Does Minoxidil Actually Work As A Treatment For Hair Loss?

Minoxidil is a topical treatment that is commonly used to slow down male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) and can even help regrow hair. It can be purchased over the counter as a liquid or foam in two strengths (2% and 5%) and is commonly sold under the brand name Rogaine. Patients who use Minoxidil can see results within several months.

Yes. Minoxidil has been shown to prevent hair loss in 

 and is currently the only treatment approved by the FDA. Minoxidil’s primary function is to prevent and slow down hair loss; hair regrowth is more of a side effect.

Minoxidil cannot create new hair follicles, so it cannot be used to grow hair that has already been lost. Because of this, Minoxidil will be most useful when the hair loss is caught early on so that it can prevent and slow down future loss.

One study showed that 5% Minoxidil was more effective at preventing hair loss and encouraged hair growth 45% more than its 2% solution counterpart. In addition, the 5% Minoxidil was superior in achieving hair growth both earlier and faster (Olsen).

Minoxidil is proven to work, but noticeable results require patience. Many people start to see less hair loss and some new growth in 4 to 6 months. For best results, this medication must be applied twice daily. Since discontinuing Minoxidil will stop the progress of the treatment, it is most effective when used as part of a daily routine.

In order to understand how Minoxidil works, it is helpful to understand how normal hair growth works. Hair goes through a three-phase cycle: Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen.

Minoxidil is a vasodilator. This means that when applied, Minoxidil increases the blood flow to the hair follicles. The increased blood flow to the hair follicles stimulates them from their resting telogen phase into their growth anagen phase. Additionally, Minoxidil extends the anagen phase itself, meaning that hair spends more time growing. Increasing blood flow also increases the diameter of the follicles, leading to thicker hair.

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