We’ve said it before and we’ll continue to preach it... we are here to support your hair regrowth journey! So, understandably, the absolute last thing we want you to do is to use a potentially damaging product. At iRestore, our products are FDA-cleared and proven to be safe to treat hair loss in a healthy way, however, it is important to get the lowdown on other, popular products that make similar claims. For decades, minoxidil and finasteride have been the top solutions to treat hair loss and promote growth. And while both have proven to be effective for many people, the overall process and potential side effects are something to note when compared to our products. Before we get into how we compare these products, here’s a crash course on the two most well-known hair loss drugs. Minoxidil Minoxidil (also known as Rogaine) works by widening the blood vessels with the hope to promote blood flow to the hair follicle. It is advertised as a good environment for hair to regrow and is sold as a liquid or foam in two strengths. It, however, is not used for baldness at the front of the scalp or receding hairline in men and is not meant for all types of hair loss. It must be applied every day twice a day for several months for results. So, if you have a hectic schedule, this might not work for you. And the way minoxidil works, be prepared to see more hair loss and shedding than you were already experiencing within the first month of usage. Minoxidil works best if you’re under the age of 40 and have only recently started to lose your hair so, to us, it seems like a large percentage of people are not true candidates for this product. And to add to it, if you stop using the minoxidil, you will begin to see your hair fall out and it does not treat postpartum thinning hair. According to WebMD, Minoxidil also has potential side effects like dizziness, headaches, fainting, and a rapid heart rate and some people notice itching, burning, or stinging at the application site....ouch! Finasteride Finasteride treats pattern baldness by lowering levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the main hormone that’s accountable for reducing your hair follicles and causing baldness. So by stopping testosterone from converting into DHT, finasteride reduces your DHT levels and stops the hormone from connecting to your hair follicles and causing damage. Did we lose you there? How about we explain it in a simpler way. DHT is an androgen, which is a hormone that contributes to male characteristics, such as body hair. Lowering the levels of DHT leads to the inability of hormones to attack hair follicles, resulting in the slowdown or elimination of hair loss. Although finasteride has been proven to be more clinically effective compared to minoxidil, it can potentially cause side effects, such as reduced sexual desire, depression, and, in some cases, excessive hair growth. And because it targets DHT, it will not work for other forms of hair loss related to stress or medication. You may also experience side effects like nipple discharge, enlarged breast or breast pain, testicle pain, and trouble urinating. Again, ouch! How We Compare At iRESTORE, we aim to rise above the competition by offering you a unique and one-of-a-kind solution to your hair regrowth needs. Our red light therapy hair growth devices promote thicker, fuller hair from the comfort of your home, and one of the most obvious differences when compared to minoxidil and finasteride, is that all our products are drug-free! Red light therapy (RLT) creates healthier cells and has proven to increase your blood circulation to bring more oxygen and nutrients to your scalp’s surface. RLT penetrates the top layer of skin into the lower levels of the skin, leading to an increase of oxygen to your skin, an improvement of circulation, and repair of damaged tissue. All of which results in a safe and effortless environment for hair regrowth. And when it comes to using our Professional and Essential devices, there are no timely, messy application processes involved. You simply place our devices on your head for 25 minutes every other day and voila! Oh, none of those scary side effects here either. Plus we’re a one-stop-shop! Our customers see optimal results when our devices are paired with our other products like tasty Biotin Vitamin Gummies made with all-natural ingredients and our Thickening Duo made of a restorative formula to reinvigorate thinning hair. And let’s not forget our Growth Activator Serum! Containing Redensyl, vitamins E & B, biotin, aloe vera, and green tea leaf extract, it is designed to nourish follicles and boost hair regrowth. And, we’re so confident in our products that they all come with a money-back guarantee if you don’t see the results you’re looking for. So, the next time you start putting things in your hair that you can barely pronounce, think twice and remember iRESTORE is the new sheriff in town!