A Review of Minoxidil
With 50% of men plagued with the discomfort of hair loss, there are many products available that treat a receding hairline and thinning hair. Although there are literally hundreds of options available, few work. However, the ones that do produce results work effectively in not only stopping, but sometimes reversing the process of hair loss.
Minoxidil is a topical treatment that is used to treat hair loss. This hair loss treatment is a liquid that is usually found in a pre-mixed solution. Rogaine is the perfect example of an effective pre-mixed solution that currently uses Minoxidil.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved consumers to obtain a 2% and 5% prescription of Minoxidil through a propriety company. Both men and women can use this hair loss treatment. Women are more likely to use the higher percentage of Minoxidil solution. Usually, the two percent solution is ineffective in women.
The main ingredient in Minoxidil acts as a stimulant, promoting growth in hair follicles. The 5% topical solution of Minoxidil is the strongest version that has been approved by the FDA, and it can be purchased over-the-counter. If you are just starting to experience hair loss, you may want to try the 2% solution first.
What is In Minoxidil?
Both Rogaine, for men and women, contain Minoxidil as one of the main active ingredients. The solution may also contain 80% alcohol, water, and Propylene Glycol. There are generic and custom solutions that contain different quantities of these main ingredients.
Minoxidil is used to primarily stimulate the regrowth of hair. This treatment does not act as a DHT inhibitor, such as Propecia. Minoxidil only is responsible for overriding the cause of hair loss, instead of stopping the root cause of hair loss. This is one of the reasons why Minoxidil has not been proven as effective as Propecia. To stop hair loss, one must go to the root of the problem.
What Are The Side Effects of Minoxidil?
The negative side effects of Minoxidil can be reduced by only applying the product two times a day. People have reported that while using Minoxidil, they have experienced inflammation, redness and itching at the application site. These side effects can be counter-acted with a skin smoothing agent, such as Folligen Lotion, Emu Oil, Tricomin and Aloe Vera.
People who have experienced over-absorption of Minoxidil have complained of chest pain, vision changes, and an irregular or fast heartbeat. Also, women who used the 5% version experienced the growth of unwanted facial hair. If you experiencing any of these more severe side effects, it is important to tell your healthcare provider.
Minoxidil is available without a prescription. It can be applied topically and used simultaneously with other hair loss treatments. Before you apply Minoxidil, it is important that your scalp is dry. After you have applied Minoxidil, you cannot shampoo or shower for four hours. It is also not recommended to use a hair dryer while using Minoxidil.
40% of men who used Minoxidil in clinical trials reported the appearance of hair regrowth. Before you start a hair treatment regime, it is crucial to talk with your doctor. Your doctor will be able to tell you which hair treatment solution or medication may work best for you. In clinical trials, Minoxidil worked best when used with a DHT inhibitor, such as Propecia.