Hair Regrowth: The Power of Minoxidil, Azelaic Acid, and Tretinoin in Restoring Hair Health

Your thinning hair due to "aging" – it's actually a NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY, and guess what? It's totally fixable.

The $13.9 billion hair care industry pushes shampoos, but the real answer is right on your plate.

Most people don’t realize that hair loss has a straightforward root cause: Your body is LACKING key nutrients necessary for healthy hair follicles. That pricey shampoo won’t fix what's going on beneath your scalp – that's where the ACTUAL issue lies.

Your hair issues are actually INTERNAL, not external. When your hair thins, breaks, or falls out, your body is urgently sending you a message: It’s lacking the essential nutrients to build robust, thick hair.

Here are a few nutrients that play a crucial role in hair health:

1. SILICA: Strengthens hair protein, prevents breakage

2. OMEGA-3s: Reduces inflammation around the follicle

3. BIOTIN: Crucial for keratin synthesis

4. IRON/COPPER: Delivers oxygen to your scalp

A deficiency in ANY of these leads to noticeable hair issues. But there’s ONE deficiency that stands out above all: IRON + COPPER combined. Iron deficiency is the top culprit behind hair shedding, but here’s the plot twist: Even if you take iron supplements, without sufficient COPPER, that iron can’t deliver oxygen to your hair follicles. Your hair is basically suffocating.

The second key deficiency: BIOTIN. Without enough biotin, your body can’t produce keratin – the protein that makes up your hair shaft. Weak, thin, brittle hair that snaps at a glance? Textbook biotin deficiency.

Vitamin D3 is another vital player. Research shows D3 can actually activate dormant hair follicle stem cells – boosting hair density and thickness. Yet 42% of Americans are severely deficient in D3, with many more having suboptimal levels.

If you’re looking for the ultimate natural multivitamin for hair growth, grass-fed beef liver is your answer. It contains high amounts of D3, biotin in its natural form, active vitamin A (retinol), B12, folate, an ideal copper-to-zinc ratio, and heme iron (which is 3x more absorbable than supplements).

For even more impressive results, consider adding these foods to your diet:

1. BAMBOO SHOOTS: The richest natural source of silica for hair strength

2. WILD-CAUGHT SALMON: Packed with omega-3s and D3 for follicle health

3. EGG YOLKS: Loaded with sulfur, cholesterol, and biotin for hair structure

These foods work from the inside out. Here’s what happens when you address these deficiencies over 3 months:

• Week 1-2: Less hair in the shower drain
• Week 3-4: Fresh "baby hairs" start to emerge

While addressing these internal deficiencies can significantly improve hair health, the use of topical treatments such as Minoxidil, Azelaic Acid, and Tretinoin can enhance your efforts by directly stimulating the scalp and encouraging regrowth.

Minoxidil: The Hair Regrowth Superstar

Minoxidil is one of the most widely used over-the-counter treatments for hair loss. Originally developed as an oral medication for high blood pressure, Minoxidil was later found to have the surprising side effect of promoting hair growth. Today, it is used in topical formulations to help with conditions like male and female pattern baldness.

How It Works:

Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, which helps deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to the scalp. This improved circulation stimulates the hair follicles to enter the anagen phase (the growth phase of the hair cycle), which can result in thicker and stronger hair growth.

At a 5% concentration (as commonly found in most treatments), Minoxidil has shown to be effective in promoting hair regrowth, especially for those with androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss). Research suggests that Minoxidil may also work by enhancing follicular size, lengthening the growth phase, and increasing the number of active hair follicles.

• Citations/Research:

  • Olsen EA, Hordinsky MK, Whiting D, et al. "Efficacy and safety of 5% topical minoxidil solution in the treatment of male pattern baldness." J Am Acad Dermatol. 2002;47(3):377-85. Link to study

  • Gupta AK, Versteeg SG, Madani S, et al. "The efficacy of minoxidil in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A review." J Dermatolog Treat. 2016;27(6):518-23. Link to study

Azelaic Acid: The Scalp Saviour

Azelaic Acid is a naturally occurring acid found in grains like barley, wheat, and rye. It has been used in dermatology for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and keratolytic properties. In the context of hair regrowth, Azelaic Acid is gaining recognition for its ability to combat hair loss and promote healthy hair growth.

How It Works:

Azelaic Acid acts by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that plays a significant role in androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness). By inhibiting this enzyme, Azelaic Acid helps reduce DHT levels in the scalp, potentially slowing down or even reversing hair loss.

Azelaic Acid also has anti-inflammatory effects, which can help soothe the scalp and create a healthier environment for hair follicles to thrive. This is particularly important for individuals who suffer from scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff, which can contribute to hair thinning.

• Citations/Research:

  • Mazzarella A, Manzoli L, Di Nardo L, et al. "Azelaic acid in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia." Dermatology. 2011;223(4):276-82. Link to study

  • Dharmani, C, Sharma R, Zulfikar S. "Azelaic acid: A comprehensive review of its efficacy and safety in dermatology." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2020. Link to study

Tretinoin: The Follicle Activator

Tretinoin, also known as all-trans retinoic acid, is a derivative of Vitamin A that has long been used to treat acne and other skin conditions. In recent years, however, Tretinoin has found its place in the treatment of hair loss, particularly in combination therapies for enhancing hair regrowth.

How It Works:

Tretinoin works by increasing the turnover of skin cells and promoting the shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. This helps to unblock hair follicles, preventing follicular miniaturization (which occurs in pattern baldness) and allowing for new, healthier hair to grow.

Additionally, Tretinoin has been shown to enhance the absorption of other topical treatments, such as Minoxidil, making it a valuable component in combination therapies. By improving the penetration of Minoxidil into the scalp, Tretinoin helps to optimize the efficacy of the hair regrowth treatment.

• Citations/Research:

  • Kligman AM, Willis I. "A new formula for minoxidil and tretinoin in the treatment of male pattern baldness." J Am Acad Dermatol. 1991;24(4):597-602. Link to study

  • Diercks GF, Weber L. "Tretinoin (retinoic acid) and its effect on human hair growth." Dermatology. 1996;192(3):228-32. Link to study

The Synergistic Effect: Minoxidil + Azelaic Acid + Tretinoin

When combined, Minoxidil, Azelaic Acid, and Tretinoin create a powerful treatment that not only stimulates hair growth but also helps improve scalp health, reduce inflammation, and optimize the absorption of the active ingredients.

• Minoxidil stimulates blood circulation to the hair follicles.

• Azelaic Acid combats the effects of DHT, a key player in hair thinning.

• Tretinoin enhances follicle health and improves the penetration of Minoxidil into the scalp.

Together, these ingredients work in synergy to improve the overall effectiveness of the treatment, potentially leading to better hair density and regrowth.

Conclusion: A Comprehensive Solution for Hair Regrowth

Hair loss can be a challenging and distressing condition, but advancements in treatment options offer hope for those seeking solutions. The combination of Minoxidil, Azelaic Acid, and Tretinoin provides a multi-faceted approach to tackling hair loss. Each ingredient plays a unique role in supporting hair growth and scalp health, and when used together, they offer a comprehensive solution for individuals struggling with hair thinning and baldness.

Before starting any new treatment, it's essential to consult with a dermatologist to determine the best approach for your individual needs. With the right treatment plan, you can take proactive steps toward regaining a fuller, healthier head of hair.