Xandrox as a Hair Loss Treatment?

Xandrox as a Treatment for Hair Loss:  

When evaluating a hair loss treatment, it is important not just to look at the name of the hair loss product but the ingredients within.   In other words, the efficacy of a hair loss treatment can be understood by looking at its parts.   Like any other hair loss product, it is important that time is spent doing research to determine whether or not this product will really do what it claims.  

So what is Xandrox?  Xandrox is a product developed by Dr. Richard Lee, a hair loss physician and is applied topically to the scalp.   Its “active” ingredients are a combination of  minoxodil (same active ingredient in Rogaine)  and  Azelaic Acid.   There are a few types of Xandrox, including the Day Formula, the Night Formula, and Xandrox 12.5%, a cream that’s used for more stubborn areas, such as the frontal hair line, and contains 12.5% Minoxidil as opposed to the normal 5%. One ml of Xandrox should be applied twice per day, and a routine should be established.   Many hair loss sufferers have preferred Xandrox to Rogaine because it is less greasy and may have fewer side effects.

Ingredients:  

Minoxodil 5% or 12.5%

Minoxodil is FDA approved as a  hair loss treatment and many hair loss sufferers have used it  to help prevent future  hair loss and regrow hair.  

Azelaic Acid 5%

Azelaic Acid is a naturally occuring substance found in wholegrains that has mild antibioticthat properties to help “clean” the skin.   Many prescription medications for acne contain this as an active ingredient.   Azelaic Acid is not FDA approved as a treatment for hair loss.   However it is said to be a potent inhibitor of 5-Alpha-Reductase in human skin.   The theory of its efficacy  therefore is that if there is less of the enzyme 5-Alpha-Reductase in the body, less DHT will be created.   If DHT is minimized, the susceptible hairs won’t be as exposed and therefore hair loss will be minimized or eliminated.  

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is formed from the combination of the hormone testosterone and the enzyme 5-Alpha-reductase in the body.   Learn more about hereditary hair loss.

To date however, there has been no research that directly links the use of topical azelaic acid  with hair growth.

Combining Minoxodil andAzelaic Acid:

Combining these two “forces” therefore in theory, should be a more powerful hair loss treatment than minoxodil alone.   However, since Azelaic Acid has not been clinically tested as a hair loss treatment, one can only speculate of it’s efficacy.

The Study according to Xandrox:

This product claims that 70% of the users who have used this product regrow hair.   An additional 13% reported that their hair loss has haulted.      The obvious question therefore is, what role did Azelaic Acid have in these results?   Is it possible that these results were produced by the FDA approved treatment minoxodil for hair loss alone?   The answer is….possibly, since Azelaic Acid was never tested alone (see above).

We also have to ask what we know about the  test subjects in the study.     How many Xandrox  consumers in this study had high levels of hair loss?   How many experienced  hair growth in completely bald areas?   How much of a cosmetic improvement and hair regrowth  did these consumers experience when using Xandrox as a hair loss treatment?   We must remember that the chance of hair regrowth is lessened as hairs miniaturize.   The more a hair is miniaturized, the less liklihood of it growing back.   Also keep in mind that regrowing hair does not indicate that one should expect to regrow ALL of their hair.     After all, there is no miracle cure for hair loss at the time this article was written.  

Side Effects:

As of yet, Xandrox has shown few side effects, and may cause less itching and flaking than Rogaine.Azelaic Acid however, may cause some burning and irritation of the scalp. But one type of Xandrox (containing Betamethasone Valerate   a corticosteroid) counteracts this side effect.   However, understand that corticosteroids may cause problems if used long term.   Problems can include  thinning of the skin, skin damage, and may lead to  brittle bones or diabetes.   Therefore it is recommended to use the Betamethasone-free Xandrox if itching doesn’t become a problem. Betamethasone-free Xandrox is reported to work just as well as regular Xandrox.

Costs:

Costs have been reported between $32-40 per bottle (for a one month supply)  depending on the specific Xandrox formulation and amount purchased.   Discounts are typically available if bought in bulk.   Generic minoxodil 5% on the other hand can typically be purchased at $10-$15 for a one month supply.

My Conclusion:

Because Xandrox contains active ingredient minoxodil – one of the two FDA approved hair loss treatments for men, I must conclude that Xandrox will at least have the same level of efficacy as Rogaine or generic minoxodil 5%.   However, though Dr. Lee believes in Azelaic Acid as a hair loss treatment, no serious clinical studies have been performed on this ingredient as a means to combat hair loss.   Therefore, at this time, it is mostly speculation.

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Bill
Associate Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network and the Hair Loss Learning Center
View my Hair Loss Weblog

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