Best type of Minoxidil for female hair loss

What is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is the only FDA-approved topical treatment for hair loss. Used by millions, it is regarded as the safest medical-grade treatment for androgenetic hair loss in both men and women. Minoxidil is the Dermatologist gold standard for topical treatment of hair loss. In a survey performed by the American Academy of Dermatology, 96% of dermatologists who see patients concerned about hair fall have recommended Minoxidil, one of the active ingredients found in the medicated MDhair Hair Regrowth Treatment kit.

How does Minoxidil work?

Areas of the scalp with thinning hair and androgenetic hair loss have significantly reduced blood flow. Minoxidil stimulates blood flow in the scalp, sending oxygen and nutrients to help hair follicles stay in the growth phase longer. Minoxidil increases the rate at which new hair follicle cells are built, resulting in healthier, thicker hair.

How effective is Minoxidil?

In the original FDA-approved clinical studies, 59% of men achieved some hair regrowth after 12 months. Similar results have been seen in women.

When can I expect results from Minoxidil?

Hair typically grows 1/2 to 1 inch per month. With continued twice-daily use of Minoxidil, most people will see hair regrowth in 3 - 4 months. It is important to note that in the first 2 - 3 weeks, it is common to experience some more hair loss. This is a normal, positive part of the process where the hair follicle sheds old, damaged hair and starts growing healthy, new hair.

Who can use Minoxidil?

Topical Minoxidil can be used by healthy men and women over 18 with mild to moderate thinning hair.

Who should NOT use Minoxidil?

Minoxidil should not be used by pregnant or nursing women, people with hypersensitivity to Minoxidil, or people with heart disorders or low blood pressure. People with low iron, hypothyroidism, or autoimmune diseases should consult their doctors before using Minoxidil.

How do you use Minoxidil?

Topical Minoxidil comes in the form of a liquid solution or foam. Liquid Minoxidil is dispensed with a dropper or a spray bottle, while foam Minoxidil is dispensed with a spray can. For men and women with mild to moderate hair loss, the most effective way to apply Minoxidil is in liquid form with a dropper directly to the scalp, as it guarantees more product and deeper penetration of the active ingredients. Since using a spray bottle or spray can to apply Minoxidil can cause the product to dry too quickly and get trapped in the hair, these application methods are better suited for men with large, smooth areas of balding.

Using Minoxidil Topical Solution

Topical Minoxidil is applied with a dropper directly onto a dry scalp and distributed evenly with the fingers (massage or friction not required).

How do you use the Minoxidil dropper?

Using a dropper is the best way to apply Minoxidil to the scalp.

1. Squeeze the rubber bulb and insert the dropper into the bottle. Release the bulb, allowing the dropper to fill to the 1ml line.
2. Place the tip of the dropper on the scalp and gently squeeze the bulb to release a few drops of the solution. Repeat for all areas of hair loss.
3. Tap the treated areas with your fingers to help spread the solution.
4. Repeat twice a day, once in the morning and night.

How many times a day should I use Minoxidil?

Minoxidil Topical Solution should only be used twice a day and will not work faster by applying it more often or a larger amount than indicated. Overuse of Minoxidil also increases the risk for unwanted side effects.

Minoxidil 2% vs. Minoxidil 5% for female pattern hair loss

It seems that a topical solution of Minoxidil 2% is the optimal treatment option for women with female pattern hair loss. Four clinical studies compared the use of Minoxidil (2%) to Minoxidil (5%) in female pattern hair loss, but none of the studies indicated any benefit of the higher concentration over the lower concentration.

Can I miss a dose of Minoxidil?

If you miss a dose of Minoxidil, continue with your next dose. Do not make up for missed doses.

Can I use Minoxidil with other medications?

There are no reports of drug interactions associated with the use of topical Minoxidil. That said when in doubt, it is best to check with your doctor.

What are the most common side effects of Minoxidil?

The most common side effects of Minoxidil are itching and redness of the treated areas of the scalp. If Minoxidil accidentally reaches the eyes or sensitive areas of the skin, rinse thoroughly with large amounts of cool tap water.

Can Minoxidil produce hair growth on other areas of the skin?

Unwanted hair growth on other areas of the skin is a rare event. To prevent it, limit the application of Minoxidil Topical Solution to only the scalp. If the solution reaches your forehead or other areas of your face, rinse it with clean tap water.

Can I wash my hair immediately after applying the Minoxidil?

For optimal results, it is recommended to leave the Minoxidil Topical Solution on the scalp for at least 4 hours before washing your hair. Studies show that the absorption of Minoxidil into the scalp is 50% complete by 1 hour and greater than 75% by 4 hours.

What is the best shampoo to use with Minoxidil?

For optimal results, look for a shampoo that contains DHT blocking ingredients and specifically helps with scalp health.

Can I go swimming immediately after applying the Minoxidil?

It is recommended to allow at least 4 hours for the Minoxidil to work on the scalp before rinsing or swimming.

Can I use Minoxidil on colored, permed, or relaxed hair?

As long as your scalp is not irritated, you can use Minoxidil on colored, permed, or relaxed hair.

What happens when I stop using Minoxidil?

Minoxidil should be used for at least 12 months for optimal hair regrowth, then continued to maintain results. If Minoxidil is discontinued, hair loss will resume at the same rate as prior to starting.

Minoxidil vs. Finasteride (Propecia) - which one should I use?

Finasteride is an oral drug used for the treatment of hair loss in men. Due to the risk of childbirth defects, it cannot be taken by women. In men, the success rate is similar between 5% minoxidil (twice daily) and 1 mg finasteride pill (once a day). Finasteride (brand name Propecia) has more possible side effects, including loss of libido, impairment of sexual function, and more.

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