Minoxidil
Minoxidil
The pharmaceutical treatment of hair loss
Minoxidil is the most proven and effective pharmaceutical substance for treating hair loss and increasing hair density and volume. It is a safe substance, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which enhances blood flow to the hair follicles and thus prolongs the hair growth phase. It is applied directly to the scalp and has been shown to increase hair growth and enhance hair density in 94% of cases.
In what cases does it apply?
Minoxidil is effective in treating androgenetic alopecia, which is the most common form of hair loss in men, as well as alopecia areata. It can be safely applied to men and women who are going through the early stages of hair loss. It is particularly simple to use, as it is available in the form of lotion and foam with a concentration of 2% (for women) and 5% (for men), and is applied topically to the thinning areas of the scalp. It has been calculated that minoxidil significantly increases the number of hairs within 3-4 months of the first application.
How does minoxidil work?
Minoxidil is a vasodilator, meaning it dilates blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow through them. This vasodilation allows more oxygen and nutrients to reach the hair follicles, stimulating hair growth. This explains why minoxidil is not effective on bald spots, as there are no active hair follicles to stimulate.
In addition, minoxidil shortens the resting phase (or telogen phase) of the hair life cycle and instead prolongs the growth phase (or anagen phase). During the anagen phase, hair grows steadily. This phase lasts about 2-6 years and it has been estimated that at any given time, approximately 85-90% of hair is in the anagen phase. When the hair reaches its maximum length, it passes from the anagen to the catagen phase, during which it is detached from the scalp and then enters the telogen phase, during which the entire hair structure is placed in a resting phase for several months until it falls out and a new hair begins to grow in its place.
As minoxidil shortens the telogen phase of the cycle, the hairs remain dormant for a shorter period, while conversely as it prolongs the anagen phase, it stimulates hair growth for a longer period. In addition, thanks to its vasodilator action, it improves blood flow to the scalp, providing the hair follicles with the nutrients they need to maximize their growth. This combined action of minoxidil results in increased hair thickness, density and overall appearance.
For more effective action
3 tips to maximize the action of minoxidil
Early treatment
The sooner you start treatment with minoxidil, the better the results will be. Minoxidil prolongs the hair growth phase and keeps your hair follicles active for longer, protecting them from premature shrinkage (a process known as miniaturization) and the inability to produce healthy, large-diameter hair.
Combined use of finasteride
Finasteride is another treatment for androgenetic alopecia in men. It works by blocking the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for male pattern baldness. The combination of minoxidil and finasteride is more effective than either drug alone.
Correct application
Applying minoxidil is simple, but some mistakes can make it less effective and increase the risk of side effects. Follow the instructions below for the correct application of minoxidil lotion and foam respectively. Remember that minoxidil formulations are designed to be applied twice a day.
Steps for the correct application of minoxidil
Minoxidil lotion
1. Before applying minoxidil, make sure your hair is completely dry. If you have showered, dry it thoroughly.
2. Using the lotion dropper, pump 1ml of minoxidil and distribute it to the areas of the scalp where hair loss is most noticeable. Try to create partings in your hair so that the minoxidil can more easily come into contact with the scalp.
3. Massage the scalp at the application points and then soap your hands well.
Minoxidil foam
1. Make sure your hair is dry. Before applying the foam, gently part your hair to help the foam reach the scalp more easily.
2. Hold the container upside down and gently squeeze the spout until a walnut-sized amount comes out onto your fingers.
3. Using your fingers, gently apply the foam to the areas of hair loss, massaging in. Finally, rinse your hands thoroughly.
Instructions after applying minoxidil
- After applying minoxidil, allow 4 hours for the medicine to dry before using a hair dryer or washing your hair.
- If you forget an application, then replace it as soon as you remember, unless it is very close to the time of the next application, in which case you will skip the missed dose and continue normally with the next one.
- Minoxidil is designed and tested for use on the scalp. If you accidentally apply it to the face, eyes, or other sensitive areas of the body, rinse the area thoroughly with cold water to avoid irritation.
- Remember, there is no reason to use minoxidil more than twice a day. Overuse will not improve results, but it may increase the chances of skin irritation or other side effects. Follow the recommended dosage and limit yourself to two applications per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When will I see results?
Minoxidil starts working immediately after application, but its mechanism of action is such that the results are not immediately visible. In the first period you may notice slightly increased hair loss, as the hairs quickly complete their life cycle to begin the new growth phase. This is a normal phenomenon that should not cause you to panic. It will take about 3 months of regular use of minoxidil before you start to notice a change in your hair, which will steadily improve over the following months, offering the most spectacular results after a full year of treatment. It is important to be patient and not stop using minoxidil because you do not notice a change in your hair from one day to the next.
Does it have side effects?
Minoxidil is a safe and effective medication for most people. However, like all medications, it can cause some side effects, although they are very mild. The most common are skin irritation, dry skin, peeling, itching, and burning.
Does minoxidil increase hair thickness?
Yes. Minoxidil increases hair thickness by enlarging shrunken hair follicles and producing stronger, healthier hair shafts. Increased hair thickness makes a big difference in density.
Can I use minoxidil and finasteride together?
Yes, minoxidil and finasteride can be used together by men, as finasteride is approved for use only in men. Studies have shown that the combination is more effective than either alone. However, it is important to distinguish the way each works. Finasteride blocks the progression of hair loss, while minoxidil keeps existing hair alive.
Is minoxidil effective?
The effectiveness of minoxidil has been documented in many scientific studies. More specifically, in a study published in 2004 in the scientific journal “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” and involving 900 men with androgenetic alopecia, a reduction in hair loss and stimulation of hair growth were observed in 85% of them after topical treatment with minoxidil 5% for a period of one year.
Does minoxidil increase beard hair growth?
No. Minoxidil should not be used to promote facial hair growth. Minoxidil is only approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use on the scalp, and clinical trials for use on beards are virtually nonexistent. The only study completed using minoxidil on beards showed little difference between the active ingredient and a placebo.