Minoxidil for hair loss

Minoxidil (2% or 5% solution) is a spray or lotion that you put directly on your scalp twice a day. It is available without a prescription.

How It Works

It is unclear how minoxidil affects hair growth. Minoxidil appears to increase hair follicles and increase the diameter of hair shafts.

Minoxidil has been approved for both men and women.

Why It Is Used

Minoxidil was originally used to treat high blood pressure. It is now also used to treat inherited hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), the most common cause of hair loss. And it is used to treat other causes of hair loss, too.
Androgenetic alopecia is a type of hair loss that is inherited from either or both the mother and the father. Also known as male- or female-pattern hair loss, it is the most common cause of hair loss.

The condition occurs when the growth (anagen) phase of the hair growth cycle becomes shorter and shorter. A genetic sensitivity to androgens, a type of hormone, causes hair follicles—where hair growth begins—to sprout hairs that are thinner than normal. The hairs become thinner and thinner, and eventually the follicles die away.

    * In men, hair loss occurs on the front hairline and forehead and on the top of the head. Bald spots are noticeable.
    * In women, hair loss occurs as thinning of hair throughout the entire scalp, including the top and sides. Women do not generally have bald spots but rather have overall thinning hair.

How Well It Works

Minoxidil slows hair loss and grows new hair. In men, the 5% solution appears to be more effective than the 2% solution, but it costs more and may have more side effects.

Some people who take minoxidil only grow hair that is thin and wispy or similar to peach fuzz.

Minoxidil seems to work best on people younger than 30 years of age who have been losing hair for fewer than 5 years.

Side Effects

The most common side effects include skin irritation, dandruff and an itchy scalp. In women, minoxidil may promote facial hair growth, especially on the forehead and cheeks.

If you have heart problems, ask your doctor about using this medicine.

What To Think About

Minoxidil must be used daily. If you stop using minoxidil, any regrown hair will gradually be lost, and within 6 to 12 months the scalp will most likely appear the same as before treatment.

Women may have more hair growth if they take minoxidil with estrogen (such as hormone replacement or birth control pills).