Procapil vs Minoxidil: Uses, Results, and Side Effects

Are you struggling with hair loss and not sure which hair treatment to choose? Let’s break down Procapil vs minoxidil.

Both hair loss ingredients target hair thinning but work differently and have different side-effect profiles. The right treatment for you depends on a few factors, including the severity of your hair loss, skin sensitivity, and how you respond to treatment.

Below, we cover everything you need to know about Procapil vs minoxidil for hair growth, including how each treatment works, how to use them, the benefits and results you can expect, and potential side effects.

Curious how Procapil and minoxidil can help with hair loss? We dive into the nitty gritty below, but first, let’s do a quick overview.

Procapil is a natural hair loss treatment featuring a mix of plant-based ingredients like biotinyl-GHK, oleanolic acid, and apigenin.

These ingredients work together to fortify hair follicles, boost scalp blood circulation, and block dihydrotestosterone (DHT) — a hormone known for shrinking hair follicles and causing genetic hair loss.

You can often find Procapil in off-the-shelf hair serums, tonics, shampoos, and other hair care products.

How it works

Procapil contains a blend of natural ingredients, including:

• Biotinyl-GHK: A peptide derived from the hair-friendly vitamin biotin

• Oleanolic acid: A substance extracted from olive tree leaves

• Apigenin: A flavonoid derived from citrus fruits

It’s formulated to boost blood flow to the scalp and prevent a process known as hair follicle miniaturization. Miniaturization happens when hair follicles constrict, producing thinner strands and preventing healthy hair growth.

A genetic predisposition to DHT sensitivity (also known as male pattern hair loss) can make you more likely to experience shrinking hair follicles. But so can alopecia areata, an autoimmune form of hair loss.

The oleanic acid in Procapil reduces the amount of DHT your body produces by inhibiting the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, which is responsible for converting testosterone into DHT.

The biotin-derived biotinyl-GHK strengthens hair follicles by boosting collagen production. Apigenin acts as a vasodilator, increasing blood flow to the blood vessels in the scalp to support healthy hair growth.

Using Procapil

Procapil is a topical treatment you apply directly to your scalp. For best results, always read and follow the manufacturer’s directions.

And always wash your hands after applying it to avoid irritating your eyes.

Forgetting to rinse can also lead to unwanted hair growth on your hands or face.

Benefits and Results

Procapil might not have the FDA stamp of approval like minoxidil, but there’s some research hinting that it might be a solid choice for battling hair loss, especially if:

• You’re just starting to notice thinning

• Your hair loss is on the mild side

• You’re looking for a way to prevent future hair loss

One small study involving 20 males with hair loss found that those treated with a formula containing 3% caffeine and Procapil saw improvements in hair growth after several weeks.

Another study involving 120 participants compared 5% topical minoxidil and a mix of Procapil, Capixyl, and Redensyl (other botanically sourced hair loss products). The researchers found that those treated twice a day with the plant-based solution saw better hair regrowth results than those in the minoxidil group.

Here’s the thing with the research so far: It’s impossible to know for sure which plant-based ingredients had the biggest impact on hair growth. That and the sample sizes are pretty small.

A paper from 2019 suggests that combining minoxidil with natural solutions like Procapil may help boost its effects.

Potential Side Effects

While Procapil has fewer overall potential side effects than minoxidil, some people might experience the following when using it:

• Acne and clogged pores

• Redness

• Irritation

• Increased skin sensitivity

• New hair growth on the hands or face (if you don’t rinse properly after use)

Like with pretty much any topical product, you’re more likely to experience a reaction if you have sensitive skin.

So, is Procapil safe? Short answer: Yes.

But because Procapil is an alpha-reductase inhibitor, it may interact with some medications. So it’s a good idea to talk with a healthcare professional, like a dermatologist, before using it if you take blood thinners or blood pressure meds.

Rarely, Procapil can impact the look and feel of hair, making it oilier or dryer.

Minoxidil is an FDA-approved hair loss treatment backed by years of research. It’s also the active ingredient in Rogaine, a brand name you probably recognize.

DHT doesn’t just shrink hair follicles. It can also shrink the amount of time your hair is actively growing. Minoxidil promotes hair regrowth by increasing blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles. It also lengthens the growth stage (anagen phase) of the hair growth cycle.

Like Procapil, minoxidil is available without a prescription (except for the oral version, which isn’t usually a go-to for hair loss).

How it works

Here’s the thing: Experts don’t know the exact mechanism behind minoxidil, but plenty of research shows that it’s effective in helping with hair loss.

Some studies suggest that minoxidil boosts hair growth by shortening the rest phase of the hair growth cycle (AKA the telogen phase) and lengthening the growth stage.

And a longer growth period = greater hair density (AKA thicker hair)

One thing to note, though. You might initially notice more shedding as new hair replaces old. But don’t worry, that’s temporary.

Using Minoxidil

Minoxidil is available in two topical formulations: minoxidil liquid solution and minoxidil foam. It’s also available in 2% and 5% concentrations. The 5% formula is stronger and more effective but might come with a higher risk of side effects like skin irritation.

The key is to apply it to the areas where you’re experiencing hair loss. You can read all about how to apply minoxidil in our comprehensive guide on how men should apply minoxidil for hair growth.

You also need to apply it consistently over the long term. Stopping usually re-triggers hair loss.

Benefits and Results

One major difference between minoxidil and Procapil is that minoxidil is FDA-approved and backed by an extensive body of research.

It might be the right option for you if:

• Your hair loss hasn’t responded to other treatments like Procapil

• Your hair loss is severe

• You want a more aggressive hair loss treatment

One review notes that both 2% and 5% minoxidil solutions produce similar results, both effectively promoting hair regrowth around the hairline.

Common Side Effects of Minoxidil

Most people who use minoxidil don’t experience major side effects. But some things to look out for include:

• Scalp irritation

• Dryness

• Itching

• Skin flaking

• Burning sensation

If you experience a skin reaction to minoxidil solution, you may want to consider trying the foam, which may be less likely to trigger irritation.

Plus, unless you have very sensitive skin, it’s likely side effects will fade with time.

At a glance, these two hair loss treatments seem pretty similar. Ultimately, the right option depends on your hair goals.

Let’s recap what we know about Procapil and minoxidil:

• Both are hair loss treatments. Procapil is a natural hair loss solution derived from ingredients, while minoxidil is a synthetic formula.

• Procapil might be a good option for mild hair loss. If you’re just starting to notice thinning or the hair fall you’re experiencing is mild, Procapil might be able to help slow shedding and improve hair health.

• Minoxidil is a better bet for severe hair loss. It’s FDA-approved to treat androgenic alopecia (AKA male pattern baldness), after all. It might work even better when paired with another FDA-backed hair loss medication, finasteride. Try it in our topical finasteride and minoxidil spray.

Looking for more hair loss treatment guidance? Booking a hair consultation with a healthcare professional today. They can outline your treatment options and help you decide whether Procapil vs minoxidil is right for you.

Curious about non-medication hair loss treatments? Our guide to hair transplants can help.