Minoxidil is the shining start on the mountain. Minoxidil brought back the hope of many people, which became frustrated and hopeless after failing again and again to overcome baldness.
Before getting into Minoxidil lets have look at statistics.
Survey Says
According to general statistics, 44 million US citizens overcame pattern hair loss with the help of Minoxidil. Many studies went on to text the Minoxidil in public. Two of the important studies were conducted in Europe.
Both of the studies showed the effectiveness of Minoxidil in the general public. According to the survey
- 75 % of men managed to overcome hair thickness.
- 55% of men managed to stimulate hair growth.
Surveys back the researches which were made on the topical Minoxidil as the temporary cure of baldness.
Minoxidil Evolution
Minoxidil is a multitalented medication, over a few decades in the past it was used for the treatment of high blood pressure. When the time moved on, regular users of Minoxidil started having hairs all over the body.
The massive hair growth made doctors think about conducting the research on Minoxidil. After the research, medical professional made their mind to refer Minoxidil as a hair baldness medicine.
From the last thirty to thirty-five years Minoxidil started referred to as hair regrowth medication. Before that, it was available in pills and now it is in the form of a solution, spray, and foam.
We cannot use it as oral medication, as it was used in the past, because it will have the same result. It grows hair on all over the body. Instead of oral medication, it is used in topical medication.
Where ever hairs are desired on the body, the hair will grow after its using. Where ever Minoxidil will be applied, it will make hairs to grow from there.
Minoxidil Concentration
Most commonly used Minoxidil concentrations are as follow
- 2% concentration of Minoxidil
- 5% concentration of Minoxidil
- Above 5% concentration of Minoxidil (Not recommend)
As we discuss the concentration of the Minoxidil little more, so 2% concentration of Minoxidil was used for women, as their skin is more sensitive as compared to men. Minoxidil 5% is generally prescribed to men.
Now Minoxidil 5% is prescribed to both men and women but with different dose. For women, 1 mL a day make one dose and for men, 1 mL twice a day makes one dose.
Read Also: Different Types of Minoxidil and Which One is Better
While moving towards 5% from 2% is clearly showed that as the concentration is increased more effective it will be. But dermatologist also doesn’t suggest moving above than 5% because it also increases side effects.
FDA of US also started crackdown against the companies which were supplying Minoxidil above 5% in the past.
Minoxidil Types
Today we have following three forms of Minoxidil
- Minoxidil Solution
- Minoxidil Foam
- Minoxidil Spray
The solution was approved by FDA in the 1980s, it was quite risky as compare to Minoxidil foam and Minoxidil Spray. The solution is used in extended care and attention because when it is used it may dribble down to the face. Which cause hairs to grow on the skin and it is not bearable for women.
Read Also: How to Use Minoxidil
On the other hand foam and spray are easy to use. It doesn’t dribble down and does not cause any unnecessary hairs.
Topical Minoxidil plays a vital role in the hair redevelopment. It is also the only approved non-prescriptive medication by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States. Before getting into the time Minoxidil takes, let’s take a look of the working, processing of the Minoxidil in the human body.
Minoxidil Process
It is hard to tell the working of Minoxidil in the human body. The process Minoxidil perform in hair regrowth is not confirmed. However, the majority of medical professionals believe that Minoxidil boots the blood flow towards the scalp.
When hair roots are fertilized with blood, blood causes them to increase in the bulb of the hair follicle size. It also makes hair growth.
Topical Minoxidil helps to maintain existing hairs also. It makes thin hairs to become thicker, small hairs to grow large.
The main function of the topical Minoxidil is to restart the growth of hairs. It is believed that sooner the treatment starts, more effective it will be. As time passes alongside with baldness, complete baldness is expected within 8 to 10 years.
How Long Minoxidil Takes
When Minoxidil is applied for the first time, it will cause the hair shedding in the massive level. Most of the hair will lose but do not worry. It will be for some time.
Minoxidil takes a lot of time in reactivating the sleeping hair follicle. When the blood is supplied in the roots of the hair follicle, the hair follicle will increase in size.
Minoxidil makes the hair follicle healthier first else than growing hairs. When hair follicle became healthier they start making hairs.
After 3-6 months of proper use, Minoxidil shows its effectiveness. After 6 months hair can be in noticeable condition. Up to ½ inch hair can clearly be observed.
It no result are seen or felt it will be suggested to visit a medical professional so your problem of hair loss can be pointed out.
Do not use more than the instructed dose for the earlier or fast results. It will cause you serious side effects.
