The first FDA approved drug for treating hair loss was minoxidil. It was first used as a blood pressure medication, but during clinical trials, doctors observed that people taking the medication grew hair. Upon discovering this, scientists went back to the lab, and re-purposed minoxidil to be a hair loss treatment. Since it can affect blood pressure, it is administered topically (on the scalp) rather than orally. Over the past several years minoxidil has been refined (5% is best for men, 2% for women) and more investigation has been performed as to why it works.
Minoxidil is available without a prescription, works in 85% of people, and is one of the cheapest treatments available. However, it may take up to 4 months to see a noticeable effect, and up to 12 months before the treatment can be deemed a success or failure.
How it Works
Since minoxidil was discovered by accident, it is unknown just exactly how it works. Scientists’ current understanding is that it does so through several mechanisms.
- First, it decreases DHT levels in the scalp (the main culprit for male pattern baldness).
- Second, minoxidil is very good at improving blood flow (it was, after all, a blood pressure medicine before a hair restoration medicine). Improved blood flow naturally aids hair growth by improving the flow of nutrients to hair follicles.
- Thirdly, minoxidil seems to tip the balance of hair development from telogen (the stage in which hair goes dormant and falls out) to anagen (the stage in which the hair follicle adds length and thickness to growing hair).
- Lastly, minoxidil may enhance cell proliferation, which could mean more active cells within the hair follicle.
Does it work only on the crown?
Many people believe that minoxidil only works on the crown of the head. While it may work best in this area, it also works (to a lesser degree) on the frontal hairline if there is fine (miniaturized) hair. However, it will not work on the frontal hairline if the area is totally bald.
Side Effects
The most common side effect of minoxidil is scalp irritation. Women who use minoxidil are also at risk of increased facial hair, low blood pressure, and potential birth defects.
Combining Minoxidil with Finasteride
Finasteride and minoxidil increase hair growth when taken together because they work differently. Finasteride stimulates hair growth by blocking the production of DHT in the scalp, whereas minoxidil stimulates the hair follicle directly.
Where to Buy
Minoxidil is available without a prescription. It is commonly marketed as Rogaine, but we recommend Provillus. You can also purchase generic minoxidil from most drug and department stores.
