Why and How To Use Minoxidil For Hair Loss

Bald may be beautiful for some, but for others, it might be a big blow to their self-confidence.

According to the National Library of Medicine, up to 50% of people suffer progressive hair loss post-puberty.

Originally introduced as an Antihypertensive, the FDA approved Minoxidil for hair loss, and it is available as pills, foam, and solution. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Minoxidil, including how it works, its benefits, and potential side effects. Read on to understand if it might be right for you.

Minoxidil for men’s hair loss

Men are more prone to hair loss than women due to genetic factors, and Minoxidil is a popular solution for many men. It works by promoting hair growth and enhancing hair density. Studies show that Minoxidil can be effective in slowing down hair loss and promoting new hair growth in men.

In the late 1980s, the FDA approved the first topical form of Minoxidil to treat Male Pattern Baldness. Since then, the FDA has also allowed Minoxidil to be made in higher concentrations and cleared it for over-the-counter sales without a prescription. It also got approved for treating Female Pattern Baldness. 

Minoxidil is available in concentrations of 2%, 5%, 10%, and 15%. According to a study on Minoxidil, the lower strength formulation of 2% is generally used to treat Androgenetic Alopecia in women, while the 5% topical Minoxidil formulation is used mainly for men.

Therefore, men experiencing hair loss often turn to Minoxidil for its proven results in stimulating hair growth and slowing down hair loss. The solution is applied directly to the scalp while the foam is rubbed in. Both forms have been shown to slow down hair loss and promote hair growth.

With consistent use, you may see positive changes over time. However, higher concentrations like 10% and 15% have been observed to have mixed effects and are not FDA-approved for treating Alopecia.

Minoxidil for women’s pattern hair loss

Minoxidil for hair loss treatment, specifically Androgenetic Alopecia, has proven to be equally effective for women as it has for Male Pattern Baldness. 

In a 48-week study including 381 women suffering from Female Pattern Hair Loss, the topical Minoxidil group showed noticeable improvement over the control group. Additionally, the 5% topical Minoxidil group exhibited superiority over the group on 2% topical Minoxidil. These results prove the efficacy of the medicine. 

It took another 8 years for Minoxidil to be approved by the US FDA for use in women after its approval for men in 2006. Therefore, you can use both the 2% and 5% Minoxidil solutions. 

It’s important to note that women should not use Minoxidil during pregnancy or breastfeeding without consulting a healthcare provider.

How does Minoxidil for hair loss work

Does Minoxidil work only for genetic baldness? How?

Minoxidil is a vasodilator, which dilates the blood vessels and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood throughout the body. How it works for hair regrowth is still an unsolved question among researchers. However, it’s believed to widen blood vessels in the scalp, increasing blood flow and delivering more nutrients to hair follicles. 

This improvement in blood flow might rejuvenate shrunken hair follicles, extending their growth phase and enhancing hair regrowth. The increased blood flow might also stimulate hair follicles to grow thicker hair strands. It’s a gradual process, though, and results are not immediate.

If used regularly, Minoxidil helps to stimulate hair growth and slows down the balding process. It claims to thicken the hair as well. Unfortunately, Minoxidil for hair loss treatment cannot help hair regrowth in all kinds and cases of hair loss. It proves beneficial only in the initial stages. 

If you have already lost all your hair, you might need to pursue a different method for hair regrowth. Another drawback is that the effects of Minoxidil are visible only as long as you use the medication. It takes considerably longer (anywhere between 6-12 months) to show any results, and its effects reverse within 12-24 weeks of discontinuing the treatment.

Using Minoxidil for hair loss

Minoxidil is highly effective in stimulating hair growth and is available over the counter. It is a medication available in solution, foam, and pill form, used to treat hair loss. Solution and foam are applied topically, with foam being easier to apply and less messy. The skin absorbs only 1.4% of topical Minoxidil, with around 95% of absorbed medication excreted via the kidneys in 4 days. 

Oral Minoxidil pills are taken if topical causes allergic reactions or no benefits after 6 months or if it degrades hair quality. However, they’re not FDA-approved and have more significant side effects, warranting consultation before use.

How to apply Minoxidil

To apply Minoxidil solution, fill the dropper with the prescribed amount (usually 1 ml or 20 drops), part your hair to expose the target area, and gently rub in the solution, allowing it to dry before using other products or sleeping. 

For the foam, use half a capful, and then do the same. Avoid shampooing for at least 4 hours post-application and do not use a comb or brush immediately after. Follow product instructions closely, avoid eye or irritated skin contact, and wash hands after use.

Side effects of Minoxidil for women and men

Minoxidil is generally well-tolerated, but some people may experience side effects.

Here are some potential side effects of Minoxidil:

• Skin irritation or redness at the application site
• Itching or burning sensation on the scalp
• Hair loss may continue for 2 weeks after starting to use Minoxidil
• Continued itching, redness, or burning of the scalp
• Unwanted growth of facial hair
• Chest pain or fast heartbeats
• Swelling in hands or feet, rapid weight gain
• Light-headedness or fainting
• Headache, dizziness, or confusion
• Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling)
• Changes in the color or texture of your hair

It is important to note that Minoxidil may cause serious side effects if it is absorbed into the bloodstream. If you experience any concerning side effects, discontinue use and consult your doctor. It is also essential to avoid getting Minoxidil in the eyes, nose, or mouth. If this occurs, rinse the area with water.

Conclusion

Minoxidil is a vasodilator medication that has been FDA-approved to treat hair loss in both men and women. It works by potentially increasing blood flow to the scalp and stimulating hair follicles. While not a cure for baldness, Minoxidil can be effective in slowing down hair loss and promoting new hair growth.

Minoxidil is most effective for those with Androgenetic Alopecia (gradual hair thinning) in the early stages. It comes in topical solutions, foams, and oral tablets (not FDA-approved yet). Topical solutions and foams are preferred due to fewer side effects. 

It can take 6-12 months to see results, and consistent use is necessary to maintain benefits. Once discontinued, hair loss resumes within months. Potential side effects include scalp irritation, unwanted facial hair, and dizziness. Overall, Minoxidil can be a helpful tool to combat hair loss, but it’s vital to consult a doctor to determine if it’s the right approach for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

• ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• aad.org