Monistat For Hair Growth: Does It Really Work?

Written by Ramona Sinha
Monistat For Hair Growth: Does It Really Work?

capsule (vitamin E supplement) and applied it to your scalp and face? Most of us have used OTC medicines unconventionally for skin and beauty benefits. The latest on the list is Monistat-7.

Monistat-7 is an OTC antifungal medication used to treat yeast infections. But, of late, many beauty vloggers are using Monistat-7 for hair growth. This article digs deep into this unconventional claim to find the truth. Continue reading to learn more.

What Is Monistat?

Miconazole Nitrate, sold under the brand name Monistat 7, is an antifungal cream used to treat vaginal yeast infections. The suffix 7 is the course’s duration. According to the brand website, CDC recommends this 7-day treatment for pregnant women and those with diabetes. However, it should be used only after consulting with the doctor (1).

Monistat-7 is also used to treat ringworms, jock itch, athlete’s foot, and oral thrush in babies.

Recently, people have also started using Monistat for hair growth. Does it really promote hair growth? Let us find out the truth.

Does Monistat Promote Hair Growth?

There is no scientific research to show that Monistat promotes hair growth. The claims are based on anecdotal evidence.

Monistat contains miconazole nitrate that prevents infections caused by yeasts and gram-positive bacteria (2).

Fungal infection on the scalp causes inflammation, itching, and redness that may harm the hair follicles and trigger hair fall. Usually, doctors prescribe ketoconazole for treating fungal infections on the scalp. Miconazole nitrate has a similar structure and is somewhat effective as ketoconazole in managing topical fungal infections (3). Once the scalp inflammation is gone and it is healthy, hair growth resumes.

That is one reason many people found Monistat-7 beneficial in promoting hair growth. In other words, Monistat-7 may help manage the type of hair loss triggered by scalp infections and not for any other reason.

However, the truth that Monistat-7 is not a proven medicine for promoting hair growth will remain unchanged. If you are keen to give it a try, follow the methods below. Do a patch test to avoid any adverse reactions.

How To Use Monistat For Hair Growth

It is better to consult a dermatologist before using Monistat and follow their directions. You may also follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to apply Monistat on your scalp and hair. While using, ensure you:

  • Wear latex gloves and protect your hands
  • Do not keep it on your hair and scalp for more than 15 minutes or as recommended by the doctor.
  • Do not leave it overnight.
  • Wash it off completely from your hair and scalp.

Monistat-7 is generally considered a safe medicine for topical use. However, off-label use may cause some side effects.

Side Effects Of Using Monistat-7 For Hair Growth

Using Monistat-7 on the scalp may cause:

  • Itching
  • Skin irritation
  • Burning sensation
  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Pimple-like bumps
  • Flaking
  • Tenderness

The safety guide published on the manufacturer’s website also warns against unregulated use of Monistat-7. The guide specifies that Monistat-7 is “for vaginal use only (4).” Any other usage should be monitored by a healthcare professional.

Final Thoughts

Monistat-7 is for treating vaginal yeast infection, and it does not promote hair growth. Unregulated and off-label use of Monistat-7 for other purposes may worsen the condition. Keeping your scalp healthy is crucial for hair growth. If you are experiencing excessive hair fall and skin inflammation, do not self-medicate and consult a doctor for treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you use Monistat for hair growth?

Though it is not recommended, you can use Monistat 2-3 times a week.

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Sources

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. MONISTAT® 7-Day Treatment
    https://www.monistat.com/yeast-infection-treatment/monistat-7-day-antifungal
  2. Cutaneous candidiasis: treatment with miconazole nitrate
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/319956/
  3. In vivo pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of topical ketoconazole and miconazole in human stratum corneum. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC284402/
  4. Monistat® Safety Guide
    https://www.monistat.com/antifungal-safety-guide
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Ramona Sinha

Ramona is a journalist-turned-content writer. She holds a Master’s degree in English Literature and has been writing for the digital world for over five years. She specializes in writing for Skin Care. She has done a certificate course titled ‘Dermatology: Trip To The Skin’, offered by Novosibirsk State University. She believes that beauty begins with a good skin care regimen and is on a mission to eliminate all toxins from her routine. She helps and guides readers in selecting products and ingredients specific to their skin type/issue. When Ramona is not working, her books and passion for music, good food, and traveling keep her busy.