Minoxidil is a drug that has been prescribed for many years to stimulate hair growth. It is available as a 2% and 5% lotion and foam.
How does it work:
The mechanism of its action is not fully understood, but vasodilation is considered the main advantage. By increasing blood flow, it stimulates the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. Improved blood supply and nutrition to the hair follicles lengthens the growth phase of the hair and makes it thicker. However, when using minoxidil, active hair loss begins in the first few weeks. This is due to the fact that the hair goes into the growth phase (anagen), including those that are in the shedding phase (telogen). In other words, hair is actively falling out, which should have fallen out anyway.
How to use:
The concentration and frequency of application is determined by the attending physician, depending on the stage of hair loss. It is best to start with low concentrations: for women - 2%, for men - 5% once a day on a clean and dry scalp. The lotion is applied with a dispenser to partings and skin areas in problem areas and absorbed with massage movements. You don't need to rinse off the minoxidil.
Most often, the effect of the application can be seen after 3-4 months.
When appointed:
The drug is used for a long time in combination therapy for the treatment of androgenetic hair loss. To achieve the best effect, minoxidil is combined with antiandrogenic lotions and injectable treatments.
In the treatment of diffuse and focal hair loss, minoxidil is prescribed as part of complex therapy for a short period.
Sometimes the effect of minoxidil fades over time. A "withdrawal syndrome" is formed - the lack of response to minoxidil. But this does not happen in all cases, and therefore it is so important to correctly build a strategy for restoring hair and scalp.