Monistat For Hair Growth: Does It Really Work?
Get the facts right about the science behind this drug’s role in hair health.
If you have ever crushed aspirin to soothe acne or squeezed dry an Evion capsule to apply to your face and scalp, we have what you may need! The new trend in town is using Monistat for hair growth.
Monistat-7 is the latest OTC drug to be used unconventionally. While this antifungal medication is generally used to treat yeast infections, beauty vloggers claim it can promote hair growth. Continue reading and check if there is any truth to these unbelievable claims.
What Is Monistat?
Miconazole Nitrate, sold under the brand name Monistat 7, is an antifungal cream used to treat vaginal yeast infections. The suffix 7 is the course’s duration. According to the brand website, CDC recommends this 7-day treatment for pregnant women and those with diabetes. However, it should be used only after consulting with the doctor (1).
Monistat-7 is also used to treat ringworms, jock itch, athlete’s foot, and oral thrush in babies.
Recently, people have also started using Monistat for hair growth. Does it really promote hair growth? Let us find out the truth.
Does Monistat Promote Hair Growth?
There is no scientific research to show that Monistat promotes hair growth. The claims are based on anecdotal evidence.
Monistat contains miconazole nitrate that prevents infections caused by yeasts and gram-positive bacteria (2).
Fungal infection on the scalp causes inflammation, itching, and redness that may harm the hair follicles and trigger hair fall. Usually, doctors prescribe ketoconazole for treating fungal infections on the scalp. Miconazole nitrate has a similar structure and is somewhat effective as ketoconazole in managing topical fungal infections (3). Once the scalp inflammation is gone and it is healthy, hair growth resumes.
That is one reason many people found Monistat-7 beneficial in promoting hair growth. In other words, Monistat-7 may help manage the type of hair loss triggered by scalp infections and not for any other reason.
However, the truth that Monistat-7 is not a proven medicine for promoting hair growth will remain unchanged. If you are keen to give it a try, follow the methods below. Do a patch test to avoid any adverse reactions.
How To Use Monistat For Hair Growth
It is better to consult a dermatologist before using Monistat and follow their directions. You may also follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to apply Monistat on your scalp and hair. While using, ensure you:
- Wear latex gloves and protect your hands
- Do not keep it on your hair and scalp for more than 15 minutes or as recommended by the doctor.
- Do not leave it overnight.
- Wash it off completely from your hair and scalp.
Monistat-7 is generally considered a safe medicine for topical use. However, off-label use may cause some side effects.
Side Effects Of Using Monistat-7 For Hair Growth
Using Monistat-7 on the scalp may cause:
- Itching
- Skin irritation
- Burning sensation
- Swelling
- Redness
- Pimple-like bumps
- Flaking
- Tenderness
The safety guide published on the manufacturer’s website also warns against unregulated use of Monistat-7. The guide specifies that Monistat-7 is “for vaginal use only (4).” Any other usage should be monitored by a healthcare professional.
Monistat, generally used for vaginal yeast infections, may help with the hair loss associated with scalp fungal infections only. However, there is not enough research to validate the effectiveness of Monistat for hair growth. Moreover, it may cause certain side effects like itching, skin irritation, swelling, and a burning sensation. So, off-label and unregulated use of this medication is not advisable, and it must not be used unless recommended by a medical professional. If you have severe hair fall and skin/scalp inflammation, consult a doctor immediately to look for underlying conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Monistat help your edges grow back?
According to anecdotal evidence, Monistat may help your edges grow back.
How fast does Monistat work?
You should use it consistently for a week to see some progress.
Does Monistat work on bald spots?
While Monistat may help stimulate hair growth, more research is needed to solidify this claim.
Key Takeaways
- Monistat-7, an antifungal OTC medicine, is claimed to work wonders for your hair.
- While Monistat might be effective in treating fungal infections of the scalp, there is no scientific evidence to support this.
- Itching, irritation, redness, and swelling are possible side effects of using Monistat for hair growth.
References:
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
- MONISTAT® 7-Day Treatment
https://www.monistat.com/yeast-infection-treatment/monistat-7-day-antifungal - Cutaneous candidiasis: treatment with miconazole nitrate
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/319956/ - In vivo pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of topical ketoconazole and miconazole in human stratum corneum. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC284402/
- Monistat® Safety Guide
https://www.monistat.com/antifungal-safety-guide
