Nanoxidil vs Minoxidil: Which Is Better For Hair Growth?

Nanoxidil vs Minoxidil: Which Is Better For Hair Growth?

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April 19, 2025

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Since its introduction in 1988, minoxidil has proven to be one of the most popular treatments among patients and clinicians for recovering hair growth.

With half of all men facing some form of hair loss before the age of 50, new solutions to combating hair loss are being researched and perfected to provide a greater choice to consumers.

Nanoxidil is an innovative hair loss treatment that can be used as an alternative to Minoxidil. But can Nanoxidil help reduce hair loss effectively? And what are the advantages of using Nanoxidil? Here, we will compare Minoxidil and Nanoxidil so you can decide which solution is best for you.

  1. An innovation in hair growth treatments
  2. How do Nanoxidil and Minoxidil stimulate hair growth?
  3. Which improves hair density more effectively?
  4. Costs of Nanoxidil vs. Minoxidil
  5. Is Nanoxidil better than Minoxidil for side effects?
  6. Application of treatment for hair loss with Nanoxidil and Minoxidil
  7. FAQs
  8. Final Thoughts

An innovation in hair growth treatments

DS Laboratories introduced the Spectral.DNC-N 5% Nanoxidil in 2011 as a new topical treatment. Since its launch, DNC-N has proven to be an effective hair growth treatment.

Clinical studies have shown that the lotion is effective in treating hair loss, and DS Laboratories’ DNC-N Nanoxidil is a popular option for those suffering from hair loss.

The Spectral.DNC-N Nanoxidil topical solution counters the unpleasant side effects of Minoxidil, making it a trendy alternative.

DS Laboratories DNC-N includes Nanoxidil 5% and other ingredients that are considered to be hair growth promoters, such as:

  • Aminexil
  • Adenosine
  • Procyanidin B-2
  • Copper peptides.

Spectral.DNC-N also contains nanosomes that ensure more efficient absorption into the scalp. In comparison, only 1.4% of the active ingredient is absorbed through the scalp when you apply Minoxidil.

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How do Nanoxidil and Minoxidil stimulate hair growth?

Nanoxidil and Minoxidil are chemically similar, differing mainly in molecular weight. Compared to Minoxidil, the Nanoxidil molecule has two fewer hydrogen atoms and one less carbon chain. The lower molecular weight means that the solution can better penetrate the skin.

With Minoxidil, the blood vessels in the scalp are widened to promote blood flow and permit more nutrients to access the hair follicles. It is a vasodilator. The solution also influences hair growth as it is a potassium channel opener in the peripheral artery cells.

In contrast to Nanoxidil Spectral.DNC-N, topical Minoxidil is the most commonly recommended hair loss drug. Minoxidil is considered a safe hair growth treatment as a clinically tested topical serum.

Minoxidil helps manage different forms of hair loss, such as pattern baldness, and has a longstanding track record for treating androgenetic alopecia.

In another study on the effects of Spectral.DNC-N Nanoxidil, it was found that the percentage of hairs in the resting phase was reduced from 23% to 10%. This highlights the increase in hair growth compared to before, as 15% of the hairs are typically in the resting phase.

Which is more effective in improving hair density?

Nanoxidil Spectral.DNC-N has comparable efficacy to Minoxidil. Up to 75% of patients saw that their hair density had improved substantially with either Nanoxidil or Minoxidil. The studies indicate that Nanoxidil DNC-N produces results in a similar timeframe to Minoxidil.

However there is more evidence for Minoxidil since it has been available for longer, and more research studies on the effectiveness of hair regrowth have been completed compared to Nanoxidil Spectral.DNC-N. The extensive studies into Minoxidil make it one of the safest options for hair growth and improving hair density.

Unlike Nanoxidil DNC-N, Minoxidil has also been shown to help treat various hair loss disorders, including :

  • Alopecia Areata
  • Scarring Alopecia
  • Eyebrow Hair Loss
  • Telogen Effluvium

The widespread application of Minoxidil means that it can help manage many types of hair loss. More research is required to understand if Nanoxidil Spectral.DNC-N can be used for more than just pattern hair loss.

Nanoxidil DNC-N contains several ingredients, such as azelaic acid and caffeine, that minimise hair shedding and improve hair density. The azelaic acid and caffeine in Nanoxidil may be able to counter the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone that causes pattern baldness.

Costs of Nanoxidil vs. Minoxidil

One of the major factors in choosing a solution to treat hair loss disorders is the price. Comparatively, Nanoxidil Spectral.DNC-N can be up to four times more expensive than branded Minoxidil. Nanoxidil DNC-N is priced at around $49.95 for one month’s supply.

Generic Minoxidil is available at a much lower price point than Nanoxidil DNC-N, though the price may come down over time as more companies develop their own Nanoxidil solutions.

Minoxidil’s patent expired in 1996, allowing for generic versions to be sold at lower prices. A similar expiry of a patent could result in generic versions of Nanoxidil DNC-N becoming available in the future.

Currently, Nanoxidil DNC-N is exclusively sold by DS Laboratories. On the other hand, Minoxidil is available from multiple retailers, providing consumers with more pricing options.

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Is Nanoxidil better than Minoxidil for side effects?

Minoxidil can help reduce hair shedding and improve hair density but may cause side effects. While these are usually rare and mild, the most common side effect is irritant contact dermatitis.

Some formulations of Minoxidil can cause scalp irritation due to the presence of propylene glycol. This causes itching and potential scaling where the product is applied. In comparison, Nanoxidil DNC-N does not contain propylene glycol, which may help reduce irritation while trying to regrow hair making it a good alternative to Minoxidil.

This contact dermatitis can also cause an unpleasant burning sensation on the scalp and other unwanted side effects.

Nanoxidil DNC-N was developed to minimise the occurrence of side effects compared to Minoxidil. Nanoxidil DNC-N can be considered a promising treatment option for those with sensitive scalps alongside comparable benefits. However, there is little data on the long-term side effects of Nanoxidil as it is one of the newer hair loss treatments.

How to use Nanoxidil and Minoxidil for hair loss

Minoxidil and Nanoxidil DNC-N are both applied as topical hair loss treatments. They are rubbed directly onto the scalp twice a day to help improve hair density. Other treatments such as DHT blockers like Finasteride and Dutasteride are oral solutions.

Minoxidil solutions can be applied in several ways, such as using a spray, dropper, or foam applicator. An oral minoxidil treatment is also available. Meanwhile, Nanoxidil DNC-N is only available as a spray solution.

Steps for applying Nanoxidil DNC-N

  1. Nanoxidil DNC-N should be applied in six sprays twice a day on the affected area.
  2. After applying Nanoxidil DNC-N, rub the liquid evenly into the skin.
  3. After using Nanoxidil DNC-N, wash your hands with soap and water immediately.

Steps for applying Minoxidil

  1. Minoxidil foam should be applied to the fingertips first and then rubbed into the scalp.
  2. Minoxidil should be applied twice daily for optimal results.
  3. You should not sleep less than four hours after applying Minoxidil to prevent it from migrating.

It comes down to individual preference as to which method of application you prefer, but research has indicated that foam is actually the most effective type.

Researchers have suggested that the foam is less likely to spread to other areas and provides better absorption into the area with less irritation.

Final Thoughts

Nanoxidil is a more effective solution for reducing hair loss than Minoxidil, as it has fewer side effects. According to clinical studies, a combined treatment offers better results than using topical Finasteride or Minoxidil alone to simplify your hair loss prevention routine.

With a subscription-based service like Hairy Hair, topical and oral solutions can be delivered right to your door. You’ll receive ongoing professional support along with unlimited consultations with Australian GPS from the comfort of your home.

FAQs

Is Nanoxidil a DHT blocker?

Unlike Minoxidil, Nanoxidil includes certain ingredients that can inhibit DHT production. It’s made of caffeine as well as alkaloid cellulose.In comparison to 5-alpha reductase inhibitors such as Finasteride and Dutasteride, more research is required to see if Nanoxidil DNC-N is as effective at blocking DHT production.

Is there any evidence for the effectiveness of Nanoxidil?

In a study on the efficacy of Nanoxidil DNC-N, 250 people using Spectral.DNC-N over the course of 1 year were monitored.

The outcome was that 93% of people saw results using Nanoxidil while 83% were able to see new hair growth, and 80% of people, according to medical evaluation, saw significant improvement. This means it could be a good alternative to Minoxidil.

How can I get hair loss treatments like Nanoxidil?

While Nanoxidil is available online, popular oral Minoxidil and Finasteride medications require a doctor’s prescription.

Hairy Hair  offers an accessible and convenient solution with a 100% online model and unlimited access to qualified GPs. The daily pill is designed to support hair health and provide comprehensive care for those experiencing hair loss.

You can tackle your hair loss from home with a long-term, subscription-based solution that’s medically backed to promote hair regrowth – that means no visits to a clinic.

Head over to our website for details!

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