Our topical hair growth solution can be used with gray hair. The topical solution shouldn’t impact your hair color in any way, and your hair color shouldn’t interfere with the work the topical does for your hair. In very rare cases, the Retinoic Acid in the topical may make your scalp more sensitive to the sun.

Spironolactone is an FDA-approved medication used to treat high blood pressure and has been used off-label for treating female pattern hair loss as well as adult hormonal acne. It is a Testosterone blocker, preventing Testosterone-derived Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from attaching to its receptor. While typically used as an oral medication, Happy Head has developed an innovative topical medication that combines topical Spironolactone with prescription-grade Minoxidil. Topical Spironolactone is an alternative regrowth ingredient to Finasteride for women under 50. This prescription topical medication is based on two clinical studies. In one study of topical Spironolactone, 80% of patients treated with 1% topical Spironolactone gel saw improvement. In another group where 1% topical Spironolactone was combined with 5% Minoxidil gel, clinical improvements were seen in 100% of the patients, with 40% of patients having excellent response, 50% having good response, and 10% of patients having fair response.

In another study comparing topical Finasteride to topical Spironolactone, 32 patients were enrolled in the study and some of them were treated with topical Spironolactone solution 5% for six months. In a patient satisfaction survey, 100% were either satisfied or very satisfied with the results. Spironolactone can be used simultaneously with other medications, such as birth control medications. Spironolactone is a diuretic, which means that it may help you make more urine. The most common side effects may include a change in blood pressure, such as dizziness or lightheadedness, breast tenderness, breast enlargement, irregular periods, or spotting between periods. Topical application of Spironolactone may have lower side effects than oral Spironolactone; however, side effects may still occur. Spironolactone may increase potassium levels in your body, so patients should avoid foods that are high in potassium, such as bananas, coconut water, or avocados. Patients should avoid pregnancy on this medication. Spironolactone is a prescription medication, so a medical consultation is required. Happy Head includes a free medical consultation with a board-certified dermatologist when you order your products.

Spironolactone works to combat female pattern hair loss by competitively inhibiting the hormone Testosterone from binding to Testosterone receptors. Testosterone is the hormone responsible for hair thinning. Typically, Testosterone is converted into another hormone called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is responsible for shrinking hair follicles and causing thinning and baldness. Spironolactone competes with Testosterone to bind to the Testosterone receptors. By doing so, it prevents Testosterone from converting into DHT. By effectively reducing the levels of DHT, Spironolactone helps to combat female pattern hair loss.

Clinical studies have demonstrated the benefits of Finasteride for the treatment of female pattern hair loss (Iamsumang et al. 2020). Finasteride is not currently approved for use in women, but it is often used off-label for the treatment of female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). It is a 5AR inhibitor and prevents the formation of DHT.

With daily application of either topical Spironolactone or Finasteride, results are typically seen within 3 to 6 months of your first use.

Results may vary per patient. Results are not guaranteed. Topical Spironolactone or Finasteride mixed with Minoxidil, Retinoic Acid, and Hydrocortisone is a compound prescription medication. Compounded medications are not FDA approved. Finasteride is not FDA approved for use in women. The safety and efficacy of Finasteride for female pattern hair loss is not well understood. Some side effects may include sexual dysfunction, psychological side effects (anxiety, depression), increased body hair, irregular menses, and breast tenderness. Women who may become pregnant or who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid using Finasteride. It is not advised for women with a history of breast cancer or at high risk for breast cancer to use Finasteride. Spironolactone is FDA approved for use in women but is used off-label for hair loss. Some side effects may include dizziness or lightheadedness, breast tenderness, breast enlargement, irregular periods, spotting between periods, or elevated potassium levels. Spironolactone may increase potassium levels in your body, so it should not be used by anyone with kidney dysfunction and patients should avoid foods that are high in potassium (such as bananas, coconut water, or avocados). Please see the Drug Safety Information for more information.