Rx topical serum · For CCCA
A doctor-prescribed Metformin 10% + Minoxidil 7% serum for women with central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia — designed to support regrowth while your provider reviews the inflammatory scalp history behind CCCA.
Trusted by leading publications
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The most common form of scarring hair loss in Black women — driven by chronic inflammation that damages follicles from the crown outward.
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OTC minoxidil only tells the follicle to grow. It does nothing about the inflammation and fibrosis underneath.
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Two actives, two pathways: topical metformin to calm the inflammation, minoxidil at 7% to support regrowth.
Why CCCA is different
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia is not pattern hair loss. It's a slow, inflammatory process at the base of the follicle — and once a follicle has fully scarred, it cannot regrow. Off-the-shelf minoxidil tells follicles to grow, but does nothing about the inflammation underneath that's causing the scarring in the first place.
The Oana CCCA serum was formulated to address both at once: topical metformin to calm the chronic scalp inflammation researchers now associate with CCCA, paired with a clinical 7% dose of minoxidil to support regrowth in follicles that haven't yet scarred.
Treat the cause and the symptom — not just one.
The formula
Compounded by a U.S. licensed 503A pharmacy and dispensed only after provider review.
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 — at a clinical 7% strength, more concentrated than 2% drugstore formulas, in a vanishing-cream base built to penetrate the scalp.
Compounded specifically for you. The decision to prescribe is at the discretion of an Oana-affiliated provider.
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 progress looks like
CCCA is measured in months, not weeks. Here's what most patients notice along the way.
The chronic scalp inflammation that signals an active CCCA flare typically begins to settle within four to eight weeks of consistent use.
As the inflammation calms, daily shedding tends to slow. Some patients see an early "shed phase" from minoxidil — a sign it's working.
Most patients begin to see new fine hairs appear at the edges of affected areas around the four-month mark.
Continued daily use over six months and beyond is what builds visible density. CCCA is chronic — consistency is the difference.
Results vary. CCCA has no cure, but early and consistent treatment can slow progression and support regrowth in at-risk follicles.
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.
The Oana visit
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 to affected scalp areas once a day. Message your care team anytime, and refills come automatically.
Real relief
“Topical metformin has reduced the burning and pain sensation tremendously with CCCA. I recommend it to anyone.”
“It's easy to apply and absorbs very quickly. I'm four months in and starting to see early results with my CCCA — finally something that feels like progress.”
For women like youBuilt for the women who need it most
Up to 1 in 6 Black women will experience CCCA in their lifetime — and 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 visit — $79/mo · billed quarterlySafety & 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 — 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 — 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 — 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
CCCA is progressive. Every month of inflammation is another month of follicles at risk of permanent scarring — and another month you could be treating instead.
Start your 5-min visit — $79/month$79/mo billed quarterly · No insurance needed · Free 2-day shipping · Cancel anytime
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.
