If you are facing androgenic alopecia or male/female pattern baldness, chances are you've heard about minoxidil for hair growth and minoxidil side effects. So let us dig a little deeper into this.
What is the history of minoxidil solution?
Minoxidil solution is a vasodilator. It means it dilates blood vessels to increase blood flow wherever you apply it. It was accidentally discovered as a hair loss treatment. During clinical trials for an oral BP medication that contained minoxidil, people started noticing increased body hair and people who had androgenic alopecia saw improved hair density and volume. So, pharma companies decided to create a minoxidil topical solution with 5% minoxidil to treat and reverse androgenic alopecia. In 1986 the 2% Minoxidil solution was launched and the 5% solution in 1993.
How does it work for pattern hair loss?
Androgenic alopecia is triggered by multiple factors such as genetic history, excess levels of DHT, internal health, diet and lifestyle. Minoxidil for hair growth is used to reverse the damage that DHT causes to your hair follicles.
Also Read: What Does Minoxidil Do For Hair Regrowth?
What does DHT do to your hair follicles and how does minoxidil work to fix it?
Dihydrotestosterone is a byproduct of testosterone. Excess DHT converts into an enzyme that attaches itself to your hair follicles and causes them to shrink. Shrinking follicles means reduced blood flow. Lesser blood flow reduces the supply of oxygen-rich blood and nutrition to your hair follicles. This causes them to age prematurely. With every cycle that your hair follicle shrinks your hair starts to get thinner. And the anagen or growth phase of your hair starts getting shorter. Meaning your hair will take longer to grow, and will grow less than normal. Hair follicles will shrink for several years before they die. Once dead they cannot be activated and only a hair transplant can restore hair growth in that area.
Enter minoxidil solution for hair growth. Minoxidil for hair increases the blood flow of oxygen and nutrient rich blood to your hair follicles. This stimulates and revives them. Thereby, elongating the anagen or growth phase. This means once again the hair will start growing thicker and healthier with each cycle.
Because it is used in a topical solution the absorption is limited and does not affect the body.
Side effects of minoxidil and should you be using it?
A lot of people believe that minoxidil and finasteride are interchangeable. However, finasteride is a completely different hair loss treatment compound. It is a DHT blocker that helps reduce the excess production of DHT in your body. It can be taken topically and orally. When used orally it can interact with your hormonal balance. About 2% of the people who use finasteride orally may experience side effects such as erectile dysfunction or low sex drive. However, when used topically on its own or combined with minoxidil it shows no side effects. Coming to minoxidil side effects. Minoxidil for hair growth is a prescription medication in India. It is prescribed in concentrations of 2%, 5%, 7% and 10%. When used with a doctor prescription it has minimal side effects. In some people with sensitive or dry scalp, it can cause flakiness, dry hair and scalp irritation.
However, in some very rare cases of minoxidil for hair growth usage can result in:
- Scalp acne
- Burning of scalp
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Face swelling
This is why when you are on the Traya hair loss treatment. Not only does a doctor analyse your health and hair history before prescribing you minoxidil topical solution. But you are also assigned a hair coach to ensure that you have assistance in case you experience any minoxidil side effects.
But it is important to note that minoxidil solution doesn't work for all stages. It is most effective between the Stages of 1-4. Therefore, at Traya we guarantee results if you come to us between these stages and use the treatment consistently for 5 months.
Also Read: How To Regrow Thinning Hair
So, is minoxidil safe for everyone?
No, serious minoxidil side effects risk are higher in people who should not be using minoxidil solution. Minoxidil for hair growth is not recommended for people with hypertension, heart diseases, palpitations, pregnant and breastfeeding women and anyone with a history of allergy to minoxidil. In fact, there is a handy test to check if you are allergic to any topical solution. Take 1 ml of the solution and apply it to the back of your neck and wait for 24 hours. If you have a reaction you are allergic and should look for alternates, if not then you are good to go.
But isn't excess hair fall one of the minoxidil side effects?
No! In fact, it is a sign that the minoxidil solution is working. Minoxidil works by getting your hair cycle back to normal. For this, it needs to get rid of the unhealthy hair from the existing hair cycle. So, it pushes hair that is in the growth phase into the falling phase sooner than it would normally. So it can be replaced with thick and healthy hair from a new cycle. This is why when you apply minoxidil lotion you start seeing increased hair loss after a few weeks. Which can last for a few weeks. This sends people into panic and they stop using minoxidil for hair growth and miss out on seeing its benefits. It is like quitting your weight loss journey after your first cardio session. Doesn't make sense right? Now you know that excess hair fall is not one of the minoxidil side effects but instead a part of the process.
But what about the side effects after stopping the use of minoxidil for hair?
Androgenic alopecia or male/female pattern baldness is not a curable condition. It is a manageable condition. It means you can prevent baldness by taking control of your hair loss condition at the right time. Some people are okay to use minoxidil for a long time and why not? It has been deemed safe for long term use by doctors after years of research. But if you are someone who wants to stop using minoxidilfor hair and are worried about minoxidil side effects after stopping its use. You should read on.
- Minoxidil solution for hair should not be stopped abruptly. You need to reduce the frequency of application slowly if you want to stop using it
- You should consider replacing it with an alternative like redensyl, procapil or capixyl.
- You should be prepared to use it again in case hair loss increases due to other triggers
- You should commit to healthier diet and lifestyle choices in the long term
How to use minoxidil for hair to avoid minoxidil side effects?
Make sure you get a proper diagnosis and prescription before using minoxidil topical solution. You can get a free hair expert consultation on Traya. Use minoxidil for hair growth only in the prescribed quantity and way. Minoxidil solution only needs to be used in the affected area and gently massaged to facilitate absorption. Don't use excess amounts which might cause dripping to other non-affected spots. And make sure your scalp is healthy and free from dandruff before applying it.
Is minoxidil effective for hair growth?
No! Now you know about minoxidil side effects, history, usage and function. So you understand that minoxidil can only influence the follicle health factor of hair loss and not the internal health bit. For that, you need a holistic approach and that's where Ayurveda and nutrition come in. That's why Traya combines three sciences to fix your hair loss.
Take away
Minoxidil is FDA approved, safe to use and is effective in treating androgenic alopecia when used as part of a complete treatment. But make sure you use it with a doctor prescription and in the correct dosage. If you want more information about your hair loss condition and minoxidil side effects then take the hair test with Traya today.
