What's the difference between hair growth stimulants and hair tonics? Which one should you use? (Explanation)

What exactly is the difference between hair growth stimulants and hair tonics?

First of all, hair growth stimulants and hair tonics are classified differently under the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act. Hair growth stimulants are classified as "pharmaceuticals," while most hair tonics are classified as "quasi-drugs."

Pharmaceuticals are "medicines intended for treatment or prevention." On the other hand, quasi-drugs are mainly "products intended for prevention or hygiene, with mild effects on the human body."

In other words, hair growth medications, which are pharmaceuticals, are intended to treat or improve conditions such as "growing hair" or "increasing hair volume."

The active ingredient recognized for its hair growth effect is "minoxidil." Minoxidil has been shown to have the following effects:

• It acts on the "dermal papilla cells" that promote hair growth, normalizing the hair cycle.
• To grow thin, soft hairs into thicker hairs.
• Promotes the growth of new hair.

Hair growth products containing minoxidil as the main ingredient are expected to have the effect of growing new hair and thickening thinning hair.

On the other hand, hair growth products approach the problem by addressing scalp issues that cause hair loss and thinning. They are for prevention and maintaining the current state, such as "maintaining the hair that is currently growing" and "creating an environment where hair can grow easily."

While this hair growth product does not contain minoxidil, it does contain "active ingredients" that have been proven to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth.

It helps to create an environment where hair can grow more easily on the scalp, and is expected to be effective in improving scalp dirt and dryness, which are causes of thinning hair and hair loss.

Should I use a hair growth stimulant or a hair tonic?

As explained above, hair growth stimulants and hair tonics have different uses, and the type you should use depends on the condition of your scalp and hair.

Hair growth products containing the active ingredient "minoxidil," which are effective in treating hair loss, are limited to those whose hair loss is already progressing due to conditions such as male pattern baldness (AGA) or diffuse alopecia, or those whose hair has thinned and whose scalp is becoming more visible. Check the condition of your scalp and determine if it may be effective before using it correctly.

On the other hand, hair growth products used to prevent hair loss are expected to improve the current scalp condition. They are recommended for those who are concerned about hair loss or an oily scalp.

Let's also be aware of the side effects of hair growth and hair restoration products.

When using hair growth or hair restoration products, it's essential to be aware of potential side effects. While side effects don't always occur, there's a risk for everyone. To avoid worsening symptoms if side effects do occur, it's important to understand the possible symptoms.

The following are some of the common side effects on the scalp that hair growth products and hair restoration products have:

• rash
• itch
• dandruff
• redness

The probability of experiencing the above-mentioned side effects is said to be about 10% of those who use the product.

Furthermore, since minoxidil, an ingredient in hair growth products, was originally developed as a blood pressure lowering drug, caution is advised for people with high blood pressure or heart disease. Please be sure to carefully read the "Precautions for Use" before using the product.

summary

Hair growth stimulants and hair tonics are often confused, but they differ in the expected effects and the scalp conditions for which they should be used. Most hair tonics are quasi-drugs that aim to improve the scalp environment, while hair growth stimulants are pharmaceuticals that are expected to promote hair growth.

If you are suffering from hair loss and hoping to regrow your hair, we recommend using hair regrowth products only after you are fully aware of the side effects. If you want to protect the hair you currently have and improve your scalp condition, we recommend hair tonics.

Understand the difference between hair growth stimulants and hair restoration stimulants, and use each medication effectively.