Azelaic Acid Hair Loss Before and After: Does It Really Work with Xandrox?

Hair loss is quite irritating, particularly when you try to figure out what really works among the various ingredients involved. One ingredient that may be found in hair-loss products together with minoxidil is azelaic acid, even in something like Xandrox. However, does the azelaic acid alone actually promote hair growth?

Well, the answer in short is no. The proof for effectiveness in this formula is for minoxidil, not for the azelaic acid alone. Xandrox is an example of such a combination in topical form, but it is still worth it to know about the actual proof of effectiveness first.

What Is Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic acid is a naturally-occurring dicarboxylic acid that has been used extensively in dermatology especially in cases of acne and certain inflammatory dermatoses. When applied to hair-loss treatments, its popularity stems from the way it affects the scalp and may interfere with the processes responsible for androgenic hair loss.

But azelaic acid must not be confused with a proven single agent for regrowth of hair. Unlike minoxidil, there is far fewer well-controlled studies confirming the effectiveness of this compound in reversing androgenetic hair loss.

This is an important consideration when examining "before" and "after" photos.

What Does the Before-and-After Evidence Actually Prove?

Before-and-after evidence might be valuable, but does not prove that the particular ingredient had an effect.

Hair can differ substantially due to lighting, styling, hair length, camera angle, and the wet/dry state of scalp skin. It is therefore important that comparisons take into account:

Equal lighting
Equal camera angle
Approximately equal hair length
Equal parting or style
Equal intervals between images

More importantly, hair growth treatments take time. The effectiveness of topical minoxidil against androgenetic alopecia is supported by clinical trials proving improvements in hair growth compared to a placebo.

In a long-term clinical trial, topical minoxidil proved effective at increasing hair weight, and the positive effect ceased once treatment stopped.

In this context, if a person sees an improvement after using a product that contains both azelaic acid and minoxidil, it would be impossible to prove that it was only azelaic acid responsible for that.

Where Does Xandrox Fit In?

Xandrox currently offers an 15% minoxidil and azelaic acid topical solution to treat hair loss. According to product information provided by the company, the solution aims at promoting more lush and thick hair.

In this case, what matters is minoxidil. Minoxidil is increasingly being recognized as one of the more proven drug treatments of androgenetic hair loss. This assertion has been backed up by a recently conducted systematic review and network meta-analysis, which identified topical minoxidil as one of the most efficacious interventions tested on male androgenetic alopecia.

Xandrox states that azelaic acid is used to complement minoxidil as a scalp solution.

Results - When Can They Be Seen?

Since hair growth takes time, it is unrealistic to expect quick results within weeks of starting your treatment.

According to Xandrox, the first visible results may come about 4–6 months later.

Moreover, studies concerning the topical use of minoxidil confirm that proper assessment of its effects usually takes months rather than days or weeks. For instance, the results of randomized clinical trials of topical versus oral minoxidil were collected for six months.

It would be reasonable to take photos every month instead of looking into the mirror daily.

What About “15%” Strength?

Higher potency does not always equate to improved effectiveness.

The majority of clinical studies performed on androgenic alopecia have been done with traditional concentrations of minoxidil topical solutions, especially 5%. Recent research states that clinical trials prove that there is an increase in hair density with a 5% topical solution.

Xandrox’s present product is said to be a 15% solution of minoxidil; thus, it may be recommended to consult your healthcare provider about the right concentration and formulation of this medication.

Who Can Be Helped by Xandrox?

Xandrox might be worth trying by someone with hair loss that matches that of pattern hair loss and wishes to try a topical minoxidil-based treatment.

Not all types of hair loss are cases of pattern hair loss. If there is sudden hair loss, patches of bald skin, irritation on the scalp, or quick, unexplained hair thinning, then these might be caused by something else.

There is also the matter of following the directions and consulting your healthcare provider if you feel you might not be suited to using this medicine.

The Bottom Line on Azelaic Acid Before and After Treatment

When you are using azelaic acid hair-loss before and after pictures as your guide, be aware that it may not have been just the azelaic acid causing the difference.

In fact, the strongest research supports the use of minoxidil, while azelaic acid as an independent hair regrower is much less proven. Xandrox contains both minoxidil and azelaic acid; therefore, it makes sense to see this product as a minoxidil hair-loss treatment with azelaic acid as one of its ingredients.

Consistency is important, too. If the treatment works and then stops working, hair loss will eventually resume.

How Xandrox Can Assist

Xandrox can assist with hair loss through topical treatment using a combination of minoxidil and azelaic acid. The product offered by the company currently includes a solution of 15% minoxidil/azelaic acid, which should be applied on a daily basis to the scalp, and according to the company, noticeable results may become apparent after a few months of using the drug.

When evaluating the effectiveness of Xandrox, the only realistic option would be to set the baseline, take standardized pictures and then compare the results after a few months of using the product.

More information about the ingredients and the current treatment is available at Xandrox.