Does Minoxidil Help Regrow Lost Hair? Hair Expert’s Opinion

by Dr Jaspreet Sarna
Published: August 26, 2020
Updated: August 3, 2023

What is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is a medication that is primarily used to treat hair loss. It works by dilating the blood vessels in the scalp, which increases blood flow to the hair follicles. This improved blood flow can stimulate hair growth in individuals experiencing hair thinning or baldness. It can take several months of consistent use before results become noticeable, and the effects may vary from person to person.

How does Minoxidil help regrow hair?

Once you begin applying minoxidil on your scalp, it will shed all the hair that were anyways going to shed in the days to come. So if you see a mild increase in hair fall for a week or two, it is a good sign. It means you are responding to minoxidil. After this process minoxidil works on all the hair that are in the growth phase. It makes the follicle thicker by increasing blood circulation to your hair roots. Over a period you see more hair on your head since it elongates the growth phase and it also thickens each hair.

Can Minoxidil help regrow hair on bald heads?

So far you have understood how does minoxidil regrow hair, so, does it help those who are completely bald? No, minoxidil doesn’t work on those who have gone completely bald. This is because male pattern baldness leads to hair loss, and once the hair loss phase has reached a point where the scalp has completely swept off hair for several years, it is almost impossible for hair regrowth. It is because the hair follicles have undergrown permanent hair loss that cannot be reversed.

Minoxidil dosages to help hair regrowth

Minoxidil 2% Solution

You might have this question, will minoxidil regrow hair? Now that you know how does minoxidil regrow hair, you must know that minoxidil is available in 2% and 5% topical solutions. The 2% solution belongs to the class of vasodilators. It is known to promote hair growth in men suffering from male pattern baldness. The 2% solution is generally safe and suitable for most people and comes with specific side effects.

It may take around two to four months to see visible results while using a minoxidil 2% solution. The most usual side effects of this medicine are skin irritation and itching in the scalp area. The 2% solution is not to be used by people under 18 and above 65. Also, it may not be an ideal medication to use if your hair loss is due to certain other drugs or treatments such as chemotherapy.

Minoxidil 5% Solution

According to the Olsen Study of 2002, men using minoxidil 5% experienced forty five percent more hair regrowth than men using minoxidil 2%. Minoxidil is usually prescribed for men who have been suffering hair loss or hair thinning that begins on the top of the scalp. Minoxidil topical solution 5% is more likely to grow hair in men experiencing gradual thinning of hair on the top of the scalp. It is not effective for frontal baldness.

While using minoxidil 5%, results may be visible as early as two months or as late as four months. If you do not notice any change in the hair loss problem even after four months, you should bring this to the notice of your doctor. You can expect an increase in hair loss during the first two to three weeks. It is the phase of getting rid of your old hair and shifting to a phase when new hair will grow. This is how does minoxidil regrow hair.

Side effects of using Minoxidil

1. Scalp Irritation:

Minoxidil can cause scalp irritation in some individuals. Symptoms may include redness, itching, dryness, or flaking of the scalp. This side effect is usually mild and temporary, and it may subside as your scalp adjusts to the medication. If the irritation persists or worsens, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

2. Unwanted Hair Growth:

Minoxidil may lead to the growth of unwanted hair in areas other than the scalp. This is more common in women than men. It can cause hair growth on the face, neck, or other parts of the body. If excessive hair growth occurs or causes distress, you should consult a healthcare professional for further guidance.

3. Allergic Reactions:

Although rare, some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to minoxidil. Signs of an allergic reaction may include rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing. If you develop any of these symptoms after using minoxidil, seek immediate medical attention.

4. Dryness or Flaking of the Scalp:

Some individuals may experience dryness or flaking of the scalp as a side effect of using minoxidil. This can typically be managed by using a moisturizing shampoo or conditioner and avoiding excessive washing or harsh hair products.

It's important to note that not everyone will experience these side effects, and many individuals tolerate minoxidil well. If you have any concerns about using minoxidil or if you experience any unexpected side effects, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for advice and guidance.

Who can use Minoxidil?

Adults experiencing hair loss or thinning hair can use minoxidil.It is suitable for both men and women.Minoxidil is primarily effective for individuals with androgenetic alopecia (hereditary hair loss).It is more effective in the early stages of hair loss when some hair is still present on the scalp.Men typically use a 5% minoxidil solution, while women typically use a 2% solution.

Who shouldn’t use Minoxidil?

While minoxidil can be beneficial for many individuals experiencing hair loss, there are certain situations where its use may not be recommended. Here are some cases in which individuals should exercise caution or avoid using minoxidil:

Allergic Reactions: Individuals who have had an allergic reaction to minoxidil or any of its ingredients should not use the medication. Signs of an allergic reaction may include rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing. If you have a known allergy to minoxidil, it is important to seek alternative treatment options.

Under 18 Years of Age: Minoxidil is generally not recommended for use in individuals under the age of 18. The safety and effectiveness of minoxidil in this age group have not been well-established, so it is best to consult a healthcare professional for guidance on alternative treatments for hair loss in younger individuals.

Scalp Infections or Irritations: If you have any existing scalp infections, open wounds, or skin conditions on the scalp, it is advisable to avoid using minoxidil until the condition has resolved. Minoxidil may exacerbate existing irritations or infections, leading to further discomfort or complications.

Pregnant or Breastfeeding Individuals: The safety of minoxidil use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding has not been definitively established. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before using minoxidil in these situations to assess potential risks and benefits.

Cardiovascular Conditions: Individuals with a history of cardiovascular problems, including heart disease or hypertension, should use minoxidil with caution. Minoxidil can be systemically absorbed into the bloodstream, and in rare cases, it may cause cardiovascular side effects. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before using minoxidil if you have a history of cardiovascular conditions.

As always, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist before starting minoxidil treatment to discuss individual circumstances, potential contraindications, and any specific concerns related to your health or medical history.

How to use Minoxidil for hair regrowth?

The scalp hair growth cycle, has four phases - the anagen where hair growth takes place. Then hair enters a resting state in the telogen phase for 3 months. In catagen, hair is in a transitional phase and finally the exogen where hair detaches from the follicle to give way to new hair. What minoxidil interestingly does is, it widens blood vessels opening potassium channels and allows more blood flow to the follicles along with nutrients & oxygen. This invariably pushes hair into an early stage of the anagen phase.

How long does it take for Minoxidil to show results?

The fact that minoxidil grows hair or how does minoxidil regrow hair depends from individual to individual. Because minoxidil is different from any other alternative to hair regrowth, it does not show immediate results. Although it starts working, the results may take time to show up. Provided, one may also experience some hair loss during the initial hair regrowth starts.

Most research shows that it takes a few months before you see any change in your hair growth. Some have noticed minoxidil hairline regrowth after about three months after using the medication. As already discussed, results may vary from person to person; you should be able to improve by using minoxidil after about three to six months. How does minoxidil regrow hair depends on the scalp condition and the phase of hair loss of the person using it.

Minoxidil Before & After Results

Although the exact science as how does minoxidil regrow hair is not clearly known, people have seen results using minoxidil to treat hair loss and pattern baldness. When you start using minoxidil, remember that the results might not show immediately or just a week after application. Just because the way it acts on your scalp is quite different, how does minoxidil regrow hair depends on person to person.

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According to recent research, around forty percent of men and twenty-five percent of women can gain hair regrowth by using minoxidil. Minoxidil 2% and 5% are proven effective against hair loss and its ability to induce hair growth. The study further proved that minoxidil has the ability to stop male and female hair loss, and it triggers the growth of new hair, mainly on the top of the head where the hair has not completely fallen out.

Hair loss can be depressing, and you need something practical to curb it. Now that you have understood the importance of minoxidil and how does minoxidil regrow hair, you can use minoxidil 2% and minoxidil 5% solutions by Traya – a natural hair care brand who focuses on providing effective solutions to scalp and hair problems. Get your hair treatment now!

Takeaway

In conclusion, minoxidil can be a ray of hope for those grappling with hair loss or thinning hair. It's a widely trusted medication that holds the potential to stimulate hair growth, especially when hereditary factors are involved. Nevertheless, it's crucial to approach minoxidil with both awareness and caution. While it generally poses no major concerns for topical usage, it's worth noting that it may lead to scalp irritation, dryness, or even unexpected hair growth in some individuals. Remember, results won't miraculously appear overnight, patience is key on this hair care journey. Minoxidil can be a valuable tool in your hair care journey, but it's essential to make informed decisions and seek professional guidance along the way.