in one of two primary ways:

Vasodilation: Like minoxidil, these treatments improve blood circulation to the hair follicles, nourishing them and prolonging the growth phase of the hair cycle [1.11.4].
DHT Blocking: Androgenetic alopecia is largely driven by a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone can bind to receptors in hair follicles, causing them to shrink (miniaturize) and eventually stop producing hair [1.11.2]. DHT blockers work by inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which is responsible for converting testosterone into DHT [1.11.2, 1.11.4].

Prescription & FDA-Approved Alternatives

For those seeking scientifically-backed and regulated options, several medications offer powerful alternatives to minoxidil.

Finasteride (Propecia)

Finasteride is an FDA-approved oral prescription medication for male pattern baldness [1.2.4]. Its primary function is to block the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, significantly lowering DHT levels in the scalp [1.11.3]. Studies have shown that it can effectively slow hair loss and, in some cases, stimulate new hair growth, particularly at the crown [1.2.3, 1.5.4]. While generally considered more effective at preventing further loss than minoxidil is at regrowing hair, the two are often used in combination for a synergistic effect, tackling hair loss from both the hormonal and circulatory angles [1.5.2, 1.11.1]. Potential side effects can include diminished sex drive and sexual function, though these are considered rare [1.2.4].

Dutasteride (Avodart)

Dutasteride works similarly to finasteride but is a more potent DHT blocker, inhibiting two types of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme instead of just one [1.2.5]. While FDA-approved for treating an enlarged prostate, it is often prescribed off-label for male pattern hair loss [1.3.3]. Some studies suggest it can be more effective than finasteride at increasing hair count and thickness [1.2.5]. The side effect profile is comparable to finasteride, including potential sexual side effects [1.9.1, 1.9.2].

Spironolactone

Spironolactone is an oral prescription medication used off-label to treat female pattern hair loss [1.2.3]. It works as an anti-androgen, slowing down the production of male hormones that can contribute to hair thinning in women [1.2.3]. Due to its mechanism and potential side effects, it is generally not recommended for men [1.2.1].

Comparison of Popular Hair Growth Treatments


Treatment	Mechanism of Action	Common Form(s)	Key Efficacy Points	Common Side Effects
Minoxidil	Vasodilator; increases blood flow to follicles [1.11.4].	Topical Foam/Liquid, Oral Pill [1.2.4, 1.5.5]	Strong at encouraging regrowth; available OTC (topical) [1.5.1].	Scalp irritation, unwanted facial hair, temporary shedding [1.2.4, 1.5.1].
Finasteride	DHT blocker; inhibits 5-alpha reductase enzyme [1.11.3].	Oral Pill, Topical Solution [1.2.4, 1.11.1]	Strong at preventing further loss; addresses hormonal cause [1.5.1].	Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction (rare) [1.2.4, 1.5.4].
Rosemary Oil	Anti-inflammatory, improves circulation [1.6.1, 1.6.2].	Topical Oil [1.2.1]	One study showed efficacy comparable to 2% minoxidil [1.6.5].	Scalp itching, though often less than minoxidil [1.6.1].
LLLT	Photobiomodulation; stimulates metabolic activity in follicles [1.7.1, 1.7.3].	Helmets, Caps, Combs [1.3.5, 1.7.3]	Increases hair density and thickness over time [1.7.3].	Generally mild; potential for scalp tenderness [1.3.5].

Promising Natural and Over-the-Counter (OTC) Alternatives

While no natural alternative has been proven to be more effective than FDA-approved medications, some show significant promise in clinical studies [1.2.1].

Rosemary Oil

This essential oil has gained considerable attention for its hair growth properties. One notable study involving 100 men with androgenetic alopecia found that topical application of rosemary oil was as effective as 2% minoxidil in increasing hair count after six months [1.6.1, 1.6.5]. It is believed to work by improving circulation and providing anti-inflammatory benefits to the scalp [1.6.1].

Saw Palmetto

Available as an oral supplement or in topical formulas, saw palmetto is a plant-based extract that may act as a natural DHT blocker [1.2.1, 1.4.3]. A 2020 review of seven studies found that about 60% of users saw an improvement in hair quality, and nearly 30% saw an increase in total hair count [1.2.1, 1.3.4].

Other Notable Botanicals

Pumpkin Seed Oil: One study on women with female pattern hair loss showed that pumpkin seed oil promoted hair growth, though it was not as effective as 5% minoxidil [1.2.1]. Its fatty acids are thought to have anti-androgen effects [1.4.2].
Caffeine: Topical caffeine, often found in shampoos, has been shown in some small studies to reduce the progression of hair loss [1.2.1]. It may work by stimulating blood flow and offsetting the effects of DHT on hair follicles [1.4.2].

Procedural and Device-Based Treatments

For those looking for more intensive options, several procedures and devices are available.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

LLLT involves using devices like helmets, caps, or combs that emit red light to stimulate hair follicles [1.7.3]. This form of photobiomodulation is believed to increase blood flow and encourage follicles to enter and remain in the anagen (growth) phase [1.7.3, 1.7.4]. Several LLLT devices have received FDA clearance for treating androgenetic alopecia and have been shown to be a safe and promising treatment option [1.3.5, 1.7.2].

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

PRP therapy is a medical procedure that involves drawing a patient's own blood, concentrating the platelets, and injecting the resulting platelet-rich plasma into the scalp [1.2.1]. The growth factors in the platelets are intended to stimulate hair follicles and promote new growth. It is often used to enhance the results of hair transplant surgery but can also be a standalone treatment [1.8.1]. The initial cost for a series of treatments can range from $1,500 to $3,500 [1.8.1].

Conclusion

While minoxidil remains a cornerstone of hair loss treatment, it is far from the only option. Answering the question of what grows hair like minoxidil reveals a diverse landscape of effective alternatives. Prescription DHT blockers like finasteride and dutasteride offer a powerful hormonal approach, while natural options like rosemary oil and saw palmetto show increasing promise in clinical research. Furthermore, procedural treatments like LLLT and PRP provide non-pharmacological avenues for stimulating hair growth. The best choice depends on the type and severity of hair loss, individual health factors, and personal preference. Consulting with a healthcare provider or dermatologist is the crucial first step to developing a safe and effective treatment plan.

For more information from an authoritative source, you can visit the Mayo Clinic's page on Hair Loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Finasteride and minoxidil work differently. Finasteride, a DHT blocker, is generally considered more effective at preventing further hair loss, while minoxidil, a vasodilator, is strong at stimulating new growth. For many men, using both together provides the best results [1.5.1, 1.5.4].

Finasteride is not typically recommended for women, especially those who are or may become pregnant, due to the risk of birth defects [1.2.2, 1.2.4]. Spironolactone is a more common prescription alternative for female pattern hair loss [1.2.3].

Some scientific evidence suggests it does. A prominent study found that rosemary oil was as effective as 2% minoxidil for increasing hair count in men with androgenetic alopecia after six months of use [1.6.1, 1.6.5].

LLLT uses devices like helmets or caps to deliver red or near-infrared light to the scalp. This light is believed to stimulate cellular activity and blood flow in the hair follicles, promoting growth. Several LLLT devices are FDA-cleared for treating hair loss [1.7.1, 1.7.3].

While there's no evidence that it's harmful, using a topical oil could potentially interfere with the absorption of topical minoxidil [1.6.4]. Some experts suggest applying the minoxidil first and waiting several hours before applying any oils. It's best to consult a healthcare provider before combining treatments [1.6.2, 1.6.4].

The cost varies, but an initial round of three to four treatments typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,500. Maintenance sessions are also required. PRP is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not usually covered by insurance [1.8.1, 1.8.2].

While uncommon, potential side effects of finasteride can include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and breast tenderness. These effects often resolve after stopping the medication [1.5.4, 1.11.2].