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Men have to deal with hair loss too! And depending on the severity of the problem, it can quickly become a cause for concern. Faced with this situation, many are looking for solutions to not only slow down hair loss, but also stimulate growth and strengthen their capillary growth.
Minoxidil, often perceived as a miracle solution, is attracting growing interest among those battling alopecia. But is it really effective against baldness, or is it just another promise? Let’s take a closer look at this treatment and explore what science has to say about its results.
What is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil is a vasodilator that has been used for decades as a treatment for hair loss. It was originally designed to treat hypertension, but surprising side effects were observed: a stimulation of hair growth. As a result, it was adapted to treat alopecia, in particular androgenetic alopecia, a hereditary form of baldness.
In lotion or mousse form, it is applied directly to the scalp. But why does it work? In a nutshell, Minoxidil works by dilating the blood vessels in the scalp, improving the supply of nutrients.
What does science have to say about its effectiveness?
Numerous studies have examined the efficacy of Minoxidil. Research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology revealed that regular use of 5% Minoxidil over a 48-week period significantly increased hair density in participants. They were then suffering from androgenetic alopecia.
Another study, published in Drug Design, Development and Therapy, also confirms that Minoxidil stimulates hair growth. However, the effects vary from person to person. The treatment works best in people who start using it early, before follicles become too damaged or inactive.
Results, however, require a great deal of patience. The first visible effects usually only appear after 3 to 6 months of daily use. This wait may discourage many users, but it’s essential to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
Who is Minoxidil intended for?
I want to make this clear to you! Minoxidil is not a universal miracle solution. It is mainly recommended for men suffering from androgenetic alopecia. If hair loss is linked to other causes, such as intense stress, nutritional deficiency or underlying disease, this treatment may not be suitable.
A key factor to bear in mind is that this treatment acts, moreover, only on follicles that are still active. If the hair has been missing for years and the follicles are completely closed, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to reactivate them.
Minoxidil: what are its limitations and side effects?
Minoxidil, like any medical treatment, has its limits. Be aware, therefore, that it can have more or less undesirable side effects. One of the most common is irritation or dryness of the scalp. Some users even report temporary hair loss at the start of treatment. This may seem paradoxical, but it’s actually a normal phase when weaker hair falls out to make way for new growth.
Less frequently, people have experienced itching or redness. In the event of a severe reaction, I can only advise you to consult a health professional without delay.
Minoxidil requires continuous application. Once stopped, the benefits gradually disappear. This means that hair loss resumes its natural course. This is a long-term treatment. As a result, it may not be suitable for everyone.
How to optimize results?
Far be it from me to state the obvious, but to maximize the effectiveness of Minoxidil, I advise you to apply it correctly. The product should be applied evenly to a clean, dry scalp. Make sure you target the affected areas. Gently massaging the product into the scalp can also help absorption and stimulate blood circulation. Some people use Dermarollers, but in my opinion there’s a risk of infection, so I wouldn’t comment on that.
In my opinion, an overall skincare routine can only be beneficial. A well-balanced diet, rich in essential vitamins and minerals, will also support the health of your hair. You should also reduce stress and avoid aggressive hair treatments. These good habits will help keep your hair as healthy as possible.
Minoxidil: a good plan or a bad one?
Minoxidil works, but it’s important to have realistic expectations. This treatment is a serious option if you want to slow down hair loss and encourage regrowth, provided you are regular and patient. However, this treatment cannot recreate lost follicles or completely halt the natural progression of androgenetic alopecia.
Assuming you’re in the early stages of hair loss and are ready to commit to a daily routine, Minoxidil is well worth a try. If your alopecia is advanced or due to other causes, it’s wiser to consult a specialist to possibly explore other options.
