The Facts About Minoxidil also Called Rogaine

Since the late 1980’s Minoxidil 2% has been available as a hair loss treatment for both men and women. Minoxidil is an over the counter drug coming as a brand name (Rogaine) or generic formulas, which can be less expensive. Minoxidil is applied directly to the scalp where the hair loss is occurring and it can stimulate new hair growth.

When Rogaine was first introduced on the market is received a lot of media attention as being the first hair loss remedy medication that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Many in the media proclaimed it to be a “miracle drug.” But as time passed Rogaine did not live up to the miracle drug label, as the results that many received from Rogaine were disappointing.

So after more than a decade of Minoxidil what can be said about it in terms of hair restoration? Minoxidil can be somewhat effective and can be helpful to some people that are experiencing hair loss. Recently a 5% Minoxidil solution became available and studies have shown that it is more effective then the 2% Minoxidil in both stopping hair loss and stimulating new hair growth.

If used as directed 2% Minoxidil has been seen to stop hair loss and stimulate new hair growth in around 30% of males patients. This percentage increases a little with women patients. The rate of response also improves with the use of the 5% Minoxidil.

Topical Minoxidil, either in the 2% or 5% solution, can be most effective in people that have recently seen hair loss due to androgenetic alopecia, as well as small areas of hair loss on the scalp. But Minoxidil is not as effective in people that have significant hair loss for longer periods of time. When used early Minoxidil can prevent hair loss progression for both male and female pattern hair loss. Hair restoration physicians will, in some cases, use Minoxidil to slow down the progression of hair loss in younger patients. This can delay the hair transplantation surgery for several years in order to conserve the hair supply that is needed for hair transplantation at a later date.

Minoxidil can be more effective on slowing the progression of hair loss and the growth of new hair in the central areas of the scalp rather than in the front of the scalp. Often Minoxidil is used by physicians to compliment a hair transplantation procedure, as it can add a look of fullness (more volume) to the hair.

Minoxidil is a hair loss remedy that must be used regularly; as if a patient stops using Minoxidil the results given will be lost in 3-6 months. Generally the side effects of Minoxidil are minimal, as minor irritation of the skin and itching are the ones that are most common.