Chances are, the reason you went to your local drugstore for a tube of Monistat was because your vagina was feeling a little unsteady. But some people swear the popular yeast infection and antifungal treatment may do more than just relieve vaginal itching and burning. Using Monistat for hair growth has been a hot topic on social media, but (spoiler!) experts say using Monistat as a scalp treatment could do more harm than good. .
What is Monistat?
ICYDK, Monistat-7, is a popular FDA-approved treatment to treat yeast infections and reduce the symptoms associated with them. (Monistat-7 is a less concentrated formulation than Monistat-1 and Monistat-3, and all three are available over the counter.) “Monistat contains an antifungal ingredient called miconazole.” says board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD. “It reduces the level of fungi on the skin, which explains its effectiveness in treating vaginal yeast infections.” Some people improvise and apply it to the scalp, as these fungus-fighting abilities are not limited to vaginal skin. Masu.
Why it’s important to try Monistat for hair growth
But what does all this have to do with hair health? Some (limited) research suggests that Monistat may help treat hair thinning and dandruff. One study found that topical antifungal treatment, including miconazole, appeared to be as effective in fighting seborrheic dermatitis as steroid treatment. Some medical experts believe that seborrheic dermatitis may be caused by an overgrowth of a type of yeast called Malassezia. By lowering the levels of dandruff-causing yeast on the skin, Monistat is thought to reduce dandruff and scalp inflammation that can damage hair follicles and lead to scratching that causes hair thinning. “[Monistat]allows us to create an environment that promotes optimal hair follicle function,” says Dr. Zeichner.
Judging from social media alone, using Monistat on the scalp seems to be most popular among people with naturally curly hair. This may be because people with thicker textured hair often have a naturally drier hair shaft, which means they often wait longer between washing their hair. If you wash your hair infrequently, product residue can build up and cause seborrheic dermatitis.
Potential side effects of using Monistat for hair growth
So what happens if you decide to use Monistat on your hair? In short, you could do more harm than good. Dr. Zeichner says using this product not only causes clogged pores, but can also cause rashes, scalp irritation, and even worsen hair loss. “It’s important to choose the right vehicle for the right location,” he explains. “Using heavy creams on the scalp can be difficult because the creams get stuck between the hairs and have a hard time penetrating into the scalp itself where it needs to be.” Monistat contains mineral oil, which can make it heavy. It’s worth noting that it’s possible, he added. This means that using thick creams on your scalp can actually clog your pores and completely prevent hair follicles and hair growth.
Additionally, before you decide to apply a dollop of this particular anti-fungal cream to your head, be aware that there is a lack of scientific evidence to show that this application actually has the effect of promoting hair growth. Stay tuned, says Dr. Zeichner. “There are certainly better products specifically formulated for scalp and hair,” he insists. Use a conventional dandruff shampoo containing zinc pyrithione. Zinc pyrithione is an FDA-approved ingredient that has been shown to be effective in treating dandruff and also has antifungal properties. “These thoroughly cleanse hair and are effective in treating dandruff and reducing inflammation,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Be sure to rub it into your scalp, leave it on while singing Happy Birthday and then rinse it off (i.e. wait a few minutes). This gives your scalp enough contact time to maximize its effects. It will be done.”
So, sorry to be the bad news here, but Monistat-7 may be unbeatable when it comes to vaginal issues, but when it comes to the scalp, there are some other treatments that are more effective.
Redken Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo
Formulated with 1% Zinc Pyrithione (shampoo formulation concentration is 0.3-2 percent), this pH-balanced formula cleanses the scalp to combat excess buildup and relieve itching.
Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Moisture Boost Shampoo
Made specifically for people with relaxed hair or naturally coiled or kinky hair, this head and shoulders shampoo is a favorite with Amazon customers. It is formulated to prevent scalp dryness with the help of coconut oil.
