Are you looking for an effective treatment for hair loss?

Initially, this drug was used as a blood pressure reducer, but its side effect of hair growth contributed to its development and use as a topical medication to treat hair loss and combat hereditary baldness.

So if you want to know more information about Minoxidil, starting from how it works to the correct way to use it, follow this article with me. 

What is minoxidil?

Topical Minoxidil is used to help regrow hair on the scalp and prevent future hair loss in men and women who suffer from certain types of hair loss.

It is more effective for people under the age of 40 who have recently suffered from hair loss.

Also learn about: Causes of alopeciaWill it heal on its own?

How does Minoxidil work on hair growth?

Minoxidil helps stimulate hair growth through the following

1. Reducing the telogen phase, which prompts dormant hair follicles to return to the growth phase.
2. Prolonging the growth phase (anagen phase), which helps increase hair length and density.
3. Expands blood vessels in the scalp, leading to increased blood flow, oxygen, and nutrients to the hair follicles.
4. Activate dormant hair follicles and stimulate their growth.
5. Promoting microcirculation around hair follicles, creating favorable conditions for hair growth.
6. Stimulating vascular endothelial growth factor, which leads to increased blood vessel formation around hair follicles, which enhances their growth.
7. Inhibition of collagen synthesis.
8. It enhances the activity of potassium channels found in vascular smooth muscle and hair follicle cells, stimulating cell proliferation.

In what cases is Minoxidil used?

Minoxidil may be used to help treat the following conditions

• Hair loss in women with gradual thinning of hair, or gradual loss of hair at the top of the head, with a family history of this type of loss.
• Hereditary hair loss in men aged 18 years.
• Beard and eyebrow hair loss.
• Alopecia areata.
• Cicatricial alopecia.
• Hair shaft disorders.
• Stimulating hair growth for cancer patients, after completing Chemotherapy.
• Strengthening hair follicles, after undergoing a hair transplant procedure.

How to use Minoxidil correctly

If you want to treat hair loss using Minoxidil, you must follow the following steps to get the best results. 

The steps include the following

1. The hair and scalp must be completely dry, because wet hair may prevent the medication from being absorbed.
2. Apply the recommended amount of medication (one milliliter of solution, or half a capful of foam) to dry hair and scalp only.
3. Apply this medication twice daily.
4. Gently massage the scalp using your fingertips to distribute the medicine.
5. Wash your hands after applying topical minoxidil.
6. You may notice new hair growth after about four months, or more, of use, but if no new hair appears, you should consult a doctor.
7. Allow the medication to dry on your scalp, which may take 10 to 15 minutes.

Tips before using Minoxidil

Your doctor may advise you on some important instructions that you must follow before using Minoxidil, in order to treat hair loss and obtain the desired results, such as:

• You should consult a dermatologist before starting treatment, in order to evaluate your condition and recommend the appropriate concentration for your condition.
• Do not use this medicine on sunburned or irritated scalp.
• The scalp must be massaged before using the medicine.
• Apply the medicine to dry hair and scalp only, because a wet scalp may reduce the absorption of the medicine, which reduces its effectiveness.
• Do not exceed the recommended dose, in order to avoid increased side effects.
• Keep this medicine away from children.
• The eyes should be rinsed well with water if minoxidil comes into contact with the eyes.
• Avoid applying the medicine immediately before sleep, so as not to transfer it to the pillow and then to your eyes.
• Do not wash your hair with shampoo after applying this medicine for four hours.
• You must continue using this medication to achieve the desired results.
• If you decide to stop using this medication, you should reduce use gradually according to your doctor's instructions, in order to avoid the risk of hair loss, or rebound effects that may occur when stopping suddenly.

Book your consultation now at مركز الجلدية والتجميل At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.

Should I wash it after use?

No, it is recommended not to wash the hair with shampoo after using Minoxidil for four hours, and it is preferable to leave it on the scalp until it dries completely, in order to get the best results.

Does hair growth stop after stopping minoxidil?

Yes. If you suddenly decide to stop using this medicine without consulting your doctor, the following may occur

• Initial changes (weeks 1-2)

When you stop using this medication, initial changes may occur in your scalp, where blood vessels begin to constrict, reducing the enhanced blood flow that was supporting the hair follicles.

• Early warning signs 

By the second month, you may notice the following changes

• Slight increase in hair loss.
• Changes in hair texture.
• Decrease in hair density in previously treated areas.

1. Critical period (3-6 months)

Research indicates that by the third month, the most significant changes may occur, e.g

• Hair loss becomes more noticeable.
• The hair growth cycle returns to its previous pattern.
• More than 40% of men experience hair loss below pre-minoxidil levels.

1. Long-term effect (after six months)

There is a combination of loss of the benefits of that medication, and the natural progression ofHair loss Which would have happened during the treatment period.

Frequently asked questions about Minoxidil

If you want to use this medicine to treat hair loss, you may have many questions in mind, such as:

When do the results of Minoxidil start to appear?

This medication begins to take effect during the first two to four months, as new, smooth, colorless hair grows, and after four to six months, new, thicker hair growth may appear.

How long should minoxidil be left on the hair?

It is preferable to leave this medicine on the scalp for at least four hours.

Is Minoxidil suitable for women?

Yes, this medication is safe to use for women who suffer from gradual hair loss and have a family history of this type of hair loss.

In conclusion, you now understand, dear reader, what Minoxidil is?

Therefore, if you suffer from this problem, you must go to Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, so that a dermatologist can evaluate your condition and advise you on the appropriate dosage for you.

Sources 

Minoxidil topical (Rogaine) – Uses, Side Effects, and More – webmd

What is minoxidil topical? – drugs