A new real-world study suggests that combining a novel Cuticapil stem hair serum with topical minoxidil may significantly improve outcomes for individuals with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia and female pattern hair loss. The dual treatment was shown to promote hair growth, reduce shedding, and enhance hair density more effectively than minoxidil alone.
The multicenter, prospective study was conducted across seven dermatology clinics in India—located in Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune—between August 2023 and July 2024. A total of 60 adults (18 men and 42 women) with a mean age of 34.18 years participated. All had experienced hair loss for over six months, meeting clinical criteria for male androgenetic alopecia (Grades III–V) or female pattern hair loss (Grades II–III).
Participants were divided into two groups: one received a combination of Cuticapil stem hair serum and minoxidil, while the other used minoxidil alone. Both treatments were applied twice daily in 1 mL doses. All participants used a non-ketoconazole shampoo as part of their regimen.
Measurable Improvements in Hair Growth and Shedding
After 12 weeks, results were assessed using multiple clinical tools including the Hair Pull Test, a 7-point global photographic scale, and hair shedding counts. The combination therapy group showed statistically significant improvements.
Hair Shedding: Mean shedding count dropped from 48.10 to 22.68 in the serum-plus-minoxidil group, compared to a smaller reduction in the minoxidil-only group (p = 0.0220).
Hair Pull Test: Lower mean rank scores indicated improved resistance to hair pull in the combination group (26.97) versus minoxidil alone (34.03) (p = 0.0196).
Photographic Analysis: The combination group also demonstrated better visual outcomes, with a mean rank of 36.13 compared to 24.87 (p = 0.0057), as confirmed by trichoscopic evaluation.
How the Stem Hair Serum Works
The Cuticapil serum includes several plant-based and bioactive compounds designed to address multiple factors contributing to hair loss:
Caffeine Herbasome (green coffee bean + niacinamide): Stimulates scalp circulation
Procapil (olive leaf, citrus, glycine-histidine-lysine): Strengthens roots
Capilia Longa (turmeric extract): Rejuvenates hair bulbs
Cressatine (watercress extract): Promotes elongation of the hair shaft
Ronacare Biotin Plus: Supports keratin production and scalp health
These ingredients work synergistically to improve follicle function, enhance blood flow, prevent oxidative stress, and support longer, healthier hair growth—key hair care steps for sustainable results.
Safety and Study Limitations
Importantly, no adverse effects were reported in patients using the serum, underscoring its safety and tolerability. However, researchers acknowledged limitations including the small sample size, short 12-week duration, and lack of diversity in severity levels of hair loss. They recommend larger-scale trials to validate these findings and expand their relevance to broader populations.
Bridging the Gaps in Hair Loss Therapy
Minoxidil remains a first-line treatment for hair loss, but it comes with drawbacks such as delayed results, limited regrowth, and potential side effects like hormonal changes, facial hair growth, and scalp irritation. According to the study authors, integrating plant-based adjuncts like the Cuticapil serum could help mitigate these issues while improving efficacy.
“These shortfalls highlight an unmet therapeutic gap, necessitating the exploration of alternative, safer, and more effective options, particularly those leveraging plant-based or novel formulations to address underlying causes and enhance hair health comprehensively,” the authors noted.
For individuals seeking hair health advice, especially those experiencing early-stage thinning, this combination therapy may represent a promising advance in personalized and more effective hair care solutions.
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