Minoxidil is commonly used to treat hair loss, but more importantly – it can help you improve your overall appearance. Despite that, people often hesitate to try it out because its benefits aren't immediately apparent. So let's dive into everything you need to know about Minoxidil.
In this article, we will be discussing Minoxidil for men and women. If you're curious about what it is, how to use it, and your best practices to target it toward both men and women, then keep reading.
What is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil is a topical solution introduced in the 1980s as a drug to treat high blood pressure. It's currently used to treat hair loss and baldness.
Minoxidil topical solution treats androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness), also known as male pattern baldness. It's the most popular treatment for hair loss in men and women. It can help regrow lost hair on its own or be combined with other therapies like finasteride.
Unlike Finasteride, Minoxidil is a topical liquid and can be used by both men and women. It’s available over the counter and can be used at home with few side effects.
How Does Minoxidil Work To Regrow Hair?
Minoxidil is a vasodilator. It widens the blood vessels in your scalp and increases blood flow to your hair follicles.
When you apply minoxidil spray to a woman's or a man's beard, the active ingredient is absorbed into the bloodstream. From there, it's transported to your hair follicles, which promotes an increase in blood flow and oxygen delivery.
This increased blood flow improves scalp circulation, allowing nutrients and oxygen to reach the cells. The oxygenation is known to promote new hair growth and can make existing hair thicker and more robust.
Minoxidil also helps prevent further hair loss by inhibiting DHT receptor sites in your scalp. DHT is a hormone that causes hair loss and can be found in men and women, but it's more common in men. Minoxidil spray is the most effective form of Minoxidil since it goes directly to where you need it most—the scalp.
Who Can Use Minoxidil?
The FDA approves Minoxidil for men and women at least 18 years old. You can use it if you have hereditary hair loss when your hair begins to thin or fall out before age 30. It's also approved for treating alopecia areata and female pattern hair loss (FPHL).
Females and males can use Minoxidil to:
- Increase the size of their hair follicles, which can help prevent hair loss and stimulate growth
- Reduce shedding by strengthening existing hairs, reducing breakage, and increasing the diameter of individual strands
- Improve the appearance of hair by making it look fuller, thicker, and healthier
- Increase the number of hairs in an area that has been affected by hair loss
- Slow down or stop the progression of hereditary hair loss
How To Apply Minoxidil For Hair Growth
Minoxidil is the best drug for hair growth. But before you apply Minoxidil, you should know how to use it properly.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before applying Minoxidil. This will prevent any contamination of the solution.
- Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and dry it.
- Apply the minoxidil solution to the affected area of your scalp using a dropper or spray bottle.
- Massage the solution into your scalp for about 5 minutes using your fingers.
- Leave the solution on your scalp for at least 12 hours before washing it off.
- Once you have applied Minoxidil, don't apply any other products to your hair or scalp.
- Use a mild shampoo and apply it directly to your hair after 12 hours of application of Minoxidil.
How To Use Minoxidil Spray For Women
MInoxidil also comes as a spray, an excellent option for women. The best way to use the jet is to apply it directly to your hair after washing and drying it. After application, you should leave it in your hair for at least 12 hours before washing it out again.
How To Apply Minoxidil To Men’s Beard
Minoxidil is also a great option if you’re a man and want to grow out your beard. The best way to use it is by applying it directly to your facial hair after washing and drying it.
Applying Minoxidil directly to your skin and not your facial hair is vital.
You can use one of the following methods:
- Use a Q-tip or cotton swab to apply Minoxidil directly onto the areas where you want fuller, thicker hair growth.
- Use your fingers to rub some minoxidil into those areas until they are completely covered.
- Apply a small amount of shampoo on your fingertips and gently massage it into your beard using circular motions for about 30 seconds.
Minoxidil Hair Cream For Men and Women
Many people use minoxidil cream because it is cheaper than liquid form. This is a good option, but be sure to put it on your face the same way you would apply the liquid. After using Minoxidil, wash off any residue with mild soap and warm water.
How often should I use Minoxidil?
It is recommended that you apply Minoxidil twice a day. You can use it in the morning and evening or once daily.
The amount of time you should leave Minoxidil on your face and body before rinsing it off will vary according to your individual needs and sensitivity. If you have sensitive skin, it is recommended to leave Minoxidil on for only a few minutes before rinsing it off.
Many people need to experiment with how long they leave the cream on their skin and how often they apply it to find an effective balance between effectiveness and side effects.
What Is The Best Time To Apply Minoxidil?
The best time to apply Minoxidil depends on your personal schedule. If you are using it as a hair loss treatment, you should apply it in the morning before going to work or school. This will help you to maintain good hair all day long without worrying about looking unprofessional due to thinning hair or bald spots.
You can also apply it at any point during the day as you need it. It's important to note that Minoxidil has a short shelf life and should be stored in a cool, dry place.
Does Minoxidil Have Any Side Effects?
Minoxidil is generally safe to use. However, Minoxidil is applied to the scalp; it can cause some irritation.
You should be aware of some side effects when using Minoxidil. These include:
- hives
- itching
- rash for some people, especially with long-term use
- eye irritation (minoxidil foam)
Generally, you may experience itching or mild burning sensations, but these should go away after you use the product. If they don't subside, talk with your doctor about switching to another form of treatment.
How long does it take to see results from using Minoxidil?
The results using Minoxidil typically take 3-6 months. You can expect new hair growth after using it for 2 months, but this may not be enough to cover bald spots or thinning hair. It's important not to expect immediate results but to look for gradual changes over time. If you're looking for a quick fix, Minoxidil is probably not the best option.
Final Thought
As the hair begins to regrow after applying Minoxidil, you can increase the amount of product you use until you see the desired results. It's important to remember that Minoxidil comes in many different forms, each with slightly different purposes. Knowing Minoxidil's basics and workings allows you to make better decisions about your own use and treatment.
proTHIK forms a permeable film which allows Minoxidil to go through. Worry not as it is compatible with Minoxidil formulations and will not interfere with your application.
proTHIKTM is professional and effective aerosol product that thickens hair and cosmetically eliminates bald spots or thinning hair for men and women. Trusted by hair professionals, hair restoration surgeons and valued consumers. Recommended for hair loss, alopecia areata, hair transplants, female pattern baldness and male pattern baldness. Learn more