Scientists Found a Chemical That Could Help Regrow Your Hair. It Might Be In Your Pantry

#1
  • Minoxidil, the active medical ingredient in products like Rogaine, is a well-known treatment for hair loss, but has poor water solubility and skin permeability.
  • A new study combines minoxidil with a microneedle that uses stevioside, a naturally occurring sweetener from the Stevia plant.
  • Tested on mouse models, scientists found that seviosides increased the absorption of minoxidil, which helped boost the medicine’s overall effectiveness.

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#2

Great addition to Agetrons, Rapa + Minoxidil + DMSO hair tonic (which already works great on me)?

Asked ChatGPT about micro needling. Seems workable and smart…

Can micro needling improve topical minoxidil absorption for hair loss?

**Yes—microneedling can enhance both absorption and results of topical minoxidil for androgenetic alopecia.**Several controlled studies show greater hair density when microneedling is added to 5% minoxidil versus minoxidil alone.

Why it helps

  • Micro-channels in the stratum corneum → better transdermal delivery of minoxidil.
  • Wound-healing cascade (platelet/growth-factor release, Wnt/β-catenin signaling) can push follicles into anagen (growth) and thicken miniaturized hairs.

Practical way to do it (typical clinic-style protocol)

  • Needle length: 1.0–1.5 mm on scalp (vertex/crown and mid-scalp).
  • Frequency: Once weekly (or every 1–2 weeks).
  • Technique: Vertical/horizontal/diagonal passes with even erythema/pinpoint bleeding as the endpoint (don’t overwork).
  • Minoxidil timing: To reduce burning/irritation and systemic absorption, many dermatologists advise applying minoxidil the next day (≈24 hours later). Some apply immediately post-procedure, but that stings and increases absorption—use caution.

At-home version (more conservative)

  • Device: Sterile derma-roller or stamp.
  • Needle length: 0.5–1.0 mm.
  • Frequency: 1–2×/week (not daily).
  • Hygiene: Clean scalp; disinfect device with 70% isopropyl alcohol; don’t share; replace rollers frequently.
  • Minoxidil: Apply the following day. If you do apply the same day, use smaller amount and expect more sting.

What results to expect

  • Most responders notice shedding ↓ and density ↑ after ~8–12 weeks, with continued gains to 6 months when combined with 5% minoxidil. It works for both men and women with pattern hair loss.

Risks & who should avoid it

  • Irritant/contact dermatitis (worse if minoxidil is applied immediately after needling), folliculitis/infection, temporary shedding, headache/lightheadedness if too much minoxidil is absorbed.
  • Avoid/seek medical guidance if: active scalp infection/dermatitis/psoriasis, keloid tendency, anticoagulants, poorly controlled diabetes, or isotretinoin use within 6–12 months.

Combine smartly

  • Keep topical minoxidil 5% (BID or daily foam).
  • Consider adding finasteride/dutasteride (men; medical supervision) or spironolactone (women), or low-dose oral minoxidil if topical is irritating.
  • PRP or laser (LLLT) can be layered for additional benefit.
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