Minoxidil (Rogaine) for Hair Loss

How Does Minoxidil Work?

Vasodilators like minoxidil open or dilate blood vessels. By stimulating muscles in arteries and veins, vasodilators prevent the muscles from contracting and the artery walls from constricting. As a result, blood flows more easily through these blood vessels. 

The exact action mechanism for minoxidil relating to hair regrowth isn’t clear. However, medical researchers believe that minoxidil works by partially expanding hair follicles and opening blood vessels. As such, blood flow courses through the hair follicles to help them function efficiently and produce more hair. This opening of blood vessels could explain why people who take oral minoxidil experience hair growth they don’t want in certain parts of the body.

How Can You Use Minoxidil to Treat Hair Loss?

First make sure your scalp is clean and dry before you apply minoxidil. You can use minoxidil on damp hair but make sure your scalp is dry. 

To use minoxidil in liquid form, place 1 milliliter of minoxidil in the applicator, approximately 20 drops with an eyedropper. Part your hair in the area of the hair thinning to expose it and apply the liquid evenly to this area of your scalp. Massage the solution gently into your scalp until your scalp completely absorbs the liquid. Allow minoxidil to dry completely before using styling products such as gels or mousse or before going to bed. 

To use the foam solution, follow the same application technique as the liquid solution mentioned above. Apply approximately a half capful of foam to the scalp and gently rub in the foam. Let the foam dry before you go to bed or add styling products to your hair. 

Thoroughly wash your hands after you apply the foam or liquid solution. Do not get the medication in your eyes. If you happen to get the solution in your eyes, rinse your eyes with cool water.

Avoid minoxidil on damaged skin (such as cuts, scrapes, or burns, including sunburn. Damaged skin will allow too much minoxidil to be absorbed into your body, resulting in serious side effects. 

If your skin is damaged, you should allow the skin on your scalp to heal before minoxidil treatments. 

You need to use minoxidil consistently for four to six months to gain the best results. If your hair loss condition gets worse or you don’t witness any improvement from six months to one year, your doctor may suggest alternative treatments for hair loss.

Side Effects When Using Minoxidil

Talk to your doctor if you witness an allergic reaction to using minoxidil. Minor side effects may take place at the application site. Side effects could result in burning, stinging, or redness. These side effects generally cease without any treatment. 

Call your doctor if you notice any symptoms including the following:

• Inflammation at the hair roots.
• Increased hair loss. 
• Unwanted facial or body hair growth. 
• Swelling in the scalp or face. 
• Changes in vision, such as cloudiness.
• Chest pain.
• Severe dizziness. 
• Fainting or a light-headed feeling. 
• Irregular or rapid heartbeat. 
• Weight gain that occurs rapidly.
• Persistent or frequent headaches. 
• Difficulty breathing, especially when reclining.

Does Minoxidil Work for Hair Loss?

Minoxidil can help people to regrow hair and slow down hair loss. Minoxidil is the most widely available treatment for male pattern baldness, and it’s available as an OTC drug.

Doctors use minoxidil as a part of many forms of treatment for male pattern baldness or in cases where finasteride doesn’t produce a substantial amount of hair growth on the scalp. While some patients respond well to minoxidil, finasteride can be effective as a nonsurgical option for many men. 

Before trying minoxidil, talk to your doctor. Your family history or genetic makeup may influence the occurrence of side effects, especially if you have cardiac issues.