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We have always experimented high and low when it comes to hair health. Our favourite Nani ke Nuske, which has been in practice for hair growth and has plenty of ingredients, fragrant masks, and fiery oils, but can we do the same with medicated formulations?
That’s right! We have noticed that in the world of remedies for hair growth, many people on social media suggest using minoxidil. Now here's the thing! It’s a different matter when your dermatologist recommends it, but using it blindly may not be the best idea.
And yes, there’s no need to worry as this treatment is clinically tested and FDA-approved, but it’s always advisable to stay cautious and know everything before using a medicated product.
Stay with us, as we will help you get all the insights you need to know before using Minoxidil.
Minoxidil Overview
Minoxidil is an FDA-approved, medically tested, and most recommended hair growth solution. It is available in topical, foam, and oral forms.
At Traya, we use minoxidil in some of our kits for hair growth for the customers who require it.
Our customers have seen positive results with a holistic treatment along with minoxidil and here’s what you need to keep in mind:
Minoxidil for Hair:
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Minoxidil was initially tested as a medication for high blood pressure and as a side effect, researchers noted hair growth.
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Men and women can use this solution depending on their hair loss condition.
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The treatment works mainly for Androgenetic Alopecia (Male and Female Pattern Baldness)
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One must note, that this solution is not used for ALL types of hair loss, so if you have any unique condition then it is advisable to visit a dermatologist.
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It comes in 2% and 5% solution, this level of concentration is decided by evaluating your stage of hair loss. Check out: Norwood Scale: 7 Stages of Hair Loss
Minoxidil in General:
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It is available in three forms: Topical Solution, Foam, and Oral Tablets. A topical solution is usually preferred as a treatment, but the hair specialist recommends the best usage.
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It is also used as a Vasodilator and antihypertensive.
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While the active ingredients for minoxidil are the same in every product, the inactive and additional ingredients can be slightly different.
How Does Minoxidil Work?
Minoxidil works like a “reset button” for your hair. Here’s how it works:
1. Minoxidil first increases blood flow around the follicles to stimulate growth.
2. Then, It shortens the Telogen phase (Resting phase) and extends the Anagen Phase (Growth phase)
3. While this happens, it usually sheds the thin hair strands to help follicles grow fully, hence people experience shedding in the 1st month of using it.
While Minoxidil has a distinct way of working, it is deemed quite effective for many.
Minoxidil Benefits & Side Effects
Witnessing Hair loss is tough and to get rid of this painful situation, many people try everything possible in a way to find a quick fix. As we can see, Minoxidil is a proven solution for hair growth and is often tried by many.
But Let’s face it, a quick fix sounds doable but will it really sustain or even show results? These dilemmas often lead people to either quit treatments or not even start one.
According to our Clinical Study, we have found that Holistic Treatment works 3X better than Minoxidil alone.
So what should you do?
Take a look at the lists below!
Minoxidil Benefits
Minoxidil has one significant benefit for hair, and that is hair growth. There are plenty of studies that were conducted to understand the efficacy of minoxidil and most of them showed positive results.
Even at Traya, whenever we had recommended our users to add Minoxidil, they did see progress in hair growth and along with a complete treatment plan, the progress made remained sustainable as well.
Our users have also confirmed that the treatment along with Minoxidil has worked for most of them. But we have also noticed in some users that Minoxidil may not have either suited them or with inconsistency didn’t work. So let’s also look into the side effects and precautions while using Minoxidil.
Minoxidil Side effects
Minoxidil can have a few side effects while using, one should make a note of these before using the solution.
1. Telogen Effluvium (Rapid Hair Loss): This one feels quite scary! But don’t worry, as it’s a sign that the medication is working. As previously stated, Minoxidil accelerates the growth cycle of hair and this makes the damaged hair fall and provides potential chances for hair growth.
2. Scalp Irritation: Some people could be sensitive to Propylene Glycol present in the formulation of Minoxidil. This can also happen due to the main components of Minoxidil and sometimes even if your scalp is flaky or has dandruff.
3. Headache: Headaches are not so common with topical solutions but can be experienced with oral Minoxidil. This is usually experienced due to the blood rushing towards the follicles for the process to begin initially and hence, people might experience a slight headache.
4. Dizziness: Having Minoxidil can sometimes lead to lower blood pressure, which may cause dizziness hence, people with blood-related issues are advised to inform their hair specialist of their medical history beforehand.
5. Unwanted Facial or Body Hair (Hypertrichosis): Oral Minoxidil used to have this issue where bodily hair would also grow along with hair on the scalp. With Topical Minoxidil, it has become quite a relief that only the part where the solution is applied, stimulates hair growth.
People can have allergic reactions to the treatment as well if in case you feel any of these, immediately visit your healthcare professional:
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Throat Tightness
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Dizziness
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Wheezing and Coughing
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Skin Rashes & Itching
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Swelling in any part of the body
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Nausea/Vomiting
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Stomach Cramps
These Reactions are usually quite rare, so there’s no need to hesitate while using the topical solution, but it’s always better to keep every scenario in mind to make the best possible decision.
Who Should Avoid Using Minoxidil?
It is true that anyone above the age of 18 can use Minoxidil, but if you fall into any of the below-mentioned categories then please refrain from using it until advised by your dermatologist.
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Anyone with allergies: Minoxidil in itself is a composition but it mostly comes in a concentration of 2% to 5% mixed with other components to make a topical solution. So, do check if the ingredients in the serum or the composition of minoxidil could cause any allergies to you.
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A Unique Kind of Hair Loss: There are various causes for hair loss, and minoxidil is known to mainly treat patterned baldness or hair loss after chemotherapy or due to other disease reactions. But if your hair loss is due to reasons such as lack of nutrition, or a rare disease, then Minoxidil may not work.
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Scalp-related issues: If you’re experiencing heavy dandruff, flakiness, or even oily scalp, then it is advisable to use Minoxidil after treating these conditions. Minoxidil may react to the sensitivity and the process could either get delayed or your skin could end up having rashes.
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Anyone below 18: We have seen a recent trend of teenagers using Minoxidil at the sight of hair loss, but it is genuinely not recommended. As this medication is used as a vasodilator and can have subsequent side effects, it is always better to use it only when you are suggested to use it by a healthcare professional.
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Pregnant Women: Minoxidil shows its results by entering into the bloodstream. Now, if this foreign element interacts with the fetus, then there is a chance of abnormalities to be seen. A case study even showed fetal Malformations such as brain, heart, and vascular issues.
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Heart Patient: For Heart Patients, Topical Minoxidil can increase your heart rate or worsen the swellings on people caused by water buildup. There can be potential side effects for heart patients using Minoxidil, but mostly there are no recorded issues for a heart stroke or any major problems yet, so as long as you’re in touch with your doctor while using it, you’re completely safe to use it.
Who Should Use Minoxidil?
Minoxidil is preferably recommended for people diagnosed with Androgenetic Alopecia (Male or Female Patterned Baldness).
One should keep in mind that this medication should be started only if it is possible for the person to apply it regularly, if there is inconsistency or sudden stoppage of using minoxidil then all the progress can be reversed back to hair loss.
If you’re suffering through any of these, then you may most likely need Minoxidil:
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Having a receding hairline or thinning crown area.
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If you’re a woman suffering from widening hair which means that wherever you partition your hair from that area keeps widening over time, then you can consider applying minoxidil.
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If you are in your early to moderate stages of hair loss.
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If you are looking to maintain existing hair and prevent further loss.
At Traya, we believe that hair loss can be treated by finding the root cause of the problem and then using methods to overcome it. With this, your hair growth will be sustainable and hair loss can be reduced to the absolute minimum.
Want to know your root cause for hair loss? Take Traya’s Free Hair Test!
How to Use Topical Minoxidil?
We have seen all that is needed to know about Minoxidil, but its method of application is just as necessary.
If you’re applying Minoxidil Topical Solution:
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Please ensure that your scalp is dry and has no product before applying Minoxidil.
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Fill the dropper till the 1 ml mark, this is necessary as excess product may hinder the process.
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Apply only at the affected areas to avoid abnormal growth of hair, some people also apply it on their beard and eyebrows and that is completely fine.
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The recommended dosage is 1 ml twice a day, preferably in the morning and the evening.
There are loads of myths and facts about Minoxidil, and it does get hard to identify what to believe.
Hence, if you’re someone who wishes to clarify these doubts then do checkout: Dermatologist Debunk 13 Minoxidil Myths ft. Dr Ankur & Jushya Sarin @sarinskin
What Our Customers Have to Say
Every person is unique, and so is their cause of hair loss. It is true that most people can have similar causes like anemia, alopecia, and many more, but one product can definitely not treat all.
So we at Traya, studied various cases and products and came up with the idea of making a personalized kit for hair. Now this kit would also contain Minoxidil for many people.
Here’s what their journey looked like:
Hear from Shivyogi
His Plan consisted of Minoxidil 2% Solution along with all the doctor’s prescribed Medication and products. We can see that within 6 months of consistent use of the treatment, Shivyogi had seen a significant hair regrowth.
He says: “I think for stage-5 baldness, getting hair back within 6 months is no less than magic. I still continue the Traya products and would strongly recommend people to try the treatment as it's a combination of kits, which does the magic. I am really satisfied with the treatment. I wish I had known them a bit earlier. Yes not to forget, the confidence which I regained.”
With the right use of a product and regular guidance, your goals won’t seem too far away!
People Also Ask
Will I lose hair if I stop using Minoxidil?
If you abruptly stop using minoxidil, then you do have a high chance of losing progress and getting back to having hair loss. Minoxidil takes time to work and using it consistently has brought positive results to most people.
Can I skip Minoxidil for a day?
Sometimes skipping a day won't immediately affect results, we all have times when we get too occupied and miss out on a few things, but there’s no need to worry, as it is fine sometimes. However, missing the dosage too often could hinder results. Regular daily application is important to maintain results and support ongoing hair growth.
References
Minoxidil Solution, Non- - Uses, Side Effects, and More |
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-3503/minoxidil-topical/details
Minoxidil
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482378/
Applications and efficacy of minoxidil in dermatology |
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ski2.472
Topically applied minoxidil may cause fetal malformation: a case report |
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14745922/
