Important information to know before using minoxidil for hair loss

 

Important information to know before using minoxidil for hair loss

The medical treatment minoxidil, like finasteride, is used by men and women experiencing hair loss as a preventative measure. For those who suffer from hereditary hair loss, it increases their hair growth. Female pattern baldness (also known as androgenic alopecia) and male pattern baldness are included in this category.

There are many types of hair loss, however androgenetic alopecia is the most common, in which the hair follicle stops producing hair completely. Find out what you need to know about using minoxidil for hair loss.

What is minoxidil ?

Among the most common brands of minoxidil are "Regaine", "Regaine for Women", and "Rogaine". When minoxidil was being tested to treat high blood pressure, it was discovered accidentally.

There were surprising signs of hair growth after the treatment. As a matter of fact, it is the only FDA-approved topical treatment for women, while men can use Minoxidil and Finasteride.

An active ingredient in topical hair loss treatments is minoxidil. The average male uses a 5 percent solution, while the average female uses a 2 percent solution. Vasodilators increase the flow of blood to the hair follicles since they dilate blood vessels.

This stimulates and prolongs the growth of new hair. Depending on the gender, there are different products designed for the treatment.

Essentially, only minoxidil is appropriate for treatment of women. Women should never use finasteride.

When combined with other treatments, minoxidil can also help with receding hairlines.

It's often overlooked that using both minoxidil and finasteride together is more effective than using just one. However, some of these medications can cause long-lasting side effects, including infertility in men.

How to use minoxidil for hair loss

As a topical hair loss treatment, minoxidil is applied directly to the area that needs treatment. I recommend using it twice daily, at least once every twelve hours.

To prevent the solution from transferring to your pillow, use the treatment an hour before you go to sleep. For both men and women, the usage instructions are the same - the only difference is the strength of the treatment.

The solution should be applied to the area of the scalp being treated using the applicator provided. The hair and scalp should be dry before applying.

You should wash your hands after application and allow the treated area to dry for 2-4 hours. During the first four hours following application, make sure your hair does not get wet - including going swimming or washing your hair. If you forget to submit an application, submit it as soon as you remember.

Be sure to protect other body parts and surfaces from minoxidil, such as pillows. When the formula gets on other body parts, it stimulates hair growth there as well.

Does Minoxidil regrow hair ?

It is better at halting and slowing down hair loss rather than regrowing hair, although sometimes hair will regrow, it is extremely individual. The formula dilates blood vessels to allow more nutrients to reach the hair follicle. Thus, hair grows thicker and faster, as a result of which hair loss is reversed.

How do I know minoxidil is working ?

Before any results can be seen, minoxidil must be used twice a day for at least four months. After it starts working, you should start seeing the end of hair loss and the beginning of new hair growth.

It takes around four months for the hair follicles to return to the anagen (growth phase) stage of the hair cycle.

If you do not see any results after six months of continuous treatment and you are still experiencing hair loss, you should stop the treatment and see your doctor to check if there

 are possible causes.

What are the disadvantages of using minoxidil ?

Although minoxidil can be effective for some people, it also has a number of disadvantages. The use of minoxidil requires a lot of maintenance and consistency. Correctly applied twice a day and every day, it only works.

Furthermore, it only works as long as it is used. You will resume hair loss once you stop using minoxidil, so your hair will fall out as it did before starting treatment. If you use minoxidil, there are a variety of side effects to consider.