Minoxidil and Hair Loss

 Minoxidil is a proven drug for hair growth which is in use since 1980’s. Minoxidil is the chemical name of the medicine, sold under brand name of Rogaine. It is over-the-counter drug available without ant prescription. Minoxidil ( 2% or 5% solution) is used to treat hair loss in men and women alike.

How Minoxidil is applied?

 Minoxidil 2% solution is applied topically on the scalp in the form of spray. It is sprayed on the area of the scalp where hairs are lost or where hair growth is desired.

Facts about Minoxidil:

Minoxidil was the first hair growth medicine which was approved by Food and drug administration. Initially it got the tag of “miracle drug” which later on turned into disappointment as it did not proved to be that effective.

After so many years of use, Minoxidil is proved to be moderately effective and is helpful for the people with some hair loss if used in early stages. It is more effective in people with recent hair loss because of androgenic alopecia but it is less effective in larger areas of hair loss or long standing hair loss.

In case of young people, doctors use minoxidil to slow the rate of hair loss and preserve the hairs which will be needed later for hair transplantation. Another fact to be noted is minoxidil proves to be more effective in restoring hairs in the central area of the scalp than the frontal areas.

Minoxidil 5% solution is more effective in treating and preventing hair loss rather than 2% solution. Minoxidil shows better results in women than men.

 What if Minoxidil application is stopped?

 If minoxidil proves to be effective for restoring hairs, then you have to use it after also. If you stop minoxidil application, you will lose the hair growth gradually again.

How Does Minoxidil act?

 It is not very clear how minoxidil work and also it is not equally effective for every one. Originally it was developed as medicine for high blood pressure. Its hair-restoration qualities were discovered as the side effects. It has some effect on cellular activity of hair follicles which help in hair growth.