Monistat (miconazole nitrate) and hair growth - a vaginal cream with extra benefits! - For Long, Healthy Natural Kinky and Curly Hair

Monistat (miconazole nitrate) and hair growth - a vaginal cream with extra benefits!

5/6/2013

Yes, this is a vaginal cream for people with a fungal infection in that area but some people have been using it for their hair!!!

What is the active ingredient in this?
Miconazole nitrate

What is miconazole nitrate designed for?
It has anti-fungal properties and is used to treat a variety of yeast infections including:

Athlete's foot
Jock itch
Oral thrush (only certain products)
Ring worms

How does monistat help with hair growth?

The hypothesis of Dr. Mohsin Mir, a medical dermatologist at Baylor College of Medicine is that miconazole nitrate might reduce the number of “hair loss” receptors, and this in turn reduces hair breakage leading to faster hair growth and better length retention.

According to WiseGeek.com, it might work by dilating the blood vessels and increasing the supply of oxygen to the scalp.

Are there any side effects?

Yes! Reported side effects include:

Migraines

Burning, stinging, swelling, irritation, itching, redness, pimple-like bumps, tenderness in the area where the miconazole nitrate has been applied

Ringing in the ears
Dizziness

Extreme hair shedding once you stop using the treatment, and

A general feeling of discomfort

Should you try it?

I can see how it might be tempting but I would say, NO! It's a chemical that hasn't been approved for scalp use so why would you want to go there? If you want to grow your hair go for more natural methods like those discussed in What Type of Scalps Grow Long Hair?!

If you do use it read the usage and dosage instructions carefully. Importantly, note that it doesn't actually work on everyone!

Get your FREE ebook on How To Grow Long, Healthy Natural Kinky or Curly Hair.

References:
WebMD. Drugs & Medications - miconazole nitrate
WiseGeek. How Effective Is Miconazole for Hair Growth?
BaylorClinic. Moshin Mir, MD

lillian link

5/6/2013 04:56:10 am

Hi Heather
This is not the first time I've heard about Monistat and the possible benefits, But it's my first time hearing about the side affects..Thanks for the information. In this instance, the benefits do not outweight the risk...the thought of shedding hair. Ugh! I definitely will not be using it..My natural doo is growing nicely..however, I do have a question..which leave-in moisturizing conditioner would you Suggest during these hot summer months? I like the way co-wash conditioners feels in my hair and the way it Brings out my curl..the only thing is it has to be washed out..if there's a leave-in conditioner that can give me the same affects I'll be one happy camper:) Any suggestions?! Oh..and kudos on your new home office .

Rosey

24/10/2015 11:08:42 am

I just want to tell you that any antifungal is stronger than most of us realize. Today women all over the world are complaining about the burning that comes with using it. If you remember nothing else, remember this, "My sister says, It is a PESTICIDE in a pill or in a cream."

Gina M

5/6/2013 05:25:13 am

A former coworker of mine was told by her hairstylist that it's good for your scalp if you have a scalp fungus. She used it to help clear it up. It seemed to work for her.

Danni

5/6/2013 06:37:35 am

This is scary. The side-effects are a definite no-no! I want my hair to grow, but not like this!

kevin link

9/10/2013 01:47:25 pm

Beauty hurts hun! Lol

Zyhone

1/7/2013 10:50:30 pm

I have thin edges on one side that is very noticeable and does not look good. What could I use to grow it back naturally.

Heather @ Neno Natural

1/7/2013 11:31:17 pm

Neno Natural's Hair Growth Stimulator is a good all-natural solution plus more tips here: http://www.nenonatural.com/3/post/2012/12/5-easy-solutions-for-hair-thats-breaking-or-thinning-around-the-edges.html

Best,
H :)

yolanda

13/8/2013 09:56:38 pm

works good if you mix it with your favorite hair grease.

Angela

21/10/2013 06:06:45 am

Hi Heather,

Your article on the use of vaginal cream for hair growth caught my attention because for years, I've tried various methods to regrow my thinning hair. While I was alarmed by the side effects, I recently decided to try it (I kept that particular email in my inbox for months before I got up the courage to see if it would work). I'm two weeks in and I've noticed significant hair growth where my hair was noticeably thin in the crown. So far, I haven't experienced any of the side effects mentioned although the results might be different for others. I've tried natural remedies and even monoxidil (which caused darker hair to grow on my arms and face), but nothing seemed to work. Years of searching for solutions and being disappointed--even by natural hair care experts--led me to the decision to try the vaginal cream. In addition to your blog, I researched others and was encouraged by the reviews. I'm kicking myself for not taking pictures of my scalp before I started using vaginal cream on it, but there is definitely a huge difference. I understand your reasons for discouraging the use of this product, but but I really felt like this was something worth exploring.

21/10/2013 07:52:15 pm

Wow Angela!

I'm glad you decided to "report back" as it were.

I need a blog post from you! Can I use your post above for an updated blog on the topic?

My best
Heather

22/10/2013 02:07:18 pm

Definitely! Thanks!

22/10/2013 02:07:29 pm

Definitely! Thanks

22/10/2013 02:07:58 pm

Definitely, thanks

Anna link

3/2/2015 04:19:33 pm

I totally agree with this. I was so frustrated with the slow growth of my hair, I decided to use this as it was seeming to be a popular trend of other youtube users who suffer from edge breakage. While it did start to 'work' as soon as i stopped using it I lost all the 'growth' that was achieved. It was very disconcerting :( so no i don't advice using monistat at all.

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Monistat (miconazole nitrate) and hair growth - a vaginal cream with extra benefits!

By Heather Katsonga-Woodward

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