Baldness sprays

Although hair loss is associated with many causes, primarily immune and hormonal in nature, a clinically proven hair loss spray can be useful in the complex treatment of alopecia.

And the indications for the use of hair loss spray include androgenic and focal alopecia in men and diffuse hair loss in women. Cosmetic products - aerosol hair care products - are also intended to prevent hair loss.

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Pharmacodynamics

The hair loss spray Generolon (Rogaine) improves blood supply to hair follicles thanks to the active substance minoxidil, a vasodilator (pyrimidinediamine derivative) against high blood pressure. As a result of the effect of this substance, metabolism in the follicles is activated and the anagen phase of hair (growth phase) is extended. As noted in the official instructions for the drug, the effectiveness of its use is higher in the initial stage of baldness. Moreover, Generolon is more effective as a hair loss spray for women. However, hair growth is restored and continues only with the constant use of these drugs.

The pharmacodynamics of Alopel spray is based on the complex effect of its constituent extracts of burdock and narrow-leaved pagoda tree roots, mountain arnica, red clover, stinging nettle, rosemary, sage, common ivy, green tea leaves (Camelia Sinensis), maritime pine, chamomile flowers, nasturtium, lemon peel. This product also contains hydrogenated castor oil, D-panthenol, camphor, sodium hyaluronate, biotin (vitamin H) and a complex of acetyl tetrapeptides. By nourishing the epithelial sheath of hair roots, Alopel helps restore their growth.

The Exiderm spray, recommended for damaged hair and hair loss, contains extracts of aloe vera, coltsfoot, burdock, hops, birch leaf, nettle, St. John's wort, juniper, chamomile, oak, clover, plantain, sage, D-panthenol, vitamins (A, C, E, B5, B6, PP).

Pharmacokinetics

Up to 2% of the active component minoxidil, which is included in the hair loss spray Generolon (Regaine), is absorbed into the bloodstream, reaching maximum concentration 5.5-6 hours after applying the spray to the scalp. At the same time, approximately 38% of minoxidil binds to plasma proteins.

About 60% of minoxidil that enters the blood is transformed in the liver; the average period of drug elimination (via the kidneys and intestines) is 40-44 hours, and after stopping the use of Generolon (Regaine) spray - four days.

The pharmacokinetics of Alopel and Exiderm sprays are not provided in the descriptions of these products.

Names of hair loss sprays

The main names of anti-hair loss sprays that are pharmaceutical preparations are: Regaine (Aerosol-Service AG, Switzerland) and its synonym Generolon (2% and 5% spray manufactured by Belupo, Croatia), as well as Alopel (manufactured by Catalysis, SL, Spain).

In addition, there is a hair growth activator Exiderm and advertised as a hair loss spray Hair megaspray and hair loss spray Ultra hair system. They are not medicines. Moreover, the hair strengthening products Ultra hair system and Hair megaspray produced in the Russian Federation are sold only via the Internet.

Method of application and dosage of spray against baldness

All hair loss sprays are applied externally. Generolon (Regaine) is applied to dry scalp: a single dose is 1 ml, which corresponds to seven presses on the spray nozzle.

Men are recommended to use the product twice a day (without washing hair after applying the spray), and women – once.

According to the official instructions, the first signs of hair growth restoration can be seen after 2-3-4 months of using this product. Hair will start falling out again if the use of Generolon (Regaine) is stopped.

Alopel spray should be applied to hairless areas once or twice a day (the second time at night), each time gently massaging the scalp for 30-40 seconds. The method of application of Exiderm is similar.

An overdose of the hair loss spray Generolon (Regaine) causes more intense manifestation of side effects (decreased blood pressure, edema, tachycardia).

Hair megaspray and Ultra hair system anti-hair loss sprays

As mentioned above, the Ultra hair system anti-hair loss spray (Dr. Lorel), the manufacturer of which could not be identified, contains oils (burdock, coconut, argan, cinnamon), vitamins (A and E) and extracts of calamus root and chamomile flowers. This is a product for the care of weakened dry hair with split ends, which is positioned on the market of similar products as a hair growth activator. It is noteworthy that the so-called Ultra hair system anti-hair loss spray is recommended to be applied not only to the hair roots, but also to the hair itself.

There are at least two products called Hair megaspray, judging by the differences in the components, and both are produced in the Russian Federation. According to the advertising, Hair megaspray restores brittle, split and damaged hair, adds vitality and shine to dry hair, and strengthens hair roots thanks to: burdock, argan, coconut, cinnamon and avocado oils; vitamins A and E; extracts of chamomile, nettle and hot pepper.

The second hair loss spray Hair megaspray contains: evening primrose oil (primrose) rich in linoleic acid; black pepper essential oil and bay oil (from the seeds of American laurel). These products are sold exclusively on the Internet, which gives good reason (in the absence of information about their manufacturers and an abundance of "rave reviews") to doubt the advisability of their purchase and use.

Contraindications for use

Contraindications to the use of Generolon (Regaine) spray include hypersensitivity to minoxidil or other substances in the composition of the drug; the presence of wounds, scratches, combs and other damage to the scalp; dermatological pathologies of the scalp; age under 18 and over 65 years.

The spray against baldness for men Alopel has no contraindications. And contraindications for the spray Exiderm are skin diseases localized on the scalp.

The use of hair loss spray during pregnancy, in particular the drug Generolon (Regaine), is contraindicated; this drug is also not used during lactation.

There is no information regarding the possibility of using Alopel and Exiderm products by pregnant and breastfeeding women.

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Side effects

When using Generolon (Regaine) spray, there may be side effects that include headaches, skin itching, hyperemia and rashes, as well as runny nose, and decreased blood pressure.

In some cases, swelling (of the lips, tongue, tissues of the oropharynx), dizziness, eye irritation, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, and pain behind the breastbone may be observed. And peeling, blisters, or ulcers may appear on the scalp.

Alopel hair loss spray has no side effects.

Interactions with other drugs

Products containing minoxidil have interactions with other medications:

• Minoxidil is absorbed worse by the skin when used simultaneously with external agents Akriderm, Betacorlan, Betacort, Betilol, Celestan, Supercorten, etc. with the synthetic GSK betamethasone.
• The absorption of minoxidil increases if the acne cream Tretinoin or external preparations Dithranol, Akrikhim, Cignoderm and other creams with dithranol are used in parallel.

Optimal storage conditions for sprays include temperatures up to +25°C. The shelf life of Generolon spray (Rogaine) is 36 months; Alopel spray – 24 months; Exiderm – 12 months.