Losing your hair can be challenging. Although it is not anything to usually worry about, millions of people still seek solutions and keep their hair. Minoxidil is a treatment people turn to. Minoxidil works by increasing the number of nutrients that go to your hair by increasing the blood supply. This extra supply nourishes your hair and encourages each follicle to grow. Inactive hair follicles are then switched to active, meaning they will start to regrow.
So, if you have lost your hair or are in the process of losing it, and you are looking for a solution, then keep reading. But, first, let’s see if Minoxidil is right for you.
What Is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil is a licensed treatment that combats hair loss in both males and females. However, unlike finasteride, another hair loss treatment, it is safe to use in women.
Minoxidil doesn’t require a prescription. Therefore, it can sometimes be found in beauty stores and pharmacies. Some of these over-the-counter products contain lower Minoxidil levels and have additives that cause scalp irritation and increased shedding. This is why you should purchase Minoxidil from a credible hair growth expert and medication provider such as EVOLVE.
A typical Minoxidil hair loss treatment’s primary use is to combat male pattern baldness. After 48 weeks of treatment, there is reported to be a 60% success rate in men who have experienced more hair coverage. Minoxidil is best for slowing hair loss but also assists in healthy hair growth.
This 60% contrasts with 23% of men who reported hair coverage, even though they received a placebo.
So, it must work? The study conducted seems to suggest this.
Does Minoxidil Really Work?
A study into Minoxidil was conducted and seemed to conclude that 60% of men, who used a Minoxidil shampoo for 48 weeks, experienced an increase in the amount of coverage of hair.
Similarly, a study on women found that 88% of women experienced their hair loss reduced and seem to stabilize. Thus, showing that regular and prolonged use of a Minoxidil shampoo halts hair loss and promotes hair growth.
This good news will be welcome for anyone conscious of baldness. It can offer a way to stop unwanted hair loss and, in turn, boost confidence.
Minoxidil also is simple to use—more hair, with minimal effort. Just remember, this is an ongoing treatment and requires several months to see optimal results.
How to Use Minoxidil
You can usually find Minoxidil in a variety of forms. It comes as either a liquid, lotion, or even foam; and differs in strength, but you can typically find Minoxidil in a strength of 2% right up to 5%.
Minoxidil is stronger in dosage and is usually recommended for men since men’s hair is slightly different. To experience any positive effect on their hair, you need to use it every day and for as long as the treatment is needed.
How to Apply:
Depending on which form of Minoxidil you purchase will depend on how you apply it to the affected area.
Minoxidil’s basic and straightforward application is to rub a small amount of product carefully to the required areas and massage the product into the scalp.
If you purchase the liquid version, you should use the applicator provided, making the process easier and less messy.
Suppose your skin is inflamed or otherwise irritated. In that case, you should avoid using Minoxidil as it could increase the soreness of your skin. Also, like with other products, avoid getting any product in your eyes, as this will cause irritation.
If applied to unwanted body areas, you can experience unwanted hair growth, leading to a very hairy situation.
As well as sore skin, there are other issues you need to keep an eye out for.
Side Effects of Using Minoxidil: What to Look For
As with all medicines, Minoxidil comes with some potential side effects when in use. Some are common side effects, and others are rare but still worthy to look out for.
However, the risk of experiencing side effects is low. Many people do not report any adverse effects on a low dose. Higher doses of Minoxidil may lead to people experiencing:
- Retention of fluid
- An increase in heart rate and palpitations
- Pain in the chest/breast area or shortness of breath
- Low blood pressure: Dizziness or light-headedness – lead to fainting
- Increase in body hair
- Rash on skin
- Vomiting or Nausea
- Tenderness in the chest or breast
- Abnormalities in blood tests
You will find a complete list of side effects either with the medication or included with the packaging.
Any concerns, consult your doctor straight away. They will answer any questions about Minoxidil that you may have and recommend the amount of Minoxidil you should use.
How Much Minoxidil Should I Use?
Generally speaking, how much you use will depend on the patient. It will be different for everyone. Please consult your local doctor, as they will recommend the strength and the amount of Minoxidil you require.
On average, the guidance for hair growth is typically this:
| Adult | Child | |
| Solution | 1 (ml) X 2 per day | Determine by doctor |
| Foam | ½ Cap X 2 per day | Determine by doctor |
If you happen to miss a dose of Minoxidil, then apply when you remember, but skip a dose and carry on as usual if you don’t remember until the next day.
How Long is Minoxidil Effective For?
One of the issues with Minoxidil is that it is only effective as a treatment, as long as you are using it. Any gain in hair coverage using the treatment will be lost a few months after you stop using it.
Generally, this is around three or four months after you stop using. After that, your hair loss will be reversed, and your natural hair loss will resume. This reversal is why you should consider Minoxidil a temporary solution to hair loss rather than a treatment.
Please remember that this treatment may not work for everyone. For example, Minoxidil may not be the best solution for you if you have severe hair loss.
If you are concerned, then pay a visit to your local doctor and get their advice.
Conclusion
While Minoxidil is effective, there is no guarantee that it will work for everyone. If you need even more information or want a second opinion, consult your doctor.
If you’re at all concerned with the health of your hair, contact your doctor or a qualified telemedicine provider like EVOLVE. Our team of hair growth experts will help you get started with a safe, effective, and affordable hair loss treatment plan. Contact Patient Care @EVOLVE to schedule your consultation!
