Minoxidil FAQ

Minoxidil is an over-the-counter, clinically proven treatment for hereditary hair loss recommended by dermatologists around the globe. Nearly 50% of men will experience hair loss by the age of 50, and 30% of women will experience hair loss at some point in life, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, making Minoxidil a popular, effective solution to thinning hair and baldness. However, there are many questions, misconceptions, and concerns surrounding Minoxidil. Below are some answers to common questions:

How Does Minoxidil Work?
Originally prescribed and used as a treatment for high blood pressure, patients began to observe more hair growth while taking the oral Minoxidil. This prompted researchers to formulate a Minoxidil topical solution to regain hair. Researchers theorised that Minoxidil topical solution stimulated and expanded hair follicles, resulting in thick hair growth. Topical Minoxidil was the first FDA approved treatment for hair loss.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “[Minoxidil] can stop hairs from getting thinner and stimulate hair growth on the top of the scalp. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved Minoxidil to treat hair loss. It is the only hair re-growth product approved for men and women. A dermatologist may combine Minoxidil with another treatment.”

Although Minoxidil products have been utilised for more than 20 years, researchers still do not fully understand how topical Minoxidil stimulates hair growth. Many researchers theorise that Minoxidil products increase blood supply to the hair follicles, which stimulates follicle size and hair growth activity, while other researchers theorise that topical Minoxidil increases follicle cells’ DNA synthesis. Although researchers cannot pinpoint the exact effect on hair follicles, it has been clinically proven that Minoxidil cream is the most effective, over-the-counter hair regrowth solution.

Is Minoxidil Safe?
Minoxidil solutions have been clinically studied and proven to slow hair loss and regain hair safely, especially in users under the age of 40. Minoxidil is recommended by dermatologists, making it a proven, safe, and effective solution to hair loss and thinning. Some precautions of using Minoxidil are:

• Topical Minoxidil is for external use only
• Do not use if you are pregnant, unsure of the reason for your hair loss, under the age of 18, or using other medications on your scalp.
• Do not use more than recommended amount.
• Avoid contact with eyes.

Can Women Use Minoxidil?
Women have had successful hair regrowth while using Minoxidil women only use the 2% concentration of Minoxidil and not 5%.”

In a clinical study observing 18 to 45-year-old-women, researchers found 59 percent of women found minimal to moderate hair growth after using a Minoxidil topical solution.

How Effective Is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil products are one of the most common treatments for thinning hair because of its proven ability to regain hair and slow the process of hair loss. Being the only FDA approved hair growth product for men and women, topical Minoxidil stimulates new hair growth effectively in most users. The sooner Minoxidil products are utilised, the more effective they are. The best candidates for optimal Minoxidil results are men and women who are just beginning to experience hair thinning near the crown area of the scalp.

While Minoxidil 5% is more likely to stimulate thicker hair, Minoxidil 2% has proven to be effective on users. According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, a Minoxidil trial observing 2300 participants using Minoxidil 2% found that 39 of the participants experienced dense or moderate new hair growth, which is promising given that other hair loss remedies have had a success rate of zero.

In a Minoxidil 5% study, dermatologists observed 984 men experiencing hereditary hair loss and utilising a Minoxidil topical solution. Dermatologists found that 62 of men had smaller balding areas after a year of using the product, with no serious Minoxidil side effects.

Minoxidil products have shown to be even more successful when combined with Finasteride. Like Minoxidil, Finasteride was originally formulated to treat a different health concern, but users found noticeable hair growth as a side affect. Finasteride helps maintain hair follicle size and health. Studies have found that using Minoxidil and Finasteride products simultaneously may increase hair growth in a safe, effective way.

How Long Has Minoxidil Been Used?
Minoxidil tablets began to be prescribed for hair loss in the late 1980s after doctors discovered patients using oral Minoxidil for hypertension experienced hair growth as a minoxidil side effect.

How Much Does Minoxidil Cost?
Minoxidil products are affordable, especially compared to an alternative solution, hair transplants, which may cost thousands of dollars. Minoxidil products range from £ 19 to £ 100 depending on the potency and amount.

How Do I Use Minoxidil?
Topical Minoxidil 2% and 5% solutions are to be applied to a dry scalp in the morning and evening and should sit for at least 15 minutes before brushing or washing hair.

You can find Minoxidil products at BIOVEA.

References

Dermatology, A. A. (2015, January 1). Hair Loss: Who Gets and Causes. Retrieved February 16, 2015, from American Academy of Dermatology

E Arca, G. A. (2004). An open, randomised, comparative study of oral finasteride and 5% topical minoxidil in male androgenetic alopecia. US National Library of Medicine .

Paul J. McAndrews, M. (2010, January 1). Women’s Hair Loss Treatment. Retrieved February 16, 2015, from American Hair Loss Association

Surgery, I. S. (2012, August 2012). Effectiveness of 5% Minoxidil In Treating Male-Pattern Hair Loss. Retrieved February 16, 2015, from International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery