Hair loss treatments: Minoxidil—how does it work?

Last week's hair loss treatment feature was Propecia, and I explained how it works in fighting hair loss. This week I'm writing about the first FDA approved  hair loss treatment Minoxidil—otherwise marketed as Rogaine. With formulas geared specifically to both men and women, Minoxidil has been around since the early 80s. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need a prescription for Rogaine and it's available over the counter at most major retailers. Most importantly, Rogaine does work and is proven (in most cases) to effectively prevent hair loss and in some cases even regrow lost hair.

How does Minoxidil / Rogaine work?

Stated as simply as possible, Minoxidil works by using a nitric oxide chemical structure to dilate the blood vessels in the head and, as a result, a potassium channel develops, stimulating the hair follicles. Once stimulated, the hair follicles somehow build up a resistance against hair loss and in some cases promote new hair growth. If you're like me, the explanation above is a bit vague and difficult to grasp from a simpletons perspective, but I guess it's just that simple.

The pros and cons of Minoxidil / Rogaine.
Like all good things, Rogaine has its pros and cons. Put simply, the pro is that you can possibly prevent future hair loss and cover up your bald spot(s). With that, there are some negative aspects to using Rogaine—here are a few of the more popular ones:

• Rogaine has some mild side effects; however, these side effects are only a result of using the product and will dissipate immediately after ending use. Side effects include itching, contact dermatitis, peeling, hives and rashes,  swelling and sensitivity on the patients head.
• Rogaine can get expensive; averaging at $50 -$60 for a 3-month supply, most Rogaine users should allocate $200-$300 a year for Rogaine.
• Rogaine needs to be applied daily to work effectively.
• Results stop immediately after using Rogaine. That said, as soon as you stop using Rogaine you go right back to where you started from.

Before I went through the Bosley hair restoration procedure, and when I first started to be bothered by my hair loss, I tried Rogaine. My experience with Rogaine was less than fun, mostly because I apparently have a sensitive scalp, and as a result my head itched like crazy and I started to experience extreme dandruff. However, everyone is different and don't let my experience deter you from trying Rogaine. After all, if you want to battle your baldness and surgical hair restoration is out of the question, Rogaine is maybe worth a try.

Comments

[bayrak]

minoxidil5% is the same as Regaine Extra Strength. There are no differences in composition or quality because Kirkland Minoxidil 5% is actually manufactured by Pfizer, the same company that makes Regaine.

[bayrak]

http://www.minoxidilsatis.com5% is the same as Regaine Extra Strength. There are no differences in composition or quality because Kirkland Minoxidil 5% is actually manufactured by Pfizer, the same company that makes Regaine.