Minoxidil (Rogaine) for Hair Loss

How Does Minoxidil Work?

Vasodilators like minoxidil work by opening, or dilating, blood vessels. By stimulating muscles in the walls of arteries and veins, vasodilators prevent muscles from contracting and the walls of arteries from constricting. As a result, blood can flow more easily through these opened blood vessels. 

The exact action mechanism for minoxidil as it relates to hair regrowth is not clear. However, researchers believe that minoxidil works by partially expanding hair follicles and opening blood vessels. As a result, blood flow courses through the hair follicles to help them function more efficiently and produce more hair. This blood vessel opening could explain why people who take oral minoxidil experience undesirable hair growth in certain parts of the body.

How Do You Use Minoxidil to Treat Hair Loss?

Clean and dry your scalp before applying minoxidil. You can use minoxidil on damp hair but ensure your scalp is dry. 

To use the liquid form of minoxidil, fill the applicator with 1 milliliter of minoxidil, approximately 20 drops using an eyedropper. Part your hair in the area of thinning to expose it and apply the liquid solution evenly to this area of your scalp. Gently rub in the solution until your scalp completely absorbs the liquid. Allow the solution to dry completely before using styling products such as gels or mousse or before going to bed. 

To use the foam solution, follow the same application procedure as the liquid solution above. Apply about a half capful of foam to your scalp and gently rub in the foam. Let the foam dry thoroughly before going to bed or adding styling products to your hair. 

Wash your hands thoroughly after applying the foam or liquid solution. Do not get the medication in your eyes. If you do, rinse your eyes with cool water.

Do not use minoxidil on damaged skin (cuts, scrapes, or burns, including sunburn). Damaged skin will allow too much of the drug to get absorbed into your body, which may result in serious side effects. 

If you have damaged skin, allow the skin on your scalp to heal before using minoxidil treatments. 

You need to use this medication consistently for four to six months to obtain the best results. If your hair loss condition worsens or you don’t see any improvement after six months to one year, your doctor may recommend alternative hair loss treatments.

Side Effects of Using Minoxidil

Talk to your doctor if you experience an allergic reaction to using minoxidil. Minor side effects may occur at the application site. Side effects may include burning, stinging, or redness. These side effects generally cease on their own without any treatment. 

Call your doctor immediately if you notice any symptoms including the following:

• Inflammation at the hair roots.
• Increased hair loss. 
• Unwanted facial or body hair growth. 
• Swelling in the face or scalp. 
• Changes in vision, such as blurriness or cloudiness.
• Chest pain.
• Severe dizziness. 
• Fainting or feeling light-headed. 
• Fast or irregular heartbeat. 
• Rapid weight gain.
• Frequent or persistent headaches. 
• Difficulty breathing, especially when lying down.

Does Minoxidil (Rogaine) Work for Hair Loss?

Minoxidil (Rogaine) can assist with hair regrowth and slowing down hair loss. This drug is the most widely available treatment for male pattern baldness, available as an OTC drug.

Doctors use minoxidil as one part of many treatments for male pattern baldness, or in cases where finasteride does not result in a substantial amount of hair growth on the scalp. While some patients respond well to minoxidil, finasteride can be a highly effective nonsurgical option for many men. 

Before trying minoxidil, speak with your doctor. Your personal or family history may influence the likelihood of side effects, particularly if you have cardiac concerns.