WHAT IS MINOXIDIL
Scientists created a topical minoxidil solution in 1987 that can be used to treat hair loss in both males and females. The concentration of the solution is either 2% or 5%. Topical minoxidil is sold under the trade names Rogaine and Theroxidil.
A topical treatment for hair loss is minoxidil. It is a member of the vasodilator medication class, which improves blood flow throughout the body by widening blood vessels.
It is thought that this drug interacts with sulfotransferases when administered to the scalp as a solution or foam, becoming active as minoxidil sulphate. It functions by accelerating the transition of hair from the telogen, or resting, stage to the anagen, or growing, stage. There is some evidence to suggest that minoxidil can thicken hair.
The anagen phase of each hair follicle may also be prolonged with minoxidil, allowing your hair to grow longer and your average
WHO NEEDS MINOXIDIL AND HOW IT WORKS?
For those who have recently started losing their hair and are under the age of 40, minoxidil is the most effective. Retuning hairlines are unaffected by the medication. You should still enjoy all the advantages of minoxidil when you apply it to your hairline because the hair follicles there aren't much different from those on your scalp or crown.
If your hair loss is caused by female or male pattern baldness and not another condition, minoxidil is given topically to the scalp will work. Before using minoxidil for at least 8 weeks, people might not see any changes in their hair Trusted Source.
People are commonly prescribed to apply minoxidil twice a day in the form of a liquid solution or foam. A person should make sure their hair is dry, their scalp is not sunburned, and their hair is dry.
How to use minoxidil
- Apply twice a day
- Read the instructions very carefully
- Gently rub minoxidil into your scalp
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF USING MINOXIDIL
MINOXIDIL - ADVANTAGES
If you've only recently noticed hair loss, minoxidil can be an excellent option for treatment. Here are some benefits of using it:
- Reverses follicle miniaturization
- Follicles' surrounding blood flow is increased
- Stimulates follicle growth phase movement
- Unprescribed and readily available
- Suitable for both men and women
MINOXIDIL - DISADVANTAGES
The use of minoxidil as a hair loss remedy is not without its drawbacks. These consist of:
- It's expensive
- Can cause unwanted hair growth
- Not appropriate for those who use vasodilators
- Does not address thinning hair
- Some might experience Skin rash or itchiness
- It takes more than a month to see the results
Finasteride (Propecia), a prescription drug that was first sold in a higher-dose pill as Proscar for prostate issues, is sometimes used combined with minoxidil to treat androgenetic alopecia.
There is no need for a prescription for topical minoxidil. Before buying minoxidil, a person should however let their doctor or pharmacist know if they are using any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs. A person should stop taking the medication as soon as they notice any side effects and consult a doctor.