Minoxidil for Women: A Comprehensive Guide
With aging, women usually notice hair problems.
You can see your hair part widening, your ponytail getting thinner, receding hair near your temple, etc.
If you have these problems, you might be among the many women with Female Pattern Baldness. It is medically known as Androgenetic Alopecia.
It develops gradually. According to the National Library of Medicine, up to 50% of people suffer progressive hair loss post-puberty.
However, women mostly notice it in their late 40s or 50s, especially after menopause.
The reason is that the hair loss symptoms become visible by that time.
You may not like the way your hair looks. So there are many treatment options available.
Minoxidil is the first line of treatment for treating Androgenetic Alopecia.
It has been permitted to be sold as an over-the-counter medication.
Read on to learn more about Minoxidil for women.
What is Minoxidil used for?
Minoxidil was earlier used only as an antihypertensive, which means it was used to treat high blood pressure or Hypertension.
People who took Minoxidil had some side effects. One of the side effects that doctors noticed was increased hair growth.
Due to this, it started to be used as a treatment for hair problems, including Androgenetic Alopecia.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, Minoxidil in today’s time is the most recommended medicine for Female Pattern Hair Loss.
Best Minoxidil for women
A study conducted in which Minoxidil showed promising results in many cases of women with Female Pattern Hair Loss.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initially approved Minoxidil only for treating Male Pattern Baldness.
5% Minoxidil foam was approved for women’s hair treatment in 2014. Earlier, it was only approved for males.
Now there are two best common forms of Minoxidil available for women.
- 2% topical solution
- 5% topical foam
Oral medication also exists; it is considered safe for women only if consumed in low doses.
A study was conducted in which 19,218 patients (215 women and 19,003 men) were assessed.
Low-dose oral Minoxidil ranging from 0.25 to 5 mg was given daily to twice daily.
The most substantial evidence existed for Androgenetic Alopecia, with 61–100% of patients demonstrating objective clinical improvement.
How does Minoxidil work for women?
Female pattern hair loss is characterized by progressive shortening of the duration of the growth phase of the hair with successive hair cycles.
For this, Minoxidil may act as a savior.
It stimulates hair growth by increasing the hair cycle’s Anagen (hair growing) phase, but the exact mechanisms are unknown.
Moreover, Minoxidil works for women by dilating their blood vessels.
It encourages blood and nutrient flow to your hair follicles, leading to fuller hair.
How to use Minoxidil for women?
You can use Minoxidil based on its formation.
There is a different pattern of usage for the solution and the foam.
Minoxidil solution for women
First, clean and dry the scalp area before applying the Minoxidil solution.
The reason is that you have to use the solution directly on the scalp.
You may apply this medicine to damp hair. Then these steps are to be followed:
- Fill the dropper with 1 milliliter of the solution, or you may use 20 drops.
- Part your hair in the thinning area and apply the solution to the affected area of the scalp.
- Gently rub in.
- It would be best if you allowed the solution to dry completely before using other hair styling products or before going to bed.
Minoxidil foam for women
The first step of cleaning and drying the scalp before using the foam remains the same.
After this, you can follow these steps:
- Rinse your hands in water, preferably cold, and dry them well
- Apply about 1/2 capful of foam to the scalp and rub in gently
- Allow the Minoxidil foam to dry completely before styling or going to bed
Precautions
There are some precautionary measures that you must follow when you apply Minoxidil.
- Wash your hands before and after applying Minoxidil.
- The medicine should only be applied directly to the scalp area.
- You should not use a hairdryer for four hours as it can reduce the effectiveness of the medicine. Let it air dry.
- Don’t wash your hair, go swimming, or let your hair get wet in the rain for at least four hours after using Minoxidil.
- Ensure that Minoxidil does not trickle down onto your face, which may cause undesirable facial hair growth.
Who should not use Minoxidil?
Minoxidil in limited quantity is safe for women to treat Androgenetic Alopecia. However, some groups of women should not use it.
- If you have allergies to some of the ingredients used in the medicine
- If you have scalp problems like Eczema.
- If you have other health issues like heart problems (such as chest pain, heart attack, heart failure), kidney disease, or liver disease.
- If you are a lactating mother, avoid using Minoxidil. This may apply to pregnant women as well.
- If you have cuts on your scalp or the affected area.
Side effects of Minoxidil for women
There are some side effects of Minoxidil, and they are mostly mild.
- Drying, itching, and irritation in the area where Minoxidil is applied
- You have a rash, hives, or difficulty breathing. They can be signs of allergic reactions
- Facial or body hair growth in places other than the application site
- Changes in hair color or texture
Takeaway
Minoxidil for women has been effectively used against Female Pattern Hair Loss.
Two forms are available: 2% Minoxidil solution and 5% Minoxidil foam.
It is said to increase the hair growth phase.
Also, it dilates the blood vessels, increasing blood and nutrient flow to your hair follicles. This results in fuller hair.
Sometimes, there are mild side effects like drying, itching, or irritation in the scalp.
Excessive hair growth on the forehead and cheeks can also occur.
People with specific health and scalp issues should avoid using this medicine.
Women who are lactating are especially advised not to take Minoxidil.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to apply Minoxidil for women?
Firstly, dry and clean your scalp. For Minoxidil solution, fill the dropper with 1 milliliter of the solution. Then gently rub it into the affected area. For Minoxidil foam, apply about 1/2 capful of foam to the scalp and rub in gently. Let the medicine air dry for at least 4 hours.
How effective is Minoxidil for women?
Minoxidil is an effective medicine against Female Pattern Hair Loss or Androgenetic Alopecia. It has been proven in several studies. However, it might not fully cure your hair loss problems. It may help in the initial stages of hair loss and the new growth of fine hair.
What is the effectiveness of Minoxidil for women?
Minoxidil for women is effective against Androgenetic Alopecia. According to some studies, it may stimulate hair growth by increasing the hair cycle’s anagen (hair growing) phase. Moreover, it works for women by dilating their blood vessels. It encourages blood and nutrient flow to your hair follicles, leading to fuller hair.
Does Minoxidil have side effects for women?
You may notice facial or body hair growth when using Minoxidil for women. This hair growth happens when you mistakenly drip off the medicine. You may also feel dryness and itching in the area you apply it. Sometimes, even allergic reactions can occur. Changes in hair color or texture may be a side effect too.
Can I sleep with Minoxidil on?
It is advised to completely air dry Minoxidil before going to bed. You must give 4 hours to let the medicine completely dry and soak in. Moreover, Minoxidil can stain clothes, caps, or bed linen if your scalp is not fully dry after using the medicine.
