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The Advantages of Using Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a nitric oxide compound first developed in the 1980s as an oral pharmaceutical to control blood pressure, owing to its ability to dilate blood vessels. Once in use, the unusual side effect of hair growth appeared; so researchers undertook trials to reformulate the product to market it as a hair growth treatment. Available today under the brand name Rogaine, as well as in generic forms, minoxidil is a topical lotion applied to the head twice a day, designed to stimulate hair growth in areas of pattern baldness or hair loss, according to Hair Doc.

  1. Effectiveness

    • Minoxidil has been shown in clinical trials involving both men and women to be effective at reducing pattern hair loss as well as promoting new hair growth when used as directed, according to Minoxidil Hair Loss Solutions. While its mechanism of action is poorly understood, it is thought that minoxidil works by stimulating blood vessels in the hair follicle region, reducing their shrinkage. Additionally, minoxidil is believed to keep hair in the growing phase for longer periods of time. Minoxidil is one of only two FDA approved hair growth products currently on the market.

    Safety

    • Minoxidil has been shown to be safe when used as directed. There are few side effects, and those listed are minor such as irritation of the scalp, according to Minoxidil Hair Loss Solutions. The blood pressure lowering properties of minoxidil are not observed in patients using the topical lotion. Additionally, minoxidil is not known to interact with any hormones or other medications. This property allows for its use in treating disorders such as alopecia areata, in which patients are generally taking other medications as well. This safety profile allows for the common practice of physicians prescribing minoxidil lotion to patients to stimulate hair growth following surgeries that require areas of the head to be shaved.

    Availability

    • Minoxidil is available in a variety of strengths; the 2 and 5 percent solutions, sold as Rogaine and extra strength Rogaine, are widely available in the U.S. without a prescription. Higher strengths are available by prescription only, and are generally used to treat disorders causing hair loss, such as the autoimmune disease alopecia areata. In addition to being widely available, minoxidil is also relatively inexpensive to use according to Hair Doc.

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