How Does Minoxidil Work: Understanding Mechanism of Action
Hair loss can be an emotional and distressing experience for many individuals.
It can affect people of all ages, gender, and ethnicity.
Hair loss can occur due to various factors, such as genetics, hormonal changes, stress, and medical conditions.
Minoxidil is a medication used for many years to treat hair loss.
According to a study, 5% of Minoxidil shows better results in promoting new hair growth than 2% Minoxidil.
It was first introduced as a treatment for high blood pressure.
But researchers discovered that it had an unexpected side effect – it could stimulate hair growth.
Since then, Minoxidil has become one of the most effective and popular treatments for hair loss.
Continue reading to know “How does Minoxidil works?” for hair growth and other conditions.
Minoxidil mechanism of action for hair growth
Minoxidil increases blood flow to the scalp.
This increased blood flow helps to nourish hair follicles and promote hair growth.
Minoxidil also help in beard growth by dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow.
When Minoxidil is applied to face, it helps in promoting beard growth in individual having patchy beard.
Also, it has other mechanisms of action that promote hair growth.
Stimulation of hair follicles
Minoxidil works by stimulating hair follicles, which are tiny structures in the skin that produce hair.
Hair follicles go through a cycle of three stages, including growth, rest, and shedding.
When hair follicles become inactive or die, hair loss occurs.
Minoxidil prolongs the hair follicle’s anagen or growth phase, allowing more hair growth.
Potassium channels
Minoxidil is also known to open Potassium channels.
This allows for increased Potassium ion flow, which can stimulate hair growth.
Vasodilation
One of the ways that Minoxidil promotes hair growth is by causing vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels.
When Minoxidil is applied to the scalp, it causes the blood vessels in the hair follicles to widen.
This allows increased blood flow to the hair follicles.
This increase in blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles.
This can further lead to help in promoting hair growth.
Prolongation of the Anagen Phase
Minoxidil also prolongs the Anagen phase of the hair growth cycle.
The Anagen phase of the hair cycle is the active growth phase of the hair follicles.
By prolonging this phase, Minoxidil allows for more hair to be produced and for the hair to grow longer.
Minoxidil mechanism of action Hypertension
The antihypertensive activity of Minoxidil is due to Minoxidil Sulfate.
Minoxidil opens Adenosine triphosphate?sensitive Potassium channels in the vascular smooth muscles.
The predominant site for the action of Minoxidil is arterial and leads to arteriolar vasodilation.
Due to vasodilation, blood flow resistance reduces and lowers Hypertension.
This can activate the peripheral Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) through carotid and aortic baroreceptor reflexes.
Minoxidil also brings an increase in plasma renin activity due to SNS activation.
Minoxidil for blood pressure
High blood pressure increases the risk of cardiac stroke or other serious ailments.
Minoxidil is prescribed if other medicines are insufficient for controlling blood pressure.
It increases the diameter of blood vessels and decreases blood pressure.
Moreover, it is also believed that Minoxidil opens potassium channels in blood vessels.
It leads to hyperpolarization and relaxation of cells.
Minoxidil can cause various side effects and interactions with other medications.
It should only be used under medical prescription and supervision.
Oral Minoxidil
Oral Minoxidil is FDA-approved for high blood pressure in higher dosages. But it is not approved for hair growth.
The topical use of Minoxidil is FDA-approved for promoting hair growth.
It is an off-label medicine prescribed by doctors for preventing hair loss.
Oral Minoxidil can be a cheap and effective treatment for preventing hair loss and promoting growth.
It may only work for some. But, it depends on the severity of hair loss that person is facing.
Conclusion
Minoxidil is a medication used to treat hair loss in males and females.
It works by improving blood flow and nutrient delivery to hair follicles.
This is done by widening the blood vessels by relaxing the soft muscles in the scalp and body.
It may also stimulate hair growth by increasing the size of hair follicles and extending the growth phase of the hair cycle.
Yet, results may vary; consulting with a healthcare professional is important.
Taking medications without a doctor’s prescription can be harmful and cause severe side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Minoxidil stimulate hair growth?
Minoxidil helps increase the supply of nutrients and blood to the hair follicles. This helps strengthen the hair and also promotes new hair growth.
Will Minoxidil thicken hair?
Minoxidil can help to thicken hair and improve its overall appearance. But, the extent of hair thickening may vary from person to person. It may take several months of regular use before any noticeable changes in hair thickness.
How fast does Minoxidil regrow hair?
Minoxidil starts working within 4 to 8 weeks of usage. But you may not see the results right away. It can take about 4 to 6 months to see any significant changes in hair growth.
Is Minoxidil a DHT blocker?
No, Minoxidil doesn’t block DHT production. It is medically proven that it shows an impact on hair growth. Minoxidil helps open up the blood vessels in the scalp. So more oxygen and nutrients reach the scalp and promote hair growth.
