Medicine Spotlight: All You Need to Know About Minoxidil
Posted by Tugain 10 on 1st Dec 2022
Most people have heard the saying, "your hair is your crowning glory," which is true because our hair is a fundamental part of our appearance. Conversely, we can also express ourselves depending on how we style it, which is why many people take care of their hair. However, one can only do so much because the possibility of hair loss to occur is highly likely.
Many factors can contribute to hair loss, whether genetics, medications, or an underlying medical condition. Luckily, there are many ways to combat hair loss, such as Minoxidil. Minoxidil is a medication used to treat hair loss and baldness in both men and women. It is available in topical solutions, foam, and shampoo, making it highly effective because it's non-invasive, unlike a hair transplant. However, many people who suffer from hair loss often refuse it because they don't understand it. For this reason, we'll discuss the details in this article.
What Is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil, also sold under the brand name Rogaine, is a topical solution used to treat hair loss and baldness. Its active ingredient is minoxidil sulfate, which is a vasodilator. A vasodilator is a drug that dilates your blood vessels, thus improving your blood circulation and lowering your blood pressure.
Minoxidil was initially created to treat high blood pressure. However, people who used it noticed that their hair started to grow back. After further analysis, it was discovered that minoxidil sulfate dilated the blood vessels around the hair follicles, thus increasing the flow of blood and nutrients to the hair follicles.
How Effective Is It?
Minoxidil is a popular hair loss treatment because it is effective for both men and women. It's available without a prescription, and it is relatively inexpensive.
Minoxidil is most effective in the early stages of hair loss and is available in solution and foam form. The solution is applied to the scalp with a dropper, and the foam is applied with your fingers. Minoxidil is usually used twice a day.
You will probably see results after four months of using minoxidil. However, it may take up to a year to see the full effects of minoxidil.
How Much Should You Take?
The recommended dosage for Minoxidil foam is a 0.5 capful twice daily, to be applied to the affected areas of the scalp. If there's no improvement after 16 weeks, discontinue usage. For the solution variant, apply 1 mL twice daily to the affected areas of the scalp. If there's no improvement after 12 months, discontinue usage.
Additionally, you must have a 12-hour interval between each dosage. The dosage must also be the same if you’re using the 2% formula of Minoxidil.
Can You Take It Weekly?
You may have heard of people taking Minoxidil once a week because it’s more convenient than applying it twice daily. Some even say it's fine to take it thrice a week.
We cannot stress enough that the medication is designed to be applied twice daily, and changing the dosage is not recommended. Therefore, you can't take Minoxidil thrice a week. It may take longer to see results, and there's also a chance of nothing happening if you take it sparingly.
Are There Side Effects?
While Minoxidil is highly effective against hair loss, it's not without faults because there are several side effects associated with it, such as:
- Irritation
- Rashes
- Allergic Dermatitis
- Hair Shedding
- Changes in Hair Color
The severity of these side effects depends on each person, but they're typically minimal and will go away after a few days.
Consulting a Dermatologist
Minoxidil may be highly effective, but you should still consult a dermatologist to discuss your treatment options. A dermatologist can help you determine the best course of action to ensure that your hair loss is appropriately treated, and they can also help you manage the side effects you may experience.
Conclusion
Minoxidil is an effective hair loss treatment because it can increase blood flow and widen the hair follicles, delivering more nutrients for hair growth. However, you should know it's not for everyone, so you must consult a dermatologist first. You'll be on your way to having healthy hair when you do.
If you’re looking for hair growth Minoxidil, Tugain 10 has what you need! We offer Minoxidil medications in different formulations, all for affordable prices. Visit our website today and take your pick!