Minoxidil against Hair Loss

The active ingredient minoxidil belongs to the class of antihypertensives. Active substances that belong to this class all have a blood pressure-lowering effect. Nowadays, however, minoxidil is primarily used to treat hereditary hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). The active ingredient can slow down or stop hair loss. In some cases, the growth of head and beard hair can even be stimulated. However, as with any other active ingredient, side effects of minoxidil should be noted.

Minoxidil stops hair loss

Products containing the active ingredient minoxidil are primarily used for the treatment of hereditary hair loss in men and women. Depending on gender, the dosage of the active ingredient varies. In women, lower-dose products are generally used than in men. Minoxidil seems to be particularly effective in men between the ages of 18 and 49. In men, minoxidil is used for hereditary hair loss in the tonsure area. However, the bald areas should not be larger than ten centimeters. The smaller the affected area, the better results can usually be achieved. There are no reliable findings as to whether minoxidil can also be used to reduce receding hairline. So far, its use is only recommended for the back of the head. In women, hereditary hair loss in the crown area can be stopped by minoxidil. In addition to the growth of the main hair, the active ingredient is also said to stimulate beard growth. Through regular use, the beard is supposed to grow back more vigorously and smaller gaps in the beard are supposed to be closed. However, scientific studies are still pending. Hereditary hair loss can be stopped by the use of Minoxidil in about 70 to 80 percent of cases. In about 30 percent of those affected, hair regrowth occurs, although this only leads to a satisfactory result in ten percent of those affected. However, the goal of treatment is also primarily to slow or stop hair loss and not to stimulate hair growth.

Minoxidil lowers blood pressure

However, minoxidil is not only used for hair loss therapy, but also as a blood pressure lowering agent. However, for the treatment of high blood pressure, the drug is only used when treatment with other drugs does not work. This is due to the fact that minoxidil, when taken orally, can have numerous side effects. For this reason, the active ingredient is only used in cases of therapy-resistant high blood pressure. Therapy-resistant means that the maximum dose of other blood pressure-lowering medications have not shown sufficient success, even in triple combination.

How minoxidil works

The active ingredient causes blood vessels to dilate. It does this by causing the smooth muscle of the blood vessels to relax. Due to the dilated vessels, the blood is pumped through the vessels with less pressure and the blood pressure decreases. Blood flow to the vessels around the hair root is crucial for hair growth. Exactly how minoxidil affects our hair has not yet been conclusively clarified. However, it is assumed that the blood vessels at the bottom of the hair root dilate as a result of the application and that the hair is better supplied with blood and nutrients due to the improved blood circulation. In addition, Minoxidil is also said to stimulate DNA synthesis in the hair cells. This ensures that the cell division rate increases and the hair grows back stronger than before.

Application of Minoxidil

If the active ingredient is used to treat high blood pressure, the active ingredient is taken orally. The exact dosage of minoxidil should always be discussed with the attending physician. As a rule, the dose is increased until a reduction in blood pressure occurs or the maximum permitted dose is reached. When taking minoxidil, it should be noted that it should normally only be used in combination with a beta-blocker or a diuretic. When minoxidil is used to treat hereditary hair loss, the active ingredient is applied to the scalp in the form of a solution or foam and massaged in gently. It is important that the active ingredient is applied directly to the scalp and not to the hair.During use, care should be taken that the tincture does not come into contact with the eyes or mucous membranes. In addition, the intake of the agent should always be monitored by a doctor.products for the treatment of hair loss can be purchased without a prescription in any pharmacy. If the treatment with Minoxidil is successful, the first successes appear after about three to four months. It takes about a year to achieve the optimal result. If the application is discontinued, it may happen that hair loss starts again after three to four months.