Minoxidil
Miscllaneous
Minoxidil is a well-known medication primarily used for promoting hair growth and managing hair loss in general. It was originally an oral medication for high blood pressure but was later discovered to have a significant impact on stimulating hair growth which led to it being used as a hair loss treatment.
How it works:
Minoxidil's exact mechanism for stimulating hair growth is not fully understood, but several key effects have been identified:
Vasodilation: Minoxidil acts as a vasodilator, which means it widens blood vessels. When applied topically, it is thought to increase blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles, providing more nutrients and oxygen that may help stimulate hair growth and improve the overall health of hair follicles.
Activation of Hair Follicles: Minoxidil is believed to stimulate the transition of hair follicles from the resting (telogen) phase to the active growth (anagen) phase. This is why some users experience a shedding phase when starting minoxidil, as dormant hairs are pushed out to make way for new growth.
Anti-Fibrotic Effects: Minoxidil has shown some anti-fibrotic properties, which means it can help reduce the accumulation of fibrosis (scarring) around hair follicles. This may support better hair growth by maintaining a healthier environment around the follicle.
How to use it:
Forms: Minoxidil is most commonly available as a topical solution or foam, with concentrations of 2%, 5% and 10%. The most commonly used concentration is 5%. The foam formulation is often preferred by those who find the liquid solution irritating to the scalp. Oral Minoxidil is sometimes prescribed off-label for hair loss, although this carries more risk due to systemic effects.
Application Method: Topical minoxidil is typically applied once or twice daily, directly to the scalp or other areas where hair growth is desired. Users are advised to apply it to dry hair and scalp and to avoid washing the treated area for several hours to allow proper absorption.
Dosage: For topical use, 1 ml of solution or half a capful of foam is generally applied to the affected area per application. Oral Minoxidil, when prescribed for hair loss, may be dosed at a lower range (e.g., 0.25 mg to 2.5 mg daily) compared to its hypertensive doses, but this requires close medical supervision.
Consistency: Consistent, long-term use is critical for seeing results with Minoxidil. It can take 3-6 months before noticeable improvements in hair growth occur, and discontinuing the use of minoxidil often results in the gradual loss of newly regrown hair.
Benefits:
Minoxidil is primarily used for hair growth and hair loss prevention, but it has other applications as well:
Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA): The most common use of topical minoxidil is for androgenetic alopecia, a condition characterized by progressive hair thinning and receding hairlines in men and diffuse thinning in women. It helps slow down hair loss and can stimulate regrowth, particularly in the vertex (crown) area of the scalp.
Hair Density Improvement: Even in those without significant hair loss, minoxidil can be used to increase overall hair density and thickness, making the hair appear fuller.
Beard Growth: Minoxidil has gained popularity in recent years for stimulating beard growth in men. Some users apply topical minoxidil to their facial areas to encourage denser beard development, with mixed results.
Potential Side Effects:
Topical Side Effects: Common side effects of topical minoxidil include scalp irritation, dryness, itching, and flaking. Some users may experience initial shedding as old hairs are pushed out to make way for new growth. In rare cases, users may experience allergic reactions or scalp inflammation.
Systemic Side Effects: Although rare with topical use, systemic absorption of Minoxidil can lead to side effects such as dizziness, fluid retention, headaches, and heart palpitations. These are more commonly associated with oral Minoxidil but can occur if too much topical Minoxidil is absorbed through the skin.
Hypertrichosis: One notable side effect is hypertrichosis, which involves unwanted hair growth on areas like the forehead, temples, or body. This occurs when the medication spreads from the application site or when a user has a heightened sensitivity to the effects of Minoxidil.
My Experience:
I am sadly in the % of people that get side effects when they apply topical minoxidil. I tried using it for multiple days a few different times but ultimately had to stop because I kept getting side effects. However, if your goal is to grow a beard or slow down hair loss, I highly recommend looking into it because most people do not get any side effects at all.The side effects I experienced from Minoxidil were lightheadedness, temporary depression, & heart palpitations.
It is important to know that not everyone will experience these side effects but some people do. This is why it’s important to always do your own research & take note of how you feel when using any research chemicals for the first time or with continued use.
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