Minoxidil: A Revolutionary Approach to Hair Loss Treatment

Introduction

I've been taking finasteride, a medication for hair loss, for about a year now. Recently, I received another prescription – minoxidil. I received one prescription for each medication per day. I'm writing this post to address my questions about minoxidil. The minoxidil bottle indicates that it's a medication for high blood pressure rather than a hair loss treatment. In this post, I'll discuss the effects, side effects, and how to use minoxidil.

What is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil was initially developed as a medication for high blood pressure. However, it was discovered that one of its side effects was hair growth, leading to its use as a hair loss treatment. Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to the scalp and stimulating the scalp to promote hair growth.

Effects of Minoxidil

Minoxidil is primarily effective for treating hair loss at the crown of the head, and results can be seen within 2-3 months of use.1 Initially, the hair that grows back may be thin, but it becomes thicker with continued use.

Side Effects of Minoxidil

Possible side effects of minoxidil include headaches, shortness of breath, hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth), and edema (swelling). Notably, some users experience 'shedding,' where hair falls out more than usual after starting minoxidil. However, this is often a temporary phase and part of the process of new hair growth.1

How to Use Minoxidil

Minoxidil is typically applied to the scalp once or twice a day, for a total of 2ml. After applying minoxidil, it's crucial to avoid getting the area wet for at least 4 hours.

Conclusion

Minoxidil is an effective medication for treating hair loss, but potential side effects should be considered before use. Consistent use is essential for achieving optimal results, and discontinuing use may lead to a recurrence of hair loss.