How to Use Minoxidil? A Comprehensive Guide for Hair Loss Treatment

Hair loss is a common problem affecting millions of people worldwide. Fortunately, several treatments, including minoxidil, are available to help with hair loss. Minoxidil is a topical solution proven to help regrow hair and slow down the rate of hair loss. Here’s a guide on how to use minoxidil for scalp and beard hair growth.

Minoxidil is a powerful drug that can do wonders for your hair growth.

According to National Library of Medicine, Minoxidil was initially developed to treat high blood pressure, but its effect of stimulating hair growth has made it popular for treating male and female pattern baldness.

Recently, it has been used to help grow hair both in men and women. Surprisingly, it is now used as a drug of choice combined with a few procedures when you are fighting hair fall and want to get it treated immediately.

In this article, we will explore how to use minoxidil effectively and discover its wonders. So, let’s read on with us till the end.

What is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is a drug that belongs to a class of medications known as vasodilators. It works by widening the blood vessels, which increases blood flow to follicles. It has been shown to stimulate hair growth in balding areas of the scalp and face, and beard area.

Minoxidil is available in topical and oral minoxidil. Topical minoxidil is enough for most patients.

However, oral minoxidil is great if someone prefers oral treatment for better compliance as using minoxidil consistently is important for the success of treatment.

Minoxidil treats baldness.

1. Male pattern-baldness

Male pattern baldness is a type of hair loss that occurs when hair follicles are sensitive to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

This hormone is produced in high concentration in men, and its decrease is responsible for baldness.

Male pattern-baldness causes an increased M-shaped receding hairline and a thinning crown from the center. It is the most common pattern of baldness in males.

2. Female pattern-baldness

Female pattern baldness is different from male pattern baldness. The thinning and widening of the front hairline are usually accompanied by thinning of the hair from the center and sides of the head.

Hair fall is observed from the postauricular area on both sides. It is the most common pattern of baldness in females.

3. Telogen Eflluvium

This is a condition where hair starts falling due to stress which can be physical or mental. Minoxidil brings more follicle in growing phase or anagen phase and helps reverse hair fall.

Is it a myth that minoxidil increase hair-shedding? NO, it’s a reality!

Yes, you get it right.

While it is generally considered a safe and effective treatment for hair loss, it can cause an increase in hair fall in the first month of use. The reason for this is the mechanism of action of minoxidil.

As it works by stimulating the hair follicles to produce new hair, this can cause the existing hairs to become weak and start to fall out. This process is known as hair shedding, and it typically occurs when the hair follicles are stimulated beyond their regular activity.

In the first month of use, minoxidil can cause significant hair shedding as the hair follicles are stimulated beyond their routine activity. It is a normal part of the hair growth cycle, so it is essential to recognize that it is a temporary side effect and will subside over time as the follicles become accustomed to the minoxidil.

How to use minoxidil for hair?

Follow these instructions on how to use minoxidil effectively

1ml (marking on the dropper that comes with minoxidil) or 4-5 puffs of minoxidil spray should be applied to the more patchy area and massage the whole head with a soft hand massage for better absorption.

Better to leave it for 2 to 3 hours at minimum as its absorption is usually slow in thick scalp skin. Applying it once or twice a day is recommended. Discuss with your dermatologist about which frequency is good for you.

1. Beard:

Minoxidil is an excellent option for those looking to stimulate beard growth. It is an easy-to-use topical solution that is applied directly to the skin.

How it actually works?

Increased blood flow to the hair follicles stimulates the production of new hair. That is how minoxidil works for beard growth. It also improves the growth of the hair follicles, which, in turn, helps improve the thickness and texture of the hair.

When used on the face, minoxidil can cause a thickening of the beard and mustache.

However, it typically takes several months of consistent use before noticeable results are achieved.

How to Use Minoxidil for Beard?

To get the best results for your beard it’s important you learn how to use minoxidil for your beard.

It is applied topically on the beard’s patchy area (having less hair density). Better to gently massage the areas of the face where the beard has less hair growth comparatively.

After applying the solution, you should wait at least one hour before washing your face. It will allow the Minoxidil to be equally absorbed into the skin and start working. You can use 3% minoxidil for beard growth.

Minoxidil also works for women

Minoxidil is an effective medication that can be used to stimulate hair growth in women. Minoxidil is a topical solution used to treat female pattern baldness.

It is the only FDA-approved medication to treat hair loss in women. Although it is not a cure, it can help to slow or stop the progression of hair loss and, in some cases, even promote hair regrowth.

How to use Minoxidil for women?

Make sure that your scalp is dry and clean. Apply or spray directly on your scalp and gently massage your scalp, ensuring the availability of solution to all the target areas.

Is it safe to use minoxidil during pregnancy?

Minoxidil is pregnancy category C for pregnant ladies. Which means enough data is not there to decide whether it’s safe or unsafe and the decision to use is left on the dermatologist. However, its a common practice to use topical minoxidil during pregnancy among dermatologists and is considered safe by them.

How to use minoxidil with derma roller?

It can work better when you learn how to use minoxidil with derma roller. If you’re looking to enhance minoxidil’s effect, you may want to consider combining it with a derma roller. This combo decreases the results time with a visible difference in a few sessions.

Here’s what you need to know on how to use minoxidil with a derma roller for hair regrowth.

Follow this step-by-step process on how to use minoxidil with a derma roller:

• Start by cleaning the area where you will be applying the minoxidil.
• Use the clean and sterilized derma roller to create tiny punctures in the skin, and roll horizontally and vertically on an area for at least two minutes each.
• Apply minoxidil topically on the affected area. Ensure that the minoxidil is fully absorbed into the skin, discard the derma roller (if it is disposable), or follow instructions to sterilize it and keep it in place.
• Finally, allow the minoxidil to work. You should see results within 8 weeks; the effects should last several months.

Combining Minoxidil with other hair growing serums is tremendous and works like magic. How?

Learning how to use minoxidil with other hair growing serums can increase its effect. We recommend serums like redensyl, anagain and procapil along with derma roller.

How often do you use Minoxidil?

Apart from learning on how to use minoxidil it’s important to know how often you should use it here are some pro-tips:

Once a day works well, Twice a day works better, everyday:

Minoxidil is an FDA-approved treatment for hair loss. Its efficiency is maximum when appropriately applied twice a day, every day!

Formulations:

Minoxidil is available in different formulations in the market, i.e., from 2%, 3% to 5% concentrations.

Follow instructions:

It is essential to follow the instructions on the package, as the amount and frequency of use may differ depending on the formulation.

Generally speaking, people with mild to moderate hair loss should use a 2%-3% minoxidil solution twice daily, while those with more severe hair loss may benefit from a 5% solution.

Thorough application:

Applying it to the frontal and crown part of the scalp is recommended, is recommended to get maximum results.

Remain persistent:
For optimal results, it is essential to apply Minoxidil every day, even if you feel no difference. Results can take several months (usually 4-6 months), and using Minoxidil regularly is the best way to ensure the treatment is working.

Not for under 18:

Minoxidil should not be used in children under 18 years of age.

Take home message:

Minoxidil is an overall safe and efficient treatment option for men and women, but it is also essential to keep in mind that Minoxidil is generally not a permanent solution and that it is added as a part of overall maintenance therapy and planning of hair loss treatment.

Lastly, visit your expert dermatologist regularly to monitor results, side effects and get the best advice on how to use minoxidil according to your present state. Minoxidil is a safe medication and may be a good option for those looking for a solution to their hair loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to apply Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is an effective treatment for hair loss that should be used twice daily (morning and before bed) every day for several months to achieve the best results.

Can we use Minoxidil daily?

Minoxidil is recommended to use daily for at least 6 months for best results. In the first month, the hair in the telogen phase usually sheds rapidly, and apparently, hair fall worsens. Don’t worry. It’s normal and gets better magically in about 25 days.

Can I leave Minoxidil overnight?

Yes, it’s magnificent medically. Remember not to go to bed before it gets dry, as Minoxidil can stain pillow covers, bedsheets, or your partner’s night suit.

Does Minoxidil thicken hair?

Yes, Minoxidil thickens the hair-producing cells in the dermis (hair follicles). Healthy hair follicles produce healthy, thick hair.

How fast will Minoxidil work?

To achieve the maximum effects of Minoxidil, regular and continued usage is required. Do not try to stop it. You may also find shedding during the first 3-6 months of therapy.

Do not stop the medication until or unless you have some side effects. If you suddenly stop Minoxidil, you may experience losing all of its benefits.

Minoxidil results permanent?

Minoxidil results will be permanent or not depends on the cause of hairfall which we are using to treat it. If it is male or female patterned baldness then results are not permanent as the androgens in body keep exerting their action and cause hair thinning once we stop minoxidil.

However, for hair loss problems like telogen effluvium the results lasts even after stopping minoxidil.