Minoxidil For Hair Growth: Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects

What Is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is an effective hair loss treatment that helps regrow hair on your scalp and prevents future hair loss in both men and women. It effectively treats androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss) and certain types of hair loss, like telogen effluvium and traction alopecia. Minoxidil is available as both over-the-counter and prescription-grade products in topical form, either as a solution or foam. While oral minoxidil is also available, topical minoxidil, also known as Rogaine, is US FDA-approved and often the first line of treatment for pattern hair loss.

How Does Minoxidil Work For Hair Loss?

Topical minoxidil works to promote hair growth by shortening the telogen (resting) phase and lengthening the anagen (growth) phase of the hair growth cycle. When you apply minoxidil regularly, it stimulates dormant hair follicles and encourages new hair growth while slowing down your hair loss.

Who Should Use Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is effective for individuals 18 years and older (men and women) with hair thinning, a receding hairline, diffuse thinning of the scalp, pattern baldness, or early stages of hair loss. If you are someone with underlying scalp conditions or experience sudden or patchy hair loss, avoid using minoxidil. In addition, dermatologists do not recommend it for pregnant and lactating women. It is always advisable to consult a dermatologist before using minoxidil, as they will determine if you are a suitable candidate and prescribe the correct dosage.

Minoxidil Dosage For Hair Loss

Using the correct dosage of topical minoxidil helps you achieve the best hair growth results. Moreover, the dosage varies for different people based on their condition. Here is the average minoxidil dosage for hair loss information for both men and women:

Minoxidil Dosage: Solution Form For Men (5% Strength)

• Apply 1ml of the solution directly to the affected areas of your scalp using a dropper.
• Apply twice daily, in the morning and at night.

Minoxidil Dosage: Solution Form For Women (2% Strength)

• Apply 1ml of the solution directly to the affected areas of your scalp using a dropper.
• Apply twice daily, in the morning and at night.

Minoxidil Dosage: Foam Form For Men (5% Strength)

• Take half a capful of the foam into your hands and massage it onto the affected areas of your scalp. Avoid applying to your hair.
• Apply once daily, at any time.

Minoxidil Dosage: Foam Form For Women (2% Strength)

• Take half a capful of the foam into your hands and massage it onto the affected areas of your scalp. Avoid applying to your hair.
• Apply twice daily, in the morning and at night.

Minoxidil Benefits For Hair

Here is a list of the multiple benefits of minoxidil for hair:

1. Improves Scalp Circulation: Minoxidil promotes vasodilation, a mechanism that widens blood vessels. This action helps increase blood circulation in the scalp.
2. Promotes Hair Growth: Minoxidil for hair growth works by prolonging the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle, encouraging new hair growth.
3. Sustains Hair Growth: Continuous and consistent use of minoxidil helps maintain hair growth for an extended period.
4. Improves Hair Density: Increased blood circulation to the scalp promotes thicker and denser hair growth.
5. Safe for Long-term Use: Topical minoxidil is US FDA-approved and safe to use for a longer period with mild and manageable side effects.
6. Non-Invasive Solution: Dermatologists often recommend minoxidil as a non-invasive solution to treating hair loss in both men and women.

How to Use Minoxidil?

While minoxidil helps with hair loss, applying it correctly can enhance its effectiveness. You may have tried minoxidil previously but did not see any results. It could be because you were not following the correct approach. Here are a few tips on how to use minoxidil for hair growth:

• When applying minoxidil (solution or foam), make sure your scalp and hair are completely dry.
• Apply minoxidil directly to the affected areas of the scalp and gently massage your scalp with your fingers.
• Always use the prescribed amount and avoid overuse.
• Strictly follow the instructions mentioned by your doctor when applying.
• Apply minoxidil only to your scalp and not any other parts of your body.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after applying.
• Avoid washing or shampooing your hair for at least 4 hours after application.
• Store minoxidil at room temperature.
• Ideally, you will notice the improvements in about 4 months after consistent and daily application of minoxidil. Talk to your doctor immediately if you do not observe any.

Alternative Treatments For Hair Loss

Minoxidil for hair growth is worth the use. However, there are other hair growth treatments that help address hair loss and promote hair regrowth naturally. These include the following treatments:

1. PRP Hair Treatment: PRP, or Platelet-Rich Plasma, is a minimally invasive treatment that utilises your own blood to stimulate dormant hair follicles and promote hair regrowth naturally. To perform this treatment, the dermatologists will collect your blood sample and separate the platelets using the double-spin method of centrifugation. They will extract the PRP, activate the growth factors in it, and inject the PRP solution directly into the affected areas of the scalp.
2. Hair Threads Treatment: Dermatologists may suggest the Hair Threads treatment to you if you are experiencing the early to moderate stage of hair loss. In this non-surgical hair growth treatment, they will insert bio-absorbable PDO threads (that dissolve over time) into the areas of your scalp with less hair density. These threads promote blood flow to the scalp, strengthen the hair follicles and stimulate hair growth. This gives you thicker and denser hair on your scalp.
3. Hair Transplantation: If you are struggling with baldness and want to reverse it, the dermatologists at Oliva will recommend Hair Transplantation treatment for you. It is the ultimate surgical option for restoring hair in bald regions of the scalp. In the treatment, the dermatologists extract hair follicles from the donor area of your scalp and transplant them into the bald or hair loss-affected regions of your scalp. This gives you permanent results and a natural-looking hairline.
4. Oral Medications: Sometimes, dermatologists may also recommend that their clients use oral medications, like vitamin supplements and anti-androgens, as an alternative to medical hair loss treatments.

Dermatologists often recommend minoxidil in combination with any of the above hair loss treatments for the best results. Consult a dermatologist who will determine if you require minoxidil alone, or other treatments, or a combination of both.

Why Choose Oliva Clinic for Hair Fall Treatment?

If you are looking for the best clinic for hair fall treatment, you should definitely visit Oliva Clinic. Here are some compelling reasons to choose Oliva Clinic:

1. Expert Doctors: Oliva has a huge team of experienced dermatologists and hair specialists who will perform the treatments with utmost precision and zero compromise to deliver the best results.
2. US FDA-Approved Technology: All the equipment used for the treatments at Oliva is world-class and approved by the US FDA to ensure maximum safety and efficacy.
3. Customised Solutions: At Oliva, our dermatologists tailor every treatment to meet your unique goals and concerns.
4. Clinically Proven Results: Lakhs across India trust Oliva for its visible and proven results, making it the most sought-after clinic.

Takeaway

Minoxidil for hair growth is a wonderful drug. However, one should know how to use it correctly and in the correct dosage to maximise its benefits. Moreover, you should always consult a dermatologist before using it, as they will determine if you are a suitable candidate. Depending on your condition, they may combine minoxidil hair treatment with other hair loss treatments.

Are you unsure if you can use minoxidil for hair growth? Do you want to know if you need advanced medical treatments for hair growth? Schedule a consultation with our expert dermatologist at your nearest Oliva Clinic today!