Rx topical serum · For CCCA
A new approach to treating CCCA, before more hair is lost.
A doctor-prescribed Metformin 10% + Minoxidil 7% serum delivered to your door. Designed for women with CCCA seeking an approach combining support for hair regrowth and inflammation.
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The shift
While metformin is best known as a treatment for diabetes, researchers have recently begun exploring its potential role in Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA).
As they've learned more about how inflammation and fibrosis may contribute to CCCA progression, interest has grown in therapies that may help protect follicles from ongoing damage.
One such therapy is metformin, which is now being studied for its anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties.
Combined with minoxidil, a widely used ingredient for supporting hair regrowth, topical metformin is a promising new option for women seeking a more complete approach for CCCA care.
How it works
Tell us about your CCCA history, scalp symptoms, and what you've already tried. No video call required.
If you're a fit, your serum is compounded specifically for you and shipped free within 1–2 business days of approval.
Use on affected scalp areas once a day. Message your care team anytime, and refills come automatically.
The formula
Oana's Rx topical serum combines Metformin 10% and Minoxidil 7% in a single doctor-prescribed serum.
C₄H₁₁N₅ · topical
Better known for diabetes, metformin is being studied as a topical anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic, directly relevant to the scarring biology of CCCA. Applied to the scalp, it works at the source.
C₉H₁₅N₅O · topical
The only OTC active FDA-approved for hair regrowth, compounded here at a clinical 7% strength, more concentrated than 2% drugstore formulas, in a vanishing-cream base built to penetrate the scalp.
Compounded by a U.S. licensed 503A pharmacy and dispensed only after provider review.
Real relief
How it compares
A side-by-side look at the most common CCCA treatments women have tried, and what makes the Oana serum different.
Comparison reflects typical retail and out-of-pocket clinic pricing in 2025. Costs vary by provider and location.
What to expect
CCCA treatment progress is measured in months, not weeks. But with consistent treatment, many women tend to notice the following:
Many women first notice changes in how their scalp feels, including less itching, tenderness, burning, or discomfort.
As treatment continues, some women notice fewer hairs shedding during washing, styling, or brushing.
Fine new hairs may begin appearing in areas where follicles remain active and have not been permanently scarred.
Continued treatment may support improvements in hair density and overall coverage.
Results vary from person to person. Because CCCA is a progressive condition, early and consistent treatment is often encouraged.
Is this for you?
This treatment may be worth exploring if:
CCCA can sometimes be mistaken for traction alopecia, breakage, or other forms of hair loss. If you're unsure what's causing your symptoms, our licensed provider can review your history and determine whether this treatment may be appropriate for you.
Start your 5-min assessment
A routine that fits your life
Once-daily, vanishing-cream serum. Apply directly to the affected scalp area. Fits cleanly into braid takedown days, silk-press routines, wash days, or loc refresh schedules.
Why Oana
Getting treatment for CCCA shouldn't mean waiting months for an appointment or navigating multiple providers. With OanaHealth, you can complete your consultation online, have your treatment reviewed by a licensed provider, and receive your prescription directly at your door if prescribed.
Every month matters
Which is why many women choose to explore treatment sooner rather than later. The earlier you begin addressing CCCA with a treatment that works for you, the more likely you'll experience better results.
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For women like youBuilt for the women who need it most
Up to 1 in 6 Black women will experience CCCA in their lifetime. Most spend years being told it's breakage, traction, or simply “not regrowable.” None of that is good enough.
Every detail of this serum, from the once-daily routine that fits around braids, locs, and silk presses, to providers who actually understand how CCCA presents and progresses, was designed with you in mind.
Start your 5-min assessmentSafety & medical review
FAQ
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia is the most common form of scarring hair loss in Black women. It typically begins at the crown and spreads outward in a centrifugal pattern. The condition is driven by chronic inflammation that damages the follicle and replaces it with scar tissue. Early treatment is critical, and once a follicle has fully scarred, it cannot regrow.
CCCA is both an inflammatory and a regrowth challenge. Minoxidil is the only OTC ingredient FDA-approved for hair regrowth, but on its own it does nothing about the inflammation that drives scarring. Topical metformin is being studied for its anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects on the skin, which is directly relevant to CCCA biology. Together, they address both the cause and the symptom.
Most patients begin to notice reduced burning, itching, and scalp tenderness within 4–8 weeks. Visible regrowth or slowing of progression typically takes 3–6 months of consistent daily use. CCCA is chronic and improvement is gradual, but consistent treatment makes the difference.
No treatment can regrow follicles that have already fully scarred. The goal of treatment is to halt progression, calm inflammation, and stimulate regrowth in at-risk follicles surrounding the scarred area. The earlier you start, the more follicles you can save.
Most patients tolerate the serum well. Possible side effects include mild scalp irritation, dryness, or a temporary shedding phase when starting minoxidil (often a sign it's working). Because metformin is delivered topically, the GI side effects of oral metformin are not a concern. Your provider will review your full history before prescribing.
Yes. Apply the serum to a clean, dry scalp, let it fully absorb (about 4 hours), and use your normal hair-care routine outside of that window. Avoid applying other topical scalp products to the same area at the same time.
Yes. The serum is a compounded prescription. You'll complete a 5-minute online intake and a licensed provider reviews your information. If they determine it's appropriate, your serum is compounded by a U.S. licensed pharmacy and shipped to you directly.
Many of our patients work with a dermatologist alongside Oana. The serum can complement existing care like steroid injections or oral therapies. Bring it up with your dermatologist, and let our providers know what else you're using during your intake.
Ready when you are
If you've been diagnosed with CCCA, or have tried other treatment options that didn't bring satisfactory results, now may be the right time to see whether Oana's dual-action treatment is appropriate for you.
Start your 5-min assessment$79/month billed quarterly if prescribed
Topical Metformin / Minoxidil Serum is a compounded prescription. A consultation with a U.S. licensed provider is required, and the serum is only dispensed if prescribed. Results vary; CCCA is a chronic condition with no cure, but early and consistent treatment can slow progression and support regrowth in at-risk follicles. Oana-affiliated medical practices are independently owned and operated by licensed physicians. Oana is not a pharmacy and is not financially affiliated with any pharmacy or pharmaceutical company.