How To Use Minoxidil For Hair
Unless you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, minoxidil should be safe for you to use. Of course, the OG minoxidil product is Rogaine, and there are versions oriented toward women formulated with 2 percent and 5 percent of the ingredient. Recently, a chicer, more millennial version hit the market called Hers, which offers hair regrowth drops with 2 percent minoxidil. While the products are very similar, Hers is a tiny bit cheaper and has an overall more pleasant look. Rogaine is more widely available at pharmacies and on Amazon, while Hers must be ordered directly from the brand online.
Directions will vary depending on the product most serums are topically applied. For a product like Hers, follow these steps:
- Apply about 1 ml of product to the scalp on damp or dry hair
- Do not wash out for at least four hours
- Repeat twice a day
Alternatives To Minoxidil For Frontal Hair Loss
Aside from minoxidil, there are other topical products shown to promote hair growth. Some of these are pharmaceutical, and others are natural . The mechanism varies between them. Some stimulate hair growth like minoxidil, and others block DHT topically.
Some formulations combine the two mechanisms of action into one bottle for superior results. One such product is Biogaine, a non-pharmaceutical topical that also inhibits DHT at the level of the hair follicle.
Another option is combining topical minoxidil with topical finasteride. Studies find that this combination is effective and superior to simple minoxidil, as the two drugs work synergistically for more regrowth . Because the finasteride is topical, systemic absorption is minimal. This means the user is very unlikely to experience any systemic side effects, sexual or otherwise.
Does Rogaine Work For Hair Regrowth And What Are The Side Effects
byJuly 3, 2017, 9:31 pm5.9k Views
There are a lot of remedies for hair loss out there, but Rogaine is by far the most famous. And theres are legit reasons for that. For one thing, out of all the hair loss treatments available over the counter in the United States, its the only one approved for both men and women. But availability isnt the only reason Rogaine has been and remains one of the most popular treatments for hair loss. Read on to learn more.
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The Initial Causes Why Doesnt Rogaine Work On Frontal Baldness
The main cause of hair loss is stress. While most of us shed about 50 to 100 strands of hair daily, we also continue to grow new ones at the same rate. This shedding is normal, and its perfectly natural to replace lost hair with new ones. However, if youre losing hair that is excessively slow or isnt growing back, youre experiencing hair fall. There are many possible causes for this condition, but theres no one single solution.
Tinea capitis, also known as scalp ringworm, is a fungal infection that affects the scalp. Symptoms include bald spots and patches of hair loss. Infection may be caused by fungus, and scaly, red patches may develop. In severe cases, sores may develop on the scalp and oozing pus may be present. Treatment with a prescription may be necessary, but the long-term results of taking these medications are not always permanent.
In some cases, temporary hair loss may be the result of a hormonal imbalance. While some women experience hair loss due to hormonal fluctuations, others may experience permanent loss of hair. These changes can be caused by hormones in the body, such as those produced by the thyroid or by the adrenal glands. In severe cases, the loss of hair is caused by medical conditions. Inflammatory diseases can cause an excess of androgen, a male hormone. High levels of vitamin A in the blood and in the body can also result in hair thinning.
The Verdict On Minoxidil
Rogaine and similar treatments give you extra growth that can last many years even without other treatments. But they dont fundamentally do anything against the balding process itself. How long that extra growth will keep you above baseline will vary between individuals. Five years is probably a little too optimistic if you are experiencing aggressive hair loss, and if you stop treatment, any gains will be lost. But intelligently combining a growth stimulant with an antiandrogen or DHT inhibitor could easily keep that sexy mane front and center for a decade or longer.
References:
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What Are The Side Effects Of Rogaine For Frontal Hair Loss
The side effects of Rogaine can vary, with most being relatively uncommon.
Here are 3 of the most common side effects associated with 5% minoxidil, according to a 2019 study:
- Dermatitis: Dermatitis is the medical term for irritated skin and is used to describe irritation to the scalp caused by Rogaine. Dermatitis symptoms can include dryness, swelling, itching, redness, and rashes. Call your healthcare practitioner immediately if you experience more severe symptoms, such as blisters and flaking skin.
- Headaches: A well-known side effect of Rogaine is headaches. In most cases, over-the-counter pain medications can help treat a Rogaine-induced headache. If the headaches persist, stop using the medication and contact your healthcare practitioner.
- Hypertrichosis: Hypertrichosis is a term that refers to excessive hair growth on the body. This side effect can commonly occur when Rogaine is misused or not properly cleaned up â especially on the face and neck.
The History Of Minoxidil
In its early days, before a topical form was developed and became a mainstream hair loss treatment, minoxidil was developed as a treatment for hypertension.
Noticing that oral minoxidil produced hair growth as a noticeable side effect, researchers at Upjohn created a topical form to repurpose as a topical hair loss treatment for men suffering from androgenic alopecia.
For new medications to go onto the market, they need to pass through a rigorous trial and testing process to show that theyre not only safe but also effective.
Upjohn launched large-scale clinical tests of minoxidil throughout the US in the late 1970s, with testing continuing throughout the 80s and 90s. The efficacy side of this testing mostly focused on minoxidils effects on hair growth around the scalp and crown.
For example, one study from 1986 focused on the effects of minoxidil on the balding crown. In the study, 53 percent of participants experienced significant hair growth.
In short, Upjohn realized that minoxidil worked very effectively, but focused most of its testing on the crown and frontal scalp.
Most other studies of minoxidil have assessed hair growth on the scalp. For example, another study from 2002 tested five percent minoxidil against two percent minoxidil, again by assessing change in hair coverage around the scalp.
For the most part, the claim that minoxidil only works on the scalp and crown of the head comes from this research.
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Who Should Use Rogaine Minoxidil
Experiencing hair loss, unfortunately, doesnt make you the perfect candidate for using Rogaine. There are a few other variables to evaluate before deciding.
Studies suggested that minoxidil was more effective in patients with:
- Male Pattern Baldness/Androgenetic Alopecia
- Smaller areas with hair loss
- Progressing hair loss for under 5 years
- Central hair loss rather than frontal hair loss
So if you have been experiencing hair loss for a long time and have relatively large bald areas located more on the front of your scalp, youre not going to get the desired improvements from using Rogaine minoxidil.
Does Minoxidil Have Side Effects
Less than 2% of minoxidil is absorbed by the body when applied topically, so serious side effects are rare. Some men might develop an irritated or itchy scalp or hair growth in unexpected places. To avoid those side effects, dont use minoxidil more than directed, and wash your hands after using the product, so you dont transfer it to other areas of your body. If you do develop scalp irritation or unwanted facial hair growth, give your doctor a call.
If you have issues with your heart or high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before using minoxidil to ensure its safe for you. If you experience chest pain, rapid heartbeat, faintness, dizziness, sudden unexplained weight gain, or hand or feet swelling while using minoxidil, seek emergency medical attention.
Women shouldnt use 5% minoxidil, or any form of the medication while theyre pregnant or breastfeeding. No one younger than 18 should use minoxidil.
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Does Rogaine Help With Frontal Baldness
Dealing with frontal baldness, also known as a receding hairline, can affect your confidence, causing you to look for a way to prevent and treat the condition.
âRegarding frontal baldness, the availability and success rate of treatment will vary depending on the root cause of the hair loss. Rogaine can sometimes help to regrow hair at the front of the head, although the medication is thought to be the least effective in this area of the head.
This article will discuss frontal baldness, why it occurs, and how you can treat or prevent it.
Does Minoxidil Work On Frontal Baldness
Female Hair Loss, Questions | HairMD | May 26, 2021
Are you experiencing hair loss? Get in touch with the best of our hair specialists in Pune to understand your hair condition. For a hair treatment or to get hair transplant, book an appointment with our dermatologists near you, call .
Does Minoxidil Work on Frontal Baldness?
Does Minoxidil work for frontal hair loss? Does it really work for curing hair loss? You want to know the answers to these questions and searching for a solution. Well, the internet has a whole lot of information on how Minoxidil is what you need if you are suffering from hair loss. But its a big dilemma to select a proper medicine that can help you to regain your hairs, especially for frontal baldness.
Minoxidil is a US FDA approved medication that gives excellent results for hair loss problems. In this post, I will try to give you complete information about minoxidil and how it is helpful in the hair loss problem. Minoxidil is of 3 variants available in spray and foam-based solution
- 2% Minoxidil solution which can be used by both women and men.
- 5% Minoxidil solution which is mostly used by men. In very severe cases women can also use it but after proper consultation from a doctor.
- 10% Minoxidil solution is very strong and is thus prescribed only in extreme cases.
Here are a few things you need to know before applying the Minoxidil solution
Watch this video to fully understand the function of Minoxidil and how it works for receding hairline
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Does It Work For Beards
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, minoxidil is safe to use on the beard and eyebrows, as well as on the scalp.
Researchers in Thailand conducted a study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a 3% minoxidil lotion for people striving to grow beards.
Some 46 participants applied a minoxidil lotion twice a day. Based on doctor evaluation and the participantsâ self-assessment, this treatment resulted in a noticeably thicker, fuller beard. Side effects were reported to be mild and not statistically significant.
Female pattern hair loss is not as rare as some people might think. Many females may experience hair thinning or hair loss at some point in their lives, and more do so after menopause.
After clinical trials and a few years on the market as a medication for male pattern baldness, the FDA approved Rogaine for use by females experiencing hair loss.
Rogaine can help stimulate the growth of new hair in women, although this new growth tends to be fine hair. It also takes time to develop, and experts recommend females take Rogaine for 6 months to 1 year to see if it is effective.
Experts do not recommend Rogaine for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding as there is insufficient information on how the medication could affect the fetus. Side effects tend to be rare, and Rogaine is generally considered safe.
Is Rogaine Effective For A Receding Hairline
Whether or not Rogaine is effective for a receding hairline is hard to say for certain. Ultimately, the best way to determine whether or not to use Rogaine to treat a receding hairline is to consult with a healthcare practitioner.
They can help you identify the root cause of your hair loss and decide which treatment plan is best for your specific scenario. If you are experiencing frontal baldness, there is a good chance you may also be experiencing hair loss on the crown of your head, which Rogaine can certainly treat.
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How To Apply Minoxidil To Your Scalp
Minoxidil is designed for once-daily application, with the morning the best time to apply the liquid solution to your scalp.
Before applying minoxidil, make sure your scalp and hair are dry. Moisture can affect minoxidils absorption rate, meaning that a reduced amount of the medication could make its way into your hair follicles.
You should avoid shampooing your hair for four hours after using minoxidil. This means its often best to wash your hair and scalp before applying the treatment.
Apply the minoxidil solution to the affected areas of your scalp. If necessary, you can spread the minoxidil solution over the target area using your fingers.
If you use your fingers, make sure you wash them immediately after applying the solution to your scalp.
Allow the minoxidil to dry naturally . Its best to avoid wearing hats or other garments that cover your scalp in the two to four hours after using minoxidil.
Are There Better Options
Yes, there are better options. Minoxidil was first invented in the 1950s. There have been significant strides forward in treating hair loss since then.
Many men and women achieve better results with Spectral.DNC-N. The main ingredient in this is Nanoxidil, a superior vasodilator. There are also other active ingredients that provide additional benefits for hair growth. These are a few of the ways that Spectral.DNC-N treats frontal and other types of baldness:
Better yet, Spectral.DNC-N is delivered in a water-based formula. That means that it is non-greasy and easier to use.
Studies show that Spectral.DNC-N treats hair loss across the entire scalp including the hairline. It can also be effective for alopecia areata, another form of hair loss. Overall, it is a superior treatment option compared to minoxidil.
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What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Finasteride
Before taking finasteride, tell your healthcare provider if you:
- have any other medical conditions, including problems with your prostate or liver
- Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
Changing Your Hair Care May Help
Some hairstyles and hair care habits can damage hair, leading to hair loss. If your dermatologist finds that this may be causing your hair loss, your dermatologist can recommend changes that will help you stop damaging your hair.
Youll find tips that dermatologists give their patients at:
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Hair Loss: Diagnosis And Treatment
Dermatologist examining a patient with hair loss
To find out what’s causing your hair loss, a dermatologist may use a tool called a dermascope to get a closer look.
Effective treatment for hair loss begins with finding the cause. To get an accurate diagnosis, it helps to see a board-certified dermatologist. These doctors have in-depth knowledge about the many causes of hair loss and experience treating the diverse causes.
How Does Minoxidil Work
Like some other hair loss treatments, Minoxidil works by preventing your body from making too much 5AR. This way, the DHT doesnt have a chance to form, so it cant build up around your hair follicles.
However, this option only does a little blocking. Instead, it focuses on increasing the circulation to your scalp. This encourages new hair growth in that area. It also helps your body eliminate any buildup of DHT that might already be there, allowing your hair to grow back in places where it may have stopped. It also thickens the hair follicles on your scalp.
There are two main things to make a note of. The first is that this product can work even better on the crown of your head, where there are more hair follicles. The second is that you have to have hair follicles in a particular area for Minoxidil to work.
If your hair follicles are damaged for some reason, or if youve been bald for a long time, then this may not help.
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