Minoxidil

Our genetic make-up pretty much dictates the condition of our hair. As we can see, curly parents produce offsprings with curly hair and parents with straight hair would have children who sport straight hair themselves. This is also true for hair loss and baldness. Thus, if you have a balding father, chances are you too are going to be bald like him at a certain age.

So, what can we do than blame our ancestry for such condition? A drug known as minoxidil is known to be very effective against hair loss, and it is said to work better when used in the early stages of balding.

So, if your family picture is full of aging men with receding foreheads, it is best to check on this product immediately at the first signs of thinning hair cover up there.

What Is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is primarily a vasodilator that is commonly prescribed for hypertension. Vasodilators widen the blood vessels and lessen pressure build-up in the system. But it is also known to reverse the symptoms of hair loss.

It is one of the only two FDA-approved drugs for treating hair loss and is the only one approved for use by women.

How Does It work Against Hair Loss?

Originally developed to treat hypertension, it was discovered to also preserve thinning hair and cause increased hair growth during treatment. It has consistently exhibited the ability to stimulate hair growth despite the uncertainties that surrounds the basis why it works. It has been clinically proven to be a very effective treatment for hair loss and have minimal side effects. How it works continues to be a mystery this day.

It is particularly observed to reverse male pattern baldness but is also prescribed for women suffering the same condition. Its efficacy in treating other forms of hair loss is limited, though.

It is inferred that since minoxidil increases blood supply in many parts of the body, this action on the affected parts, i.e., areas with thinning hair, stimulates hair growth and prevent further hair damage that leads to thinning.

But new studies also showed that topical application of minoxidil does not have the vasodilator effects compared when they are taken orally. This had researchers scouring for earthly reasons why minoxidil actually stimulates hair growth as show in clinical trials.

Recently, a study made by the company L’Oreal suggest that the drug activates PGHS 1 or prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-1. PGHS 1 is believed to promote hair growth. However, further studies are needed to verify this claim.

Use Minoxidil

It is important and highly recommended to begin using Minoxidil early. Those that have thinning hair but are not yet bald are the ones that benefit the most.

It is topically applied usually twice in a day. Treatment usually takes six months before the desired results are evident. It is observed to be a suppressant such that when discontinued, hair loss may begin to increase again. Thus, continuous use is required in order to maintain the efficacy of the treatment.

Scalp irritation is the most common problem. Thus, people with allergic reactions to the drug can not enjoy the benefits of minoxidil to treating hair loss.

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