Minoxidil, which goes by the brand-name Rogaine is one of the two FDA approved treatments for hair loss and is largely effective at slowing down, stopping and even reversing the hair loss process in both men and women. There are several variations of the treatment including a 2% minoxidil solution for women, a 5% minoxidil solution for men and a 5% minoxidil foam. But how does Rogaine work as a hair loss treatment and how effective is it? How long does one need to use minoxidil to see results and what happens if/when an individual stops using it? In this article, we discuss Rogaine as a legitimate hair loss treatment and establishing realistic expectations.
What is Rogaine?
Rogaine is a minoxidil rich solution which was originally used to treat hypertension (i.e. high blood pressure). However, it was further discovered that minoxidil possessed an unusual side effect of growing hair. As a result, test results were submitted to the FDA and was approved for treating baldness and thinning hair, in particular in the crown area.
This alcohol-based solution of Rogaine when applied topically to the balding area twice daily has proven to provide impressive and optimal hair growth in a large percentage of men and women.
Minoxidil solutions are typically available in 2 concentrations. These include the 2% minoxidil solution for women and the extra strength solution possessing 5% minoxidil. Where 5% strength is generally used for male baldness while the diluted 2% is used for female hair loss.
Later, Rogaine foam was developed and underwent its own clinical trials, proving to be even more effective then it’s liquid counterpart. Rogaine foam contains 5% of the minoxidil solution but uses a superior delivery system, enabling more absorption of the minoxidil into the scalp. Moreover, Rogaine foam lacks the propylene glycol ingredient that is known to cause scalp irritation and itchiness.
How Rogaine works:
Rogaine’s efficacy is a bit of a mystery as it technically does nothing to treat genetic hair loss directly. Instead, absorption of minoxidil into the scalp works to increase blood flow and stimulate hair regrowth to the applied areas. Some physician also claim that Rogaine can extend the growth phase of hairs and cause hair to grow for 1000 days before falling out.
Benefits of using Rogaine or Minoxidil
Rogaine is an effective drug that has helped millions of men and women fight against alopecia. Some of the advantages of using Rogaine include:
Benefits hair loss in early age:
Rogaine is known to offer optimal results when started in the early years of hair loss, when it first starts. So those who are experiencing early hair loss in their twenties and thirties should consider using minoxidil for maximum results.
Can be used without prescription:
Unlike Propecia, the other FDA approved treatment for hair loss, Rogaine does not require a prescription and is available in just about every local pharmacy or thrift store. However, we always recommend discussing the use of any potential treatments with your doctor before use.
Bottom line:
Hair restoration doctors generally recommend Rogaine (minoxidil) along with Propecia to treat hair loss. Many doctors also use Rogaine as an instrument right after hair transplant surgery as it can potentially minimize temporary hair loss (or shock loss) associated with the procedure. Moreover, many believe that Rogaine can jump start early hair growth after surgical hair restoration.
Keep in mind however, that minoxidil is only effective if you continue using it. Stopping at stews will result in a loss of any hair acquired or gained by minoxidil. It also takes up to four months of use to see any new hair growth and should be used for at least six months to a year before evaluating its efficacy.
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