At Poza Salon in Charlotte, Zahava and Pooran aren’t just obsessed with highlights and balayage — they geek out on the science of hair. If it’s being studied in a lab or buzzing in an underground wellness forum, they’ve probably already debated it. Right now, three treatments are driving the conversation about hair regrowth:
- Minoxidil, the proven, decades-old staple.
- PP405, the buzzy new drug still in trials.
- Injectable peptides, the underground “biohack” clients whisper about for metabolism, muscle, skin, and yes — hair.
Here’s how they actually compare in terms of results, cost, side effects, and real-world reviews.
Typical Hair Growth Results
- Minoxidil: FDA-approved and widely studied. It usually takes 3–6 months to see results, with best gains in density and thickness maintenance — not total regrowth. Works best if started early. Stop using it, and results fade.
- PP405: In a Phase 2a trial, 31% of men with advanced thinning saw >20% hair density increase by week 8 after just 4 weeks of daily use. That’s a much faster response than minoxidil. But remember: trials are still small and ongoing, with Phase 3 planned for 2026.
- Injectable Peptides: Anecdotally, some clients and wellness patients report thicker hair, reduced shedding, and faster regrowth. Peptides like GHK-Cu and PTD-DBM are being studied for follicle stimulation. But results vary widely, and large-scale trials are scarce.
Cost of Hair Regrowth Products
- Minoxidil: Affordable. Over-the-counter bottles run $20–$40/month depending on strength and brand. Oral minoxidil (off-label prescription) costs a bit more but is still inexpensive.
- PP405: Not on the market yet. Once launched, expect it to be priced higher than minoxidil (likely prescription-only) given its new-drug status and trial costs.
- Injectable Peptides: The priciest. Wellness clinics and compounding pharmacies charge anywhere from $200–$600/month, depending on protocol and peptide mix. Online “gray market” sources are cheaper but risky and unregulated.
Hair Regrowth Drug Side Effects
Minoxidil
- Topical: scalp irritation, itching, or initial shedding.
- Oral (low dose): swelling, rapid heartbeat, or excess body hair. Generally well tolerated with medical supervision.
PP405
- Early trials: minimal side effects reported, no systemic absorption detected.
- Unknown long-term risks until larger studies are complete.
Injectable Peptides
- Usually well tolerated short-term, but purity and dosing vary.
- Risks include untested formulations, contamination, or off-target effects since it’s not FDA-regulated for hair.
- The “underground” sourcing makes side effects unpredictable.
Reviews & Real-World Feedback
- Minoxidil: Decades of satisfied users confirm it slows hair loss and thickens existing strands. The biggest complaint? Consistency. People stop too early or get discouraged by the initial shedding.
- PP405: Too new for public reviews. In clinical trials, early feedback suggests patients are excited about fast, visible changes within weeks. But until Phase 3 finishes, reviews are limited to research reports.
- Injectable Peptides: This is where the “rabbit hole” comes in. Clients at Poza Salon and patients in wellness clinics swear by peptides for hair, skin, and energy. But online forums are full of mixed stories — from “life-changing regrowth” to “total waste of money.” Without regulation, it’s hit or miss.
The Underground Rabbit Hole of Peptides
It’s impossible to ignore: injectable peptides are all the rage right now, not just for hair but for metabolism, muscle building, and anti-aging skin repair. Some of our own clients rave about them. But it’s important to remember:
- They’re not FDA-approved for hair loss.
- Quality control depends on where you buy them.
- It’s a growing but risky, underground movement.
If you’re curious, talk to a licensed medical provider. Don’t DIY injections from an online supplier.
Final Comparison
| Results | Proven, gradual (3–6 months) | Fast trial results (weeks) | Anecdotal, variable |
| Cost | $20–$40/month | TBD, likely high | $200–$600/month |
| Side Effects | Irritation, shedding, swelling (oral) | Minimal in trials so far | Risk from unregulated sourcing |
| Reviews | Decades of positive data | Early trial buzz, not public yet | Clients rave, but mixed & risky |
The Bottom Line
- Minoxidil = proven, affordable, widely available in Charlotte today.
- PP405 = the exciting future — potentially faster and more powerful, but still years away.
- Injectable Peptides = intriguing, buzzy, and underground. Some clients swear by them, but they’re not regulated and carry risks.
At Poza Salon in Charlotte, we’re committed to keeping you informed about the real science behind hair loss treatments. Whether it’s a tried-and-true solution like minoxidil, an experimental peptide protocol, or the game-changing PP405 still in trials, Zahava and Pooran will help you separate fact from hype.
Because when it comes to your hair, knowledge is power — and starting early is everything
