YAKER Topical Hair Growth Medications

At YAKER Hair Restoration, we believe great results come from combining proven science with careful attention to detail. Our custom topical formulas don’t just rely on FDA-approved hair growth medications—they’re enhanced with additional ingredients that work together to support healthier, fuller hair.

More Than Just Medication

Each formula is designed to do three key things:

• Boost absorption – So the active ingredients can get where they need to go
• Strengthen hair follicles – To support stronger, thicker hair
• Promote a healthy scalp – Because a healthy scalp is the foundation for hair growth

By blending effective medications with supportive ingredients, YAKER topical treatments offer a well-rounded, results-driven approach to managing hair loss.

What’s Inside Every YAKER Topical Formula?

All of our topical medications include these essential components to maximize results and scalp health:

Minoxidil Sulfate

The Activated Form of Minoxidil

To work effectively, minoxidil must be converted into its active form—minoxidil sulfate. This transformation depends on an enzyme in the scalp called sulfotransferase.

But here’s the catch:

• Not everyone produces the same amount of this enzyme
• Clinical studies show an association between how someone responds to minoxidil based on the degree of activity from the sulfotransferase enzyme
• In fact, up to 40% of people don’t respond well to standard minoxidil because their enzyme levels are too low

That’s why our formulas use minoxidil sulfate directly—so you don’t have to rely on your body to activate it. This means:

• Stronger potency – Minoxidil sulfate is more powerful than regular minoxidil
• Better absorption – It penetrates the scalp more efficiently, reaching the hair follicles where it’s needed most

Think of it as using a pre-charged battery—it’s ready to work the moment you apply it.

Azelaic Acid

DHT Reduction + Scalp Health

Azelaic acid is a multitasker. While it’s commonly used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, research suggests it may also help with hair loss.

Here’s how:

• It blocks the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into DHT—a hormone strongly linked to genetic hair loss
• Lowering DHT at the scalp may help slow or prevent further hair thinning
• Its soothing and antimicrobial properties also help maintain a healthier scalp environment, which supports better hair growth overall

While it’s not a standalone cure for hair loss, azelaic acid is a strong supporting player—especially when combined with other proven ingredients like minoxidil sulfate and DHT blockers.^1,2,3,4

Azelaic Acid

Scalp Soother + DHT Defender

Azelaic acid is a well-known ingredient in skincare, often used to treat acne and rosacea. But it also has potential benefits for hair loss—especially when paired with other proven treatments.

• Fights inflammation – Helps calm an irritated scalp, creating a better environment for healthy hair growth
• Antimicrobial action – Keeps the scalp clean and balanced, reducing the risk of buildup or scalp conditions
• Helps reduce DHT – Some studies suggest azelaic acid may block 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that turns testosterone into DHT—the hormone linked to genetic hair loss

While more research is needed to confirm its full effects on hair growth, azelaic acid plays a helpful role in supporting your scalp and reducing DHT at the source.^5,6,7,8

Caffeine

Energizes Hair Follicles + Boosts Other Treatments

You may think of caffeine as something that wakes you up—but when applied topically, it also helps wake up your hair follicles.

Here’s how:

• Stimulates growth – Caffeine increases levels of cAMP, a signal that encourages hair follicles to grow
• Blocks testosterone’s negative effects – It helps counter the way testosterone can shrink follicles
• Prolongs the growth phase (anagen) – This means more hair stays growing longer, which leads to thicker, fuller coverage ⁹
• Improves blood flow and absorption – Caffeine helps open up blood vessels in the scalp, allowing treatments like minoxidil and finasteride to absorb better and work more effectively ^{10,11,12,13,14}

And don’t worry—topical caffeine doesn’t cause the jitters or hyperactivity like drinking too much coffee might.

Tretinoin (Retinoic Acid): More Than Just a Skincare Hero

A Smart Addition to Hair Loss Treatment

Tretinoin, a topical form of vitamin A, is best known for its anti-aging and acne-fighting powers—but its benefits go far beyond the face. When used in the right way, it can also play a powerful supporting role in scalp health and hair regrowth.

What Tretinoin Does for Your Skin

You may recognize tretinoin as a common ingredient in skincare. Here’s what it does:

• Speeds up skin cell turnover – Helps shed old skin and bring in new, healthy cells
• Reduces fine lines and dark spots – Great for sun damage and uneven tone
• Clears pores and controls oil – Helpful for treating acne
• Boosts collagen – Improves skin elasticity and smoothness

Think of it as a skin “reset button”—keeping the surface fresh and youthful while strengthening the deeper layers.

What Tretinoin Does for Your Scalp

Tretinoin isn’t just for your face—it also prepares the scalp for better hair growth. Here’s how:

• Clears away dead skin and buildup – Unclogs hair follicles so they can function properly
• Reduces inflammation – Creates a healthier environment for hair to grow
• Activates key enzymes – It stimulates sulfotransferase, the enzyme that activates minoxidil in the scalp
• Improves absorption – Helps minoxidil penetrate more deeply and work more effectively

What the Research Shows

• In a study by Bazzano et al., 66% of participants saw noticeable hair regrowth when tretinoin was combined with minoxidil
• Surprisingly, 58% experienced regrowth using tretinoin alone, showing it has benefits even without minoxidil
• Another study by Sharma et al. found that adding tretinoin helped 43% of people who didn’t respond to minoxidil alone start seeing results within just five days

Melatonin

Not Just for Sleep—Also for Hair

Most people know melatonin as the hormone that helps you sleep—but when applied topically, it can also support hair and scalp health in several important ways:

• Promotes hair growth – Helps protect hair follicles and extend the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle ¹⁵
• Fights oxidative stress – Acts as a strong antioxidant, defending against damage that can weaken hair over time ¹⁶
• Improves scalp conditions – Clinical studies show it helps reduce seborrheic dermatitis, a common cause of flaking and irritation ¹⁷

Topical melatonin does not cause drowsiness, so you can use it any time of day without affecting your sleep.

Desonide

Gentle Anti-Inflammatory Relief for Sensitive Scalps

Desonide is a low-strength corticosteroid used to treat scalp irritation, itching, and redness.^18,19 It works by calming the skin’s inflammatory response, helping to:

• Soothe discomfort
• Reduce redness and inflammation
• Support a balanced, calm scalp environment

Unlike stronger steroids that can irritate or thin the skin, desonide is one of the mildest options