Dermatologist confirms superiority of Minoxidil over other hair loss products

In this article on Minoxidil we will uncover the following »

          1. What Type Of Hair Loss Does Minoxidil Work For?
          2. How to use minoxidil?
          3. Hair Wash Advice After Using Minoxidil
          4. Why Does Minoxidil Cause Hair Shedding Initially?
          5. Should It Be Used With Finasteride?
          6. Minoxidil Side Effects
          7. Minoxidil Alternatives

        Minoxidil is most popular as a topical hair lotion or foam that is used to fight hair loss or balding and to stimulate hair regrowth. However, minoxidil wasn’t originally developed as a hair care product. The drug was first created in the form of an oral medication back in the 1970s and was aimed at treating severe hypertension. As the drug was being studied, researchers observed what can only be described as a lucky coincidence. They noticed hair regrowth and generalized hypertrichosis in patients who suffered from hair loss or balding. This discovery triggered the development of minoxidil in its current form, as a topical formulation for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, which refers to both male and female pattern balding or hair loss.

        Today, minoxidil for hair growth is even sold over the counter as a topical treatment for baldness, but it should be used with caution. While effective, there are a number of minoxidil side effects that users should be aware of before trying out the treatment.

        What Type Of Hair Loss Does Minoxidil Work For?

        Minoxidil is just one of the two treatments for hair loss that has been approved by the US FDA, and it also received approval in India a few years ago. However, the hair balding treatment may require a prescription, depending on the strength and if sold as an oral medication. Ideally, you should speak to a trichologist before trying minoxidil, so that you can begin using the product in the appropriate form and dosage based on your requirements.

        The topical formulation is approved for the treatment of male and female-pattern hair loss or androgenetic alopecia. This type of hair loss is influenced by genes and is thought to be stimulated by hormones known as androgens. Androgenetic alopecia is one of the most common causes of hair loss and balding worldwide and has been found to affect a large segment of the Indian population. More than 50 percent of all Indian men between the ages of 30 to 50 years are estimated to suffer from the condition, with the prevalence increasing with advancing age. Although the condition also affects women, there is inadequate epidemiological data for any reliable estimates.

        Androgenetic alopecia is most commonly described as male-pattern baldness, a term that only applies to the condition when it affects men. In male-pattern baldness, hair loss occurs in a clear pattern with hair first beginning to thin over the temples and receding higher over time. Thinning of hair also tends to affect the crown or top of the heat, gradually spreading outwards to cause complete baldness. In women, the pattern of androgenetic alopecia balding is different with no well-defined area of balding. Instead, thinning of hair occurs all over the scalp, resulting in scanty hair, but total baldness is extremely uncommon.

        Keep in mind that while minoxidil can promote hair regrowth, increasing hair density in regions affected by thinning, it cannot restore hair where there is none. In other words, it cannot be used to reverse complete balding or a receded hairline.

        How To Use Minoxidil For Hair Loss Or Balding

        As hair loss can have a variety of causes including hormonal changes, illness, stress, and malnutrition, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist or trichologist before beginning any hair treatment. If you are advised to use minoxidil or choose to do so, keep in mind that the medication is available as a liquid solution or foam in multiple strengths – 2%, 3%, 5%, 10% and 12.5%. To use minoxidil solution or foam, follow these guidelines:

        • Dry your hair and scalp thoroughly before using minoxidil
        • Apply the product twice a day
        • The product should come with an applicator or you could use a pipette or spray
        • Follow the package instructions or those provided by your doctor carefully
        • The typical dosage for adults would be 1 ml of solution or half a capful of foam

        Hair Wash Advice After Using Minoxidil

        After using minoxidil, you need to wait for at least 4 hours for the solution to dry completely. There is no need to shampoo hair after that. Make sure to avoid using any other hair treatments such as hair dyes or hair relaxers for 24 hours after using minoxidil. In case you choose to use any of these treatments, you will have to wait for 24 hours before you can safely use minoxidil.

        After washing your hair, avoid using a hair dryer as this could reduce the efficacy of minoxidil.

        Why Does Minoxidil Cause Hair Shedding Initially?

        Minoxidil affects 2 growth stages – the anagen and telogen phases. While it increases the anagen phase length, which is the growing phase, it shortens the duration of the telogen phase, which is the resting phase. It can shorten this phase dramatically, which speeds up the process of natural hair fall or shedding. This is why when you begin using minoxidil, you can expect to experience increased shedding at first. However, the extended anagen or growth phase eventually offsets the effects of shedding as new hair growth increases.

        How Soon Does Minoxidil Work & Should It Be Used With Finasteride?

        Hair growth is a slow process, so although minoxidil is effective, any benefits are visible only after consistent use for 4 to 6 months. Minoxidil is not equally effective in all patients, but if the treatment is appropriate for you, hair growth should be seen within this time. In case treatment is stopped, hair loss will usually resume within a few months.

        Some experts may recommend using a combination of minoxidil and finasteride as research shows that the combination produces better results, as compared to using either product alone. However, finasteride comes with its own set of side effects and you should consult your doctor before trying to use a combination treatment.

        Minoxidil Side Effects

        Not all patients experience the same side effects and they can also vary in severity. The risk of minoxidil side effects is higher when there is any skin damage on the scalp as this causes rapid absorption. The most common adverse reactions to minoxidil use include:

        • Skin irritation and itching
        • Drying of the scalp
        • Flaking
        • Contact dermatitis

        Some patients may experience additional side effects of minoxidil such as headaches, dizziness or light headedness, changes in blood pressure, and chest pain.

        Minoxidil Precautions To Ensure Safe Use

        Minoxidil should be used with caution and only under the advice of your doctor. Keep in mind that it can pose a serious risk to anyone who:

        • Is presently using prescription or over the counter medications
        • Has any history of heart, liver, kidney, or scalp disease
        • Is taking medications for erectile dysfunction
        • Is pregnant or nursing

        Additionally, anyone using minoxidil should protect against sun exposure by using sunscreen and protective clothing as the medication is known to increase photosensitivity.

        Minoxidil Alternatives

        The only minoxidil alternative that is approved for the treatment of baldness and hair loss is finasteride. However, there are alternative therapies that may also be used to treat baldness and hair loss. Some of these therapies may help treat hair loss, but more research is needed. These include:

        Acupuncture

        Some research indicates that acupuncture may promote hair growth through increased blood flow to the scalp, which has a stimulating effect on hair follicles.

        Karimanjal

        Karimanjal or black turmeric is often used in traditional Indian medicine and it may help fight balding, especially when used in combination with conventional treatment.

        Capsaicin 

        Capsaicin supplements may offer some benefits, but the evidence is poor, with just one study involving less than 50 subjects supporting its use.

        Rosemary oil 

        One study that looked at the efficacy of rosemary oil as an androgenetic alopecia treatment suggests that it may be a viable alternative to minoxidil 2%.

        Biotin 

        Biotin or vitamin B7 has been popularized as an effective supplement for hair loss and balding, but there is limited evidence for its efficacy. However, studies do show that a deficiency in the nutrient can contribute to hair loss and in such cases biotin supplementation should help.

        Zinc 

        Like biotin, zinc deficiency can often result in hair loss. Research shows that zinc supplementation can help treat alopecia areata triggered by low levels of zinc.

        Although topical minoxidil is widely sold without a prescription, it is advisable that you speak to your doctor before using the solution because of the risk of adverse reactions. Despite these risks, minoxidil may be your best bet at fighting hair loss as more research is needed to support the use of most alternative therapies. Until we have more evidence, natural treatments are still a safe option, but they are less likely to produce the results you desire.

         

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