You have heard about the vehemently popular minoxidil (rogaine) and how it treats pattern hair loss. FDA-approved minoxidil comes under the class of vasodilator drugs, which means it can dilate blood vessels. The specific way in which minoxidil works on hair regrowth is by improving the blood circulation around hair follicles. The increased blood flow leads to increased nutrient and oxygen supply, thereby enhancing the process of hair growth. It also reverses the effect of DHT, so that hair growth is stimulated.
However, the use of this powerful growth agent has some accompanying side effects that manifest with either short-term or prolonged use. The minoxidil solution has an alcohol base of propylene glycol (PG), which is a stable carrier and helps to penetrate the minoxidil solution within the hair follicles. This alcohol base of minoxidil can give rise to allergic reactions, which is the main reason for skin irritation, dryness, and itching.
However, With A Few Simple Tips, These Side Effects Can Be Managed Or Prevented.
Waiting For The Effects To Subside
Minoxidil mainly works on 2 phases of the hair growth cycle — the growth phase and the resting phase. It extends the growth phase and shortens the resting phase. Minoxidil works in such a manner that the shedding observed during the initial phase of use is considered normal and lasts for 1-2 months. The side effects like irritation and dryness also gradually subside with continued usage.
Allow The Solution To Air Dry
After applying the minoxidil solution, it is best to allow it to air dry without covering the scalp. The alcohol needs to evaporate and not stay on the scalp for prolonged periods, as that is the main cause of skin itchiness, redness, and dryness.
Using A Specialized Shampoo
Using medicated shampoos that contain active ingredients such as zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, and ketoconazole can help reduce scalp inflammation and soothe irritation caused by minoxidil use. Moreover, specialized shampoos like Traya’s Defence shampoos are curated to provide extra moisture to tackle dryness due to minoxidil.
Proper Nutrition
Including a well-balanced diet that provides adequate proteins, essential fats, and micronutrients such as zinc, vitamin C, biotin, iron, and niacin helps build immunity and fight sensitivity.
Skin Patch Test
A skin sensitivity patch test can be carried out before starting minoxidil use. If excessive and intolerable skin rashes and redness are observed, foam-based minoxidil is advised.
The use of minoxidil as a hair loss treatment requires due diligence and patience on the part of the person availing the treatment. The results are observed after using for a minimum of 4-5 months on average but minoxidil has taken up to 8 months to 1 year to show good hair growth results in some cases. Since the time taken for results to show up is also based on age and stage of hair loss, one should not stop minoxidil treatment due to discouragement in the comparison. It is necessary to continue the use of minoxidil while tackling the side effects to avoid relapse of hair growth. If you have more questions or concerns, Traya Hair Coaches guide you with answers and help you stick to the treatment.
