Your first months with Curology’s Hair Formulaᴿˣ

Ready to treat your hair loss concerns? Curology’s Hair Formulaᴿˣ was designed by dermatologists. Here’s what you need to know as you get started.

Introducing Curology Hair Formulaᴿˣ

You might already know and love Curology for our dermatologist-designed personalized skincare products, but did you know that we’re also equipped to help you with another common concern? Curology’s Hair Formulaᴿˣ is a personalized prescription formula designed by dermatologists to be more effective at regrowing hair than over-the-counter treatments.* 

We know that skincare is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and the same goes for hair loss treatment. That’s why Curology’s Hair Formulaᴿˣ is formulated with 3 clinically proven active ingredients—including higher strengths of minoxidil than what’s available over-the-counter—and personalized by your licensed dermatology provider to best treat your root causes of hair thinning. With a personalized prescription and check-ins, you can rest assured that you’ll get the top-notch treatment that will help you get results.*

What’s inside Curology Hair Formulaᴿˣ and how can each ingredient help with hair loss?

The exact formula that your Curology licensed dermatology provider prescribes will come down to what they determine is appropriate based on your medical history, photos, and specific concerns. That said, your personalized formula may contain three of the following active ingredients.

• Minoxidil is a topical ingredient commonly used to treat androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness. While the exact mechanism of minoxidil isn’t yet understood, the ingredient is clinically proven to both increase hair growth and decrease hair loss.¹

• Finasteride is another ingredient used to treat androgenetic alopecia that shows promise in its ability to decrease hair loss and increase hair growth.²

• Ketoconazole is a medication commonly used to treat and manage fungal infections, but research shows that its ability to help treat androgenetic alopecia is promising.³

• Spironolactone is a medication that, when taken orally, is commonly used to treat high blood pressure; however, it has also been shown to stimulate hair growth and is commonly prescribed by dermatologists to treat hair loss both topically and orally. Additionally, treatment efficacy can be enhanced when combined with other topical treatments such as minoxidil.⁴ 

• Caffeine is a stimulant that many are likely familiar with—in the form of a cup of coffee or tea—but research also shows that topical application of this ingredient can help reduce hair loss.⁵

• Melatonin, while perhaps best known for its role in sleep, has also been shown to be a potent antioxidant with promising results when it comes to treating androgenetic alopecia when applied topically.⁶

How long does it take to see results?

As much as we wish we could snap our fingers and suddenly see impressive results, patience is key when it comes to taking care of your skin both on your face and on the top of your head! With consistent use of Curology Hair Formulaᴿˣ, you should start noticing new growth and increased hair volume and strength after 3-6 months. If you don’t see any improvement after one year of use, consult with your dermatology provider.

Curology Hair Formulaᴿˣ timeline

Okay, you know that good things—like thicker, healthier hair—take time. But what exactly will these next few months look like? Let us break it down. And remember: Your hair growth journey may not look exactly the same as another person’s.

Month 1: Be prepared for temporary shedding.

Like we said before: Results won’t come immediately. In fact, it might seem at first like your hair loss is getting worse—but never fear! Temporary shedding is a normal part of the hair cycle. It can be normal for thin, damaged hair to shed as follicles create stronger, fuller hair in its place, especially when being treated with these active ingredients. This is the start of new growth; this process may occur within two to six weeks after starting to use the formula. 

Some people may also experience scalp irritation as a side effect of Curology Hair Formulaᴿˣ — please contact your medical provider if you experience any side effects so they can offer personalized advice.

Months 2-3: Stay consistent!

During your second and third months of using Curology Hair Formulaᴿˣ, changes may not be dramatic, but trust they are happening! This is the micro-growth phase, during which your Hair Formulaᴿˣ's active ingredients are working hard to stimulate your hair follicles. You might not yet visibly notice growth during this period, but you likely will in time.

Months 4-6+: Start to see a change

One of the hardest parts of treating hair thinning can be staying committed to using your formula daily. Especially when it seems like you’re making little progress, it can feel tempting to just give up—but with daily usage, by months four to six and beyond, you’ll be in the full-growth stage. This is when you’ll notice new hair growth, as well as increased volume and strength. Using your Hair Formulaᴿˣ daily is key. To keep up the habit, make it a part of your morning or evening routine, when you’re washing your face or brushing your teeth.

As previously mentioned, if you don’t see results after a year of use, it’s advisable to talk to your dermatology provider. Minoxidil, specifically, needs to be used for a minimum of 12 months for a provider to assess the efficacy of the treatment.⁷

While you may see the results you’re looking for after several months, it’s important to understand that stopping treatment will result in the loss of newly regrown hair within about 3 months, and your hair loss will continue down its natural progression. So, it will essentially be like you never used the product at all and will proceed to your normal hair density baseline, which may be worse than when you started treatment. 

Hair loss treatment is a lifetime commitment—which can sound intimidating!—but just remember that it’s a small part of your routine to keep up with in exchange for fuller, healthier hair.

What to expect when treating your hair loss

There are no miracles when it comes to treating hair loss—but patience can go a long way! Remember that results may vary from person to person, so try not to compare your hair growth journey with anyone else’s. If you don’t see any results within six months to a year, consult with your medical provider to learn if another solution may better suit your needs, and remember that they’re available to answer questions you may have at any point along your hair growth journey.

If you notice that your hair loss is worsening (beyond the initial shedding previously described) or you’re experiencing other side effects, it’s important to consult with your medical provider.

Potential side effects of Hair Formulaᴿˣ

When starting Curology’s Hair Formulaᴿˣ, you may experience certain side effects. They may include:

• Scalp irritation, which may include redness, itching, and dryness, can be a side effect of minoxidil.⁸

• Hair shedding during early use of minoxidil may occur as a side effect, as the topical reduces the telogen phase—aka the resting stage of hair growth. Shedding typically becomes less frequent with time.⁹

• Changes in hair texture can occur with the use of minoxidil, which can lead to premature discontinuation of the treatment.¹⁰

• Hypertrichosis—abnormal hair growth on the body—can occur with minoxidil, particularly if it gets on other areas.¹¹

Our expert tips for a successful hair loss treatment

Good news: By seeking out treatment, you’re already on your way to fuller, healthier hair. Just remember that patience is of the utmost importance to get the results you want—and these three tips can help you get closer to your hair growth goals.

Consistency, consistency, consistency!

It really does bear repeating: Diligent daily use of your Hair Formulaᴿˣ is necessary to see results, and it does take time for any visible changes to happen. It really is about trusting the process; if you don’t see any changes after 6 months to a year of daily use, talk to your Curology licensed dermatology provider.

Be prepared for potential side effects.

Side effects can deter some people from regularly using their Hair Formula. That’s why it’s important to know what to expect. Hair shedding within the first month of use is normal and expected—so don’t panic! Other side effects, however, like scalp irritation and unwanted hair growth in other areas, should be brought to the attention of your medical provider.

Make small lifestyle adjustments.

When you’re trying to foster growth, it helps to be gentle to your hair and scalp overall. That includes:

• Using gentle hair products like shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in conditioner.

• Limiting the use of heat via blow dryers, curling irons, straighteners, and other styling tools, as they can weaken hair.

• Not wearing your hair tightly pulled back in a bun, ponytail, or braids, as these styles can lead to traction alopecia, another form of hair loss.

• Brushing and combing gently. Use detangling products instead of tugging through your hair.¹²

P.S. We did the homework so you don’t have to:

1.  Poonkiat Suchonwanit et al. Minoxidil and its use in hair disorders: a review. Drug Des Devel Ther. (2019, August 9).

2. Sung Won Lee et al. A Systematic Review of Topical Finasteride in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men and Women. J Drugs Dermatol. (2019, July 3). 

3. Jaime R. Fields et al. Topical ketoconazole for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review. Dermatol Ther. (2020, January 2).

4. Chaofan Wang et al. The Efficacy and Safety of Oral and Topical Spironolactone in Androgenetic Alopecia Treatment: A Systematic Review. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. (2023, March 9).

5. Shannon Famenini and Carolyn Goh. Evidence for Supplemental Treatments in Androgenetic Alopecia. JDD. (July 2014).

6. Tobias W Fischer et al. Topical Melatonin for Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia. Int J Trichology. (October 2012).

7. Zari Shadi. Compliance to Topical Minoxidil and Reasons for Discontinuation among Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). (2023, April 3).

8. Zari Shadi. Compliance to Topical Minoxidil and Reasons for Discontinuation among Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). (2023, April 3).

9. Zari Shadi. Compliance to Topical Minoxidil and Reasons for Discontinuation among Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). (2023, April 3).

10. Paulo Müller Ramos et al. Minoxidil 1 mg oral versus minoxidil 5% topical solution for the treatment of female-pattern hair loss: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. (2019, August 29).

11. Poonkiat Suchonwanit et al. Minoxidil and its use in hair disorders: a review. Drug Des Devel Ther. (2019, August 9).

12. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Hair Loss: Tips for Managing. AAD. (n.d.)

Elise Griffin is a certified physician assistant at Curology. She received her Master of Medical Science in physician assistant studies from Nova Southeastern University in Jacksonville, FL.

*Active ingredients have been studied separately. Results may vary. Minoxidil has been shown to improve hair growth within three to twelve months of use. Restrictions apply. See website for full details and important safety information.

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Elise Griffin, PA-C