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Hairborn vs Minoxidil: which treatment for hair loss and thinning hair comes out best in the 2026 test?

Minoxidil is the best-known remedy for hair loss and thinning hair, but it is also a medication with a long list of side effects. For this reason, more and more people are looking for an alternative, such as the Hairborn Growth Serum. We have compared both in terms of efficacy, scientific research, side effects, ease of use, availability, and price.

Side effects and usage information for minoxidil are sourced from the official Dutch patient information leaflet (CBG) and Apotheek.nl. Checked in September 2026.

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Minoxidil
Hairborn® Growth Serum
Door Hair Knowledge Center Editorial Staff
Comparison updated September 2026
Minoxidil
Minoxidil lotion 2% / 5% (medicinal product)
Minoxidil lotion 2% / 5% (medicinal product)
Price:±€1.00 – €1.30per day (a bottle of approx. €30–€40 lasts about a month)
View the highest-scoring alternative
✓Medicine · 2x daily · Shedding phase: initial increase in hair loss · Many possible side effects
Prijs-kwaliteit
Score
3.3/5
★★★☆☆
Well-known remedy, but with many side effects and limited results

Minoxidil is a medication that was originally used for high blood pressure. According to the official patient information leaflet, only about 1 in 3 users experiences any hair growth after 12 months. In addition, it is notorious for the shedding phase: in the first few weeks, even more hair often falls out.

You apply it twice a day to a completely dry scalp. According to the leaflet, it is not intended for those under 18 or over 65 or during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Voordelen +
✓ Well-known and extensively researched productCan stimulate hair growth in some usersLotion available without a prescription at the pharmacy
Nadelen −
✗ Many potential side effects, including a flaky, red, itchy, or burning scalp
✗ Unwanted hair growth in other areas, such as the face, neck, or arms
✗ Sometimes headache, dizziness, fluid retention, or heart palpitations
✗ Shedding phase: often increased hair loss in the first few weeks
✗ Does not work for everyone: after 12 months, only ±1 in 3 has some hair growth
Toon meer ▾Toon minder ▴✗ Effect may only be visible after 4 months or longer
✗ Twice a day, every day, on a completely dry scalp and without using a hairdryer
✗ Not available at Kruidvat or Etos; tablets only by prescription
✗ Not for those under 18 or over 65, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or in case of heart problems without consulting a doctor
✗ Children and pets (especially cats) must not come into contact with treated skin
Conclusion

Minoxidil may work for some users, but there is a price to pay: a long list of potential side effects, the need for twice-daily application, and after a year, only about 1 in 3 users experiences any hair growth. Those looking for a milder, drug-free alternative are better off with Hairborn.

Hairborn® Growth Serum
Hairborn Growth Serum – new formula
Hairborn Growth Serum – new formula
Price:From €0.75per day

A complete hair serum with 12 active ingredients. The formula is designed for people who notice that their hair is falling out or thinning.

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✓12 active ingredients · Procapil™, Baicapil™ and Redensyl™ · Now with Capilia Longa™, Capixyl™ and Anagain™ · Once a day · Made in the EU · Money-back guarantee
Prijs-kwaliteit
Score
4.8/5
★★★★★
Most complete all-in-one package, now even more comprehensive

Hairborn combines 12 active ingredients in one serum, including Procapil™, Baicapil™, Redensyl™, caffeine, niacinamide, and rosemary oil. Capilia Longa™, Capixyl™, Anagain™, and adenosine have been added to the new formula.

You apply it to the scalp once a day and let it absorb for 3 hours. A separate shampoo or conditioner is not required. The serum is made in the EU, is free from silicones, parabens, and microplastics, and comes with a 150-day money-back guarantee.

Voordelen −
✓ 12 active ingredients in one formulaTargets multiple causes of hair lossUse it only once a dayEasy to apply directly to the scalpDries quickly4.8 stars on TrustpilotOne product: no separate shampoo, conditioner, or booster neededFrom €0.75 per dayMade in the European UnionFree from silicones, parabens, and microplastics150-day Growth or Money Back GuaranteeNo prescription neededSpecially developed for hair loss and thinning hair2500+ satisfied people
Nadelen +
✗ Results vary per person
✗ You must continue to use it every day
✗ It is a cosmetic product and not a medicine
Conclusion

The Hairborn Growth serum is a complete serum with 12 active ingredients in one formula, now also including Capilia Longa™, Capixyl™, Anagain™, and adenosine. You use it once a day; after letting it absorb for 3 hours, you are done, and you don't need any additional products. With a price starting at €0.75 per day and a 150-day Growth or Money Back Guarantee, you can try it risk-free.

Scientific research

What does science say?

4 ingredients in Hairborn have been tested directly against minoxidil in studies. 1 time better, 3 times just as good.

  • Redensyl™ + Capixyl™ + Procapil™ = Better than minoxidil

    After 24 weeks, 65 out of 100 men saw clear improvement. With 5% minoxidil, that was 26 out of 100. (Karaca & Akpolat, 2019)

  • Rosemary oil = As effective as minoxidil

    After 6 months, the same amount of hair growth as with 2% minoxidil, but less frequent scalp itching. (Panahi et al., 2015)

  • Caffeine = As effective as minoxidil

    After 6 months, virtually the same result as 5% minoxidil. Tested on 210 men. (Dhurat et al., 2017)

  • Adenosine = As effective as minoxidil

    After 6 months, the same result as 5% minoxidil, and participants were more satisfied with it. (Faghihi et al., 2013)

The individual ingredients have been tested, not the Hairborn serum itself.

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Hairborn vs. Minoxidil: the differences at a glance

Hairborn is a cosmetic serum with 12 active ingredients. Minoxidil is a medication with one active substance. If you compare them side by side, you will see major differences in use, side effects, and what you pay per day.

Kenmerk Hairborn Minoxidil
Product typeCosmetic serumMedication
What does research say?4 ingredients as good as or better than minoxidilAfter 12 months, some hair growth in ±1 in 3
Known for shedding phase (increased hair loss at first)NoYes
Side effects in patient information leafletNo medication, no leaflet25+ possible side effects
Unwanted hair growth on face or bodyNot knownOften
Usage1× per day2× per day, every 12 hours
Active ingredients121
AvailableOnline, without prescriptionPharmacy or online, not at Kruidvat or Etos
Price per dayFrom €0.75±€1.00 – €1.30
Money-back guarantee150 daysNone
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New formula 2026

Winner of the 2026 comparison

Hairborn Growth Serum
12 active ingredients · now with an even stronger formula ·
Once daily · Money-back guarantee
Hairborn Growth Serum
Claim the temporary 2+1 deal
★★★★★ 4.8/5· Based on 57 Trustpilot reviews

This page is a commercial comparison of hair growth products. The scores are an editorial assessment based on, among other things, formula, active ingredients, ease of use, price, and product terms. The studies mentioned examined individual ingredients or combinations thereof, not the Hairborn serum itself. Information about minoxidil is sourced from the official patient information leaflet (CBG) and Apotheek.nl. Hairborn is a cosmetic product and not a medicine. The information on this page is not medical advice. Do you use minoxidil? Do not stop or change your use without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.