Every now and again a new hair loss treatment appears on the market but very few genuinely move the needle. Despite how common androgenetic hair loss is, innovation in this space has been painfully slow. There are a number of existing treatments, but they don’t work for everyone. Against this backdrop of scarcity, fluridil has been cultivating a niche following in the hair treatment world. The marketing say it is a topical anti-androgen that improves hair growth without the systemic side effects associated with existing hormone blocking treatments like finasteride. However, does the evidence support these claims? In this article, we explore what fluridil actually is, if it works and ho it compares with other hair loss treatments. We’ll also review the best way to use flurodil for hair growth.
What is Fluridil?
Fluridil (aka topilutamid) is a topical anti-androgen drug that was designed specifically for androgenetic alopecia which is the cause of pattern hair loss in both men and women. Fluridil acts directly on the scalp and its structure allows it to degrade quickly if it enters the bloodstream which theoretically limits systemic exposure. Despite, the hype, fluridil is actually not licensed as a medication for hair loss. It however available as a cosmetic hair product in the EU and available for purchase over the counter most commonly under the brand name Eucapil.
How Does Fluridil Work?
Androgenetic alopecia is driven by the interaction between the dihydrotestosterone (DHT) androgen hormone and hair follicles that are genetically sensitive to it. When DHT repeatedly binds the androgen receptors on the hair follicle, it can cause it to shrink. This produces progressively thinner and shorter hairs. Over time, this can lead to hair loss and eventually baldness. Fluridil attempts to disrupt this process in two ways:
- Local receptor activity: Fluridil binds the androgen receptors within the hair follicle which blocks androgens like DHT from binding the receptor. This then prevents then from causing miniaturisation and hair loss.
- Rapid degradation beyond the scalp: If absorbed systemically, fluridil appears to break down quickly into inactive by-products. This helps reduce the risk of hormone blocking side effects in the rest of the body as androids are important for overall functions including libido and reproduction.
What Does the Evidence Say?
In theory, fluridil’s mechanism of action places it as a competitor to androgen blockers like topical finasteride, dutasteride and spironolactone. However, the evidence (at the moment) for fluridil is modest. The available data suggests:
- Some men with early androgenetic alopecia show reductions in shedding and mild density improvements after several months of use.
- Tolerability appears good with low rates of irritation.
Beyond this it is hard to draw too many concrete conclusions because most studies are small, short-term and manufacturer-linked. There are also no high quality head-t-head studies comparing it directly with established androgen blockers like finasteride. Large, controlled randomised trials are necessary to assess its effectiveness and long term safety.
Who Might Benefit from Fluridil for Hair Loss?
Fluridil is not a miracle hair loss treatment. Studies on it are very small and limited to date. It is unlikely to help with advanced or long-standing hair loss or revive already miniaturised follicles. Similarly it is probably not appropriate for sudden profuse hair shedding or scarring alopecias. In fact, fluridil is best used as a supporting treatment rather than a primary one and may be of benefit for:
- People in the early stages of androgenetic alopecia
- Those who cannot tolerate finasteride or prefer to avoid systemic medications
- As an adjunct treatment for those already using minoxidil
Risks & Side Effects
Current data suggests fluridil is generally well tolerated but the small evidence base means long-term safety is not well established. To date, reported side effects and limitations include:
- Mild dryness or irritation at application sites
- Temporary scalp sensitivity
- Potential ineffectiveness when used alone in moderate to severe hair loss
- Variability in formulation quality depending on supplier/region as it is a cosmetic product
There is also of course a risk of allergic reaction like with any compound and there’s no data regarding safety during pregnancy or breast feeding. Lastly, whilst systemic side effects are theoretically low because fluridil degrades rapidly in the blood stream, it is still possible. As such one can’t fully exclude potentially lead to similar systemic side effects as finasteride.
Alternatives to Fluridil for Hair Loss
Fluridil has far less evidence than standard therapies which work well for most people with androgenetic hair loss. The main alternatives to fluridil include:
- Minoxidil: This remains the first-line treatment for most people. It is widely available as an over the counter topical solution or foam or by prescription in higher strengths or as an oral tablet. Minoxidil helps prolong the growth phase and increase hair density. It is suitable for both men and women.
- Androgen blockers: Oral finasteride is one of the most effective licensed treatments for male pattern hair loss. However it carries a risk of systemic side effects. Alternatives include topical finasteride, dutasteride or spironolactone which are available as compounded treatments. These options target the hormonal drivers of miniaturisation but are only available by prescription.
- Combination therapy: Many people benefit from using more than one treatment at the same time. Common combinations include minoxidil with a DHT blocker, tretinoin or melatonin to enhance penetration and support follicle activity. Adjunct procedures such as microneedling or low-level laser therapy can also help support hair growth and improve outcomes.
It’s easy to see why the idea of fluridil is so appealing and has captured the imagination similar to other novel hair loss therapies like VDPHL01, PP405, Breezula and Deoxyribose sugar. However, the evidence is extremely early and limited so it is important to take this into account when considering hair loss treatments. It is may be benefit to someone with early stage androgenetic alopecia but for now we do not know if it can replace established treatments such as minoxidil or DHT blockers. Also it is important to keep in mind that hair loss is a complex multi-factorial condition and before starting any treatment its worth seeking medical help to ensure there’s no serious underlying cause.
At City Skin Clinic, we do not provide Fluridil for hair loss. We do however offer personalised hair loss and regrowth treatments through our online skin clinic. Our doctors create custom hair growth treatments using actives such as Minoxidil, Finasteride, Spironolactone, Melatonin, Caffeine and Tretinoin where appropriate for each and every patient. Start your virtual consultation and begin your journey to great hair today.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified medical professional with any concerns about your skin or treatment options.
