What medication can promote hair growth?
Jun 30, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, medications such as finasteride tablets, spironolactone tablets, cystine tablets, Yangxue Shengfa Capsules, and compound vitamin B tablets may be used for hair regrowth under medical guidance. Finasteride tablets work by inhibiting the activity of 5α-reductase, reducing the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, thereby decreasing damage to hair follicles caused by dihydrotestosterone and promoting hair growth. Long-term use is required, and the medication is contraindicated for women and children.
Generally, for hair regrowth, medications such as finasteride tablets, spironolactone tablets, cystine tablets, Yangxue Shengfa Capsules (nourishing blood and promoting hair growth), and compound vitamin B tablets can be used under medical guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Finasteride Tablets
Finasteride promotes hair growth by inhibiting 5α-reductase activity, thereby reducing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone and minimizing dihydrotestosterone-induced damage to hair follicles. It must be taken long-term and is contraindicated for women and children. Possible side effects include mild sexual dysfunction, which typically resolves after discontinuation.
2. Spironolactone Tablets
Suitable for both men and women, spironolactone is used for androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata. It promotes hair matrix cell proliferation and delays follicular degeneration by dilating blood vessels around hair follicles and regulating the hair follicle growth cycle. Continuous use for at least six months is required to observe therapeutic effects.
3. Cystine Tablets
These tablets promote hair protein synthesis and improve hair quality by supplementing cystine and B vitamins. They are commonly used as adjunctive therapy and yield better results when combined with other hair growth medications.
4. Yangxue Shengfa Capsules
Composed of traditional Chinese herbs such as Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui), Rehmannia glutinosa (Shu Di Huang), and Ligusticum chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), these capsules nourish the blood, dispel wind, enrich kidney essence, and improve follicular nutrition. They are classified as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and require syndrome differentiation for appropriate use. Contraindicated for pregnant women, and spicy or greasy foods should be avoided during treatment.
5. Compound Vitamin B Tablets
These tablets regulate lipid metabolism, reduce scalp inflammation, and promote hair growth by supplementing vitamins B1, B2, and B6. They are suitable as basic nutritional support for hair loss associated with seborrheic dermatitis or vitamin deficiency.
During treatment, it is important to develop good lifestyle habits and avoid consuming spicy or irritating foods such as pepper, chili peppers, and garlic, which may interfere with drug efficacy.
