Hair loss is often a source of overwhelming stress and insecurity for many people. Fortunately, treatments available can help slow or even reverse the effects of hair loss. One such treatment is Minoxidil, a topical medication that has been FDA-approved for treating both male and female-pattern baldness.
This article will discuss Minoxidil for hair loss, including dosages, side effects, and everything you need to know.
What Is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil is an oral and topical medication used to treat hair loss in men and women. It is available in 2% and 5% concentrations and can be used in combination with other treatments for hair loss, including hair transplants, finasteride, and laser therapy.
Minoxidil was first used to treat high blood pressure but has since been discovered to have hair-growing properties.
How Does Minoxidil Work?
Minoxidil is known to work by stimulating hair growth, which is an entirely different mechanism of action than finasteride. Finasteride is a DHT inhibitor, meaning it blocks DHT from attaching to hair follicles and growing new hairs.
On the other hand, Minoxidil is thought to stimulate the growth of new hair rather than prevent old hair from falling out. Minoxidil causes blood vessels to grow near the scalp, which in turn, causes the hair follicles to grow new hair.
This new hair will likely fall out again if you stop using the drug, though some people's hair may continue to grow.
Minoxidil Dosage For Hair Loss Guidelines
Minoxidil should be applied once a day to the scalp. It is crucial to start with a low dosage and then work your way up, as the hair loss potential of Minoxidil increases the higher the dosage used. Most men start with a 5% solution, while women often start with a 2% solution. Minoxidil has to be applied 1ml twice a day or as recommended by doctors in both Men and Women.
Minoxidil For Hair Loss Side Effects
Early research suggested that Minoxidil could cause significant side effects, including visual disturbances, gastrointestinal issues, and sexual dysfunction. More recent studies have shown that these effects are likely only present in a small minority of users.
Minoxidil's most common side effect is itching near the roots of the hair, which can be treated symptomatically. There are also a few rare but severe side effects associated with Minoxidil, including allergic reactions and hypertrichosis, in which hair grows unexpectedly on the body.
How Long Does Minoxidil Take To Work?
Results from Minoxidil are gradual and will vary from person to person. Minoxidil has been shown to increase hair growth in some users after 3-6 months of daily use, while others have seen no results even after two years of everyday use.
Some people experience shedding hair after starting Minoxidil, though this is more common in the first 3-6 months of use and is often a sign that the drug is working. If you are unsure if Minoxidil works for you, speak with your doctor.
How To Use Minoxidil
Always read the directions for how to use Minoxidil. Make sure to apply the solution when the scalp is clean and dry in the morning. If you are using the 2% solution, use between 5-10mL daily. If you are using the 5% solution, use between 5-10mL daily. Always begin with a modest dose and increase it over time. Because there is a greater chance of side effects with higher doses.
Minoxidil For Male Hair Loss
About 35 million men suffer from androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness, and minoxidil is an effective medication to treat these conditions. This medication is available in topical and foam forms and is applied directly to the scalp once or twice a day.
Studies have shown that minoxidil can stop hair loss and even stimulate new growth when used early and continuously. Minoxidil works best on men under 40 with less than five years of hair loss. Minoxidil may be less effective if the hair loss has been present for more than five years.
Other Treatments For Hair Loss
For those experiencing hair loss, there are a variety of treatments available. For early-stage hair loss, finasteride can help to slow hair loss and promote regrowth in many users. For later-stage hair loss, Minoxidil can help to stimulate hair growth and regrowth in many users. Additionally, many users can use hair transplants, laser therapy, and PRP injections to promote hair regrowth.
Tips For Using Minoxidil
- Always read the directions for how to use Minoxidil. Make sure to apply the solution when the scalp is clean and dry in the morning.
- Always start with a low dosage and work your way up, as the higher the dose, the higher the risk of side effects.
- Apply the solution to both sides of the scalp near the temples, where hair loss is common.
- Always wash your hands after applying the solution to avoid accidentally spreading it to other body parts.
- If the solution drips down your face, apply it to your hands and then pat it gently on your scalp.
Takeaway
Hair loss can be stressful, and you feel hopeless, but treatments can help you stop or even reverse the effects of hair loss. While many treatments are available for hair loss, Minoxidil is a relatively safe and accessible option. With the help of a professional hair expert, you can determine the best dosage and the potential side effects associated with treatment.
If you want to learn more about ways to stop or stop hair loss, get a hair test at Traya Health. Our teams of specialists are eager to speak with you and ease any concerns.
FAQs
Q1 - Is Minoxidil Safe For Hair Loss?
Ans - Minoxidil is generally considered safe, though it should be noted that it is usually only approved for use in men. Women have not been adequately studied concerning the use of Minoxidil, so women should avoid it. Additionally, pregnant women should not use Minoxidil, as there are no studies regarding its safety during pregnancy. Because Minoxidil is applied directly to the scalp, there is a real risk of irritation and over-drying of the scalp, especially in people who already have dry scalps. Although Minoxidil is generally considered safe, it is not without risk. As with all medications, there are potential side effects associated with the use of Minoxidil. Apart from itching and drying of the scalp, some side effects include a change in hair colour (darkening is more common than lightning, but either could happen), unwanted hair growth (called hypertrichosis), and allergic reactions such as rashes.
Q2 - Does Minoxidil Really Work For Hair Loss?
Ans - Yes, Minoxidil has been proven to be an effective treatment for hair loss. There are many types of hair loss, including male- and female-pattern baldness, alopecia, and telogen effluvium. Because of its vasodilatory properties, Minoxidil is especially helpful for male-pattern baldness and alopecia. While Minoxidil appears less effective for female-pattern baldness and telogen effluvium, it is still beneficial in some cases. For most people, the effects of Minoxidil take a few months to be noticeable. Because hair loss is a very individual process, it is essential to be patient while using this treatment to see the best results. Additionally, it is vital to use Minoxidil as directed, as an incorrect dosage could decrease its effectiveness.
Q3 - Does Minoxidil Work For Generic Hair Loss?
Ans - Minoxidil has been proven to be an effective treatment for both male-pattern baldness and alopecia, though it may be less effective for telogen effluvium. There are many types of hair loss, including male-pattern baldness and alopecia. While Minoxidil appears to be less effective for telogen effluvium, it is still helpful in some cases. For most people, the effects of Minoxidil take a few months to be noticeable. Hair loss treatments differ from person to person. Therefore it is essential to be patient and not compare or overthink the results.
Q3 - Does Minoxidil Work For Thyroid Hair Loss?
Ans - While the exact cause of hair loss in people with thyroid disorders is unknown, it is believed that the excess production of certain hormones in those people may exacerbate hair loss. It is known that Minoxidil can be helpful for the treatment of hair loss in some people with certain medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism. Because of its vasodilatory properties, Minoxidil can help slow or reverse hair loss in people who experience thyroid-related hair loss. However, it is essential to note that people with hypothyroidism (including those taking thyroid replacements) should not use Minoxidil. Additionally, people with diabetes should use Minoxidil with caution. Because the exact cause of thyroid-related hair loss is unknown, you must consult a doctor to determine if Minoxidil is the best treatment option.
Q4 - How To Use Minoxidil For Hair Loss
Ans - Minoxidil is a drug used to treat hair loss. It is available as a topical solution applied to the scalp twice daily. The recommended starting dosage is 2% for women and 5% for men.
To use Minoxidil, follow these steps:
- Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and dry it thoroughly.
- Apply the minoxidil solution to the affected area of the scalp using the dropper or spray provided.
- Gently massage the solution into the scalp to ensure it is evenly distributed.
- Allow the solution to dry for a few minutes before styling your hair as desired.
- Use the minoxidil solution twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. It is vital to use the solution consistently to see the best results.
It is essential to follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist when using Minoxidil. Do not use more or less of the medication than directed, and do not use it more frequently than recommended. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition, consult your doctor before using Minoxidil.
