Can Stemoxydine treat hair loss?

With excess hair loss and hair thinning said to affect 80% of all men and 50% of women by the age of 70¹, many people are often on the lookout for potential remedies to restore their hairline. 

One such product to have emerged in recent years is Stemoxydine – a topical medication thought to extend the active growth phase of hair growth cycle (anagen phase) and possibly shorten the lesser-known kenogen phase of the hair growth cycle². This phase isn’t extensively understood, but it appears to be a period of physiological rest where the hair follicle remains inactive and empty³. However, we’re still waiting for solid scientific validation to confirm Stemoxydine’s exact mechanism of action in promoting hair health.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the science behind Stemoxydine, highlighting its benefits and potential side effects, before comparing it against other types of hair loss treatments, like an FUE hair transplant.

How Stemoxydine works for hair loss

Stemoxydine is categorised as a prolyl-4-hydroxylase (P4H) inhibitor, which aims to encourage hair regrowth by creating a low-oxygen environment for hair follicles to grow in. 

After certain studies found that stem cells were able to create and preserve hair follicles more effectively in low-oxygen (hypoxic) conditions⁴, Stemoxydine was designed to effectively mimic this environment. 

In doing so, this is said to induce the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle, helping activate any dormant follicles and increasing the overall hair density⁵.

However, it’s important to note that there isn’t a lot of scientific evidence to support these claims, especially in terms of the medication’s long-term safety and overall effectiveness. 

What are the benefits of using Stemoxydine for hair loss?

While a small number of studies have found that using Stemoxydine can significantly increase hair density in men when compared to a placebo⁴, there has been a lack of research into the medication’s long-term use. 

Generally speaking, however, the reported benefits of using Stemoxydine include: 

• It can increase levels of hair density²
• It can be used by both men and women
• It can be used alongside other types of hair loss treatments
• It acts differently to other hair loss treatments, like Finasteride or Minoxidil
• It provides an alternative to hormone-blocking treatments
• It helps combat thinning hair²

Before deciding to start using Stemoxydine to treat hair loss, it’s important to consult a specialist, like our team here at The Treatment Rooms London. We will be best placed to guide you on which type of hair loss treatment is right for your specific circumstances. 

Does Stemoxydine have any side effects?

When used as instructed, Stemoxydine is generally considered safe to use. However, like any type of medication or hair loss treatment, some users do report some side effects, especially when applied to the scalp. These can include:

• Irritation
• Dryness
• Itching
• Redness
• Burning sensation

If you are concerned about any of these side effects, it’s crucial to speak to a hair loss specialist before starting Stemoxydine as a treatment. 

How does Stemoxydine compare against other treatments?

While Stemoxydine may be an effective hair loss solution for some people, it might not be suitable for everyone. 

Other types of hair loss treatments, like Minoxidil and Finasteride, can all offer equal – if not better – results, especially over the long term¹. 

However, these treatments again may not be suitable, depending on a wide variety of factors, such as the type of hair loss you have, your age and any other medications you are currently taking. 

Stemoxydine vs. Minoxidil

As one of the most popular hair loss treatments, Minoxidil has been shown through numerous scientific studies to slow, stop and, in some cases, reverse hair loss⁶. 

Although the exact mechanism by which Minoxidil stimulates hair growth is not fully understood, Minoxidil appears to work in a very different way to Stemoxydine to promote hair growth. 

Minoxidil is a foam and is generally cheaper than Stemoxydine, which comes as a liquid. It is also FDA-approved for treating conditions like androgenetic alopecia and has been shown to grow hair much more quickly than Stemoxydine. 

However, Stemoxydine is associated with fewer side effects. 

Both types of treatment also target the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle; Stemoxydine shortens the preceding kenogen phase to induce anagen, whereas Minoxidil prolongs it⁷. 

Stemoxydine vs. Finasteride

Finasteride is an oral, prescription medication commonly used to treat hair loss in men, by blocking the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) – a hormone known to contribute to hair loss.

Available in tablet form, Finasteride can take a few months to show results. It has also been shown through research to be safe and effective for men to use, despite its associated side effects on libido and semen quality. 

Like Minoxidil, there is a lot more clinical evidence to support the use of Finasteride as a hair loss treatment than Stemoxydine. 

Finasteride, for example, is FDA-approved for the treatment of male pattern baldness, having been shown to slow the progression of hair loss and increase hair growth in various studies⁸. 

Conclusion

While the use of Stemoxydine as a hair loss treatment may be an incredibly exciting area of research, question marks remain around its long-term use. 

Early studies and user testimonials seem to suggest a wide range of benefits, but the lack of extensive scientific and clinical research poses a risk. 

Therefore, we’d recommend that Stemoxydine should be approached with caution, and thought of as more of a short-term fix than a long-term solution. 

Treat hair loss at The Treatment Rooms London

Here at The Treatment Rooms London, our team have a wealth of experience and expertise on the latest types of hair loss treatments. We also stay regularly up to date on the latest research and medical advances, to provide our patients with the most appropriate recommendations. 

So, if you are concerned about your hair loss, why not book a consultation? 

We offer a wide range of treatments and services and would be more than happy to answer any follow-up questions you might have. 

Sources

1. Nestor, M. Ablon, G., Gade, A. (2021) Treatment options for androgenetic alopecia: Efficacy, side effects, compliance, financial considerations, and ethics. J Cosmet Dermatol. 20(12): 3759 – 3781. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9298335/ [Accessed 15 November 2023]
2. Reygagne, P. (2014) Oral Presentations: Stemoxydine, a Hair Kenogen Phase Shortener, Leading to Increased Hair Density. Int J Trichology. 6(3): 113 – 139. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4158624/ [Accessed 15 November 2023]
3. Guarrera, M. & Rebora, A. (2019) The Higher Number and Longer Duration of Kenogen Hairs Are the Main Cause of the Hair Rarefaction in Androgenetic Alopecia. Skin Appendage Disord. 5(3): 152 – 154. Available at: https://karger.com/sad/article/5/3/152/291529/The-Higher-Number-and-Longer-Duration-of-Kenogen [Accessed 15 November 2023]
4. Rathman-Josserand, M., Bernard, B. & Misra, N. (2014) Hair Density Recovery: New Insights in Hair Growth Biology – L’Oreal Research: O 10: The Niche of Human Hair Follicle Stem Cells: A Specific Environment. Int J Trichology. 6(3): 113 – 139. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4158624/ [Accessed 15 November 2023]
5. Park, BS., Kim, WS., Choi, JS., et al. (2010) Hair growth stimulated by conditioned medium of adipose-derived stem cells is enhanced by hypoxia: evidence of increased growth factor secretion. Biomed Res. 31(1): 27 – 34. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20203417/ [Accessed 15 November 2023]
6. Suchonwanit, P., Thammarucha, S. & Leerunyakul, K. (2019) Minoxidil and its use in hair disorders: a review. Drug Des Devel Ther. 13: 2777 – 2786. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6691938/ [Accessed 15 November 2023]
7. Kwack, M., Kang, B., Kim, M., et al. (2011) Minoxidil activates β-catenin pathway in human dermal papilla cells: A possible explanation for its anagen prolongation effect. Journal of Dermatological Science. 62(3): 154 – 159. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0923181111000521 [Accessed 15 November 2023]
8. Samplaski, M., Lo, K., Grober, E. & Jarvi, K. (2013). Finasteride use in the male infertility population: effects on semen and hormone parameters. Fertil Steril. 100(6): 1542 – 1546. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24012200/ [Accessed 15 November 2023]