Having had great success with my minoxidil journey around 4 years ago, I know how hard it is to find something that actually works, If you tried to look for ways to grow your beard or to bring your thinning scalp hair back looking thick, dense and healthy, you will always be recommended essential oils and shampoos of little or no real value, mostly by advertisers marketing their products.
The thing is, we don’t know of many efficient hair growth-promoting medications, and minoxidil is one of the very few successful ones. It’s very easy to tell results from placebo once you’ve been using regularly for a few months, whereas with essential oils and the likes you might notice healthier hair, but you really won’t be able to tell it apart from placebo.
You’ll find the basic information you need to know about Minoxidil. I still highly recommend you do your own independent research and learn more if you’re considering trying Minoxidil.
What is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil is a generic hair growth medication. It is the only other FDA approved medication for AGA (androgenic alopecia) along with Finasteride. It’s widely available as a topical solution in various strengths but the commonly used ones are 2%, 5%, and 10%.
Who could benefit from Minoxidil?
Both men and women with androgenic alopecia (thinning scalp hair/baldness) could benefit from minoxidil. It has been found that younger men and men whose hair is still thinning and haven’t yet gone completely bald are more likely to get satisfying results. Additionally, Men looking to grow facial hair could also benefit from it. People with receding hairlines will not benefit as much from Minoxidil.
What strength should I use?
A trial was done to compare the efficacy of 2% and 5% minoxidil solutions where it was found that 5% solution was significantly better. It’s generally recommended that women using it for androgenic alopecia try the 2% strength first and then if they didn’t get satisfying results in a few months to switch to the 5% strength (once daily). This is because minoxidil causes minor hair growth all over the body (read side effects below) because some of it gets absorbed to the bloodstream. It’s recommended for men who’re taking it for male pattern baldness or facial hair growth use the 5% strength (twice daily).
What about 10%, 12.5% and 15%?
10% does produce better results than 5%, but the relationship between concentration and efficacy isn’t linear. This means that 10% will not make your hair grow twice as fast as 5% will; rather, there will only be a 20-30% boost. But on the flip side, you’ll also be getting more of the side effects. Keep in mind that 10% is available only by prescription in many places, and 12.5% or 15% isn’t available in most places.
I started using minoxidil and now I’m losing more hair?
The efficacy of minoxidil is not in doubt. Numerous studies have been done showing that it results in significant improvement in hair growth, diameter and density. The rate at which hair will grow differ from person to person. In general, when used for AGA, users should expect a shedding phase that lasts about a month but can continue into the second month.
It’s important not to panic and stop treatment as this is an expected, and even positive sign. What’s happening is that the weaker hair that are in the ‘telogen phase’; A phase of the hair growth cycle in which a hair is not growing, start falling down to be replaced by new ‘anagen phase’ hair, the phase in which hair grows at a constant rate. You should start noticing growth by the 2nd or 3rd month, although it’ll only start being apparent by the 4th or 5th month.
How do I apply minoxidil, and how often?
Applying Minoxidil is simple. It is recommended that you wash the area first to clear your skin of dirt and oils for better absorption, but this isn’t necessary. First, make sure that your skin is completely dry before you apply minoxidil. Then either use the dropper or spray onto the area where you want to see growth, rub it in your skin and leave it to dry. Avoid washing that area for at least 3-4 hours (1ml in the dropper or 5-6 sprays). Twice a day application is recommended for males, roughly 8-12 hours apart. Females may begin with once a day application depending on tolerance and side-effects. More applications will not produce more results and will increase the side effects.
I’m happy with the results. So when can I stop?
If you’re using it for AGA, unfortunately, you’ll have to use it indefinitely. Since there’s a hormonal cause for scalp hair loss, you’ll lose the new hair when you discontinue minoxidil. However, if you’re using it for facial hair, Or hair on any other part of your body for that matter, the results are permanent for almost everyone.
Side effects?
Like any other medicine, minoxidil comes with a variety of side effects. Most common ones include redness, irritation and flaking. This is usually caused by the ingredients in the preparation and not minoxidil itself. Mostly the cause is propylene glycol or alcohol. Try other preparations if you experience this. People can rarely be allergic to minoxidil itself too. Unwanted body hair growth may occur but it is usually minimal if at all and usually falls off on its own. This is because some minoxidil passes to the bloodstream and it is more common when used for facial hair.
Less common side effects include weight gain, dizziness, headache, lightheadedness. Because Minoxidil is also a blood pressure medication, It might cause rapid or irregular heartbeat. If severe allergic symptoms are experienced, they should discontinue use and consult a professional.
Which brand should I get?
Minoxidil is a generic medication. I recommend that you try different brands and decide what’s best for you because some preparations get absorbed faster than others and some cause much less discomfort or dryness of hair. If you are unsure which one to get, then consult your dermatologist for an assessment and recommendation.
What other treatments are effective for baldness?
The US-FDA has approved only 2 drugs for Androgenic Alopecia. Namely, minoxidil and finasteride. Click the link to know more about the treatment of AGA. Another novel therapy which is being used with quite some success is PRP Therapy for hair loss.
Where can I find out more about Androgenic Alopecia?
You can find out by clicking the link – All About AGA. You can also go through some of the frequently asked questions regarding baldness.