When it comes to hair loss treatments, Minoxidil is almost always the most frequently mentioned product. The medication can be purchased in topical or oral form, and the results of its action are quite promising. However, there are still some questions about the use of Minoxidil, its side effects and how it affects hair growth.
Minoxidil is a vasodilator medication. It was initially used to treat hypertension in patients who did not respond well to other medical treatments.
In the 1970s, body hair growth was observed as a side effect of oral Minoxidil treatment. From there, a topical version of the medication was developed to treat baldness. According to research, Minoxidil can prevent hair loss and promote hair growth with up to 60% effectiveness. As a result, the medication has been used to treat hair loss since 1986.
Minoxidil works by dilating blood vessels and allowing greater blood flow throughout the body. When applied to the scalp or beard, it provides this effect locally. This increase in blood flowing through the hair follicles provides better nutrition for these structures. As a result, the hair grows strong and resistant.
According to recent studies, in addition to increasing blood flow, Minoxidil alters the duration of hair growth phases. However, to better understand this effect, let's first learn what these phases are and how Minoxidil acts on them.
Our hair strands go through 3 phases during their life cycle (i.e., until they fall out). Each strand can be in a different phase and the layman's eye cannot always determine which phase the strand is in.
The three phases of hair growth are:
After that, the cycle starts again. But where, in these phases, does minoxidil act?
There is an enzyme in the scalp that is responsible for transforming Minoxidil into a salt called Minoxidil sulfate. This salt causes the telogen phase to end and the anagen phase to begin as quickly as possible. As a result, new hairs appear at a much faster rate than expected.
Minoxidil may be recommended by dermatologists to treat hair loss. It is most effective in people under 40 years of age who have recently lost their hair. In addition to its use to treat hair loss, Minoxidil may also be prescribed to treat severe hypertension.
Minoxidil treatment for hair loss requires the supervision of a dermatologist. This is because the correct dosage depends on several factors, such as:
That said, do not use Minoxidil without medical supervision. In this article, we will only provide some of the possible indications that you may receive after a consultation.
Topical minoxidil can be purchased in different concentrations, ranging from 2% to 5%.
Topical use of minoxidil is quite effective and has few side effects. In this form, it is applied directly to the affected area, i.e. the scalp. It can be applied twice a day or over a longer period of time, depending on the dermatologist's recommendation.
But how do you apply it? Ideally, apply it directly to the area, until the scalp is moistened with the product. There is no need to let it drip.
The product can leave hair looking greasy, so many people will wash their hair frequently, especially those who apply it more than once a day. It is possible to wash your hair daily, but keep in mind that topical minoxidil can take from 1 to 12 hours to take effect. It is therefore best not to wash your hair until 12 hours have passed after application.
And is it possible to sleep with minoxidil in your hair? Yes, it is possible as long as you wait 1 hour before going to bed to avoid dermatitis.
Minoxidil has excellent results in most patients. When it comes to studies that prove the effectiveness of topical Minoxidil, a study conducted by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology indicates that 70% of men who participated in the study and used the 5% solution were effective.
When it comes to oral Minoxidil, studies have proven its effectiveness in up to 35% of men with androgenetic alopecia and other studies have also proven its effectiveness in women with hair loss.
When you start taking Minoxidil, you may notice that your hair is falling out more than before. This is called the shedding effect. But why does a medication that helps treat hair loss actually cause hair loss?
As we have already explained, Minoxidil causes the growth phases of new hair to complete more quickly. As a result, old hairs will fall out faster so that new hairs can grow. This is why we first notice greater hair loss in the first few weeks of using the medication. Old hairs are falling out so that a new cycle can begin.
Once again, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist to know exactly how long the use will be necessary. This type of question depends on factors such as the patient's response to the treatment, whether there are any side effects, whether Minoxidil is being used alone or in combination with another medication...
In general, treatment must be maintained in the long term, after all, the causes of baldness persist over the years.
Generally, Minoxidil starts to take effect after the first few applications, but visible results appear after 3 to 6 months of treatment. Although they may seem quick, the hair growth phases take a long time to occur. Furthermore, before the visible results appear, it is possible to notice some hair loss, the well-known shedding effect.
The price of minoxidil can vary greatly depending on where you buy it. The average prices are:
Your personal health history plays an important role in deciding whether or not to take Minoxidil. You should tell your dermatologist if you:
Minoxidil, when used according to medical instructions, presents excellent results. However, if taken without a prescription from a professional, especially in its oral form, it can cause serious side effects. Therefore, count on the help of dermatologists to properly treat hair loss.
