Applications of Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a medication, usually in the form of a solution or foam, used to help hair growth in the treatment of a kind of hair loss called Male Pattern Baldness. It is not used for the treatment of receding hairline or frontal baldness in men and persons below 18 years of age are advised NOT to use it. Those who can use it may have to use it indefinitely for maintenance of existing hair growth and support of existing follicles. And it can start at any age for both sexes.

Though this is called Male Pattern Baldness, women are also affected by it, at least one third it is believed. And it has a greater social impact on them than in men. However, unlike men, women’s hairline does not recede or go completely bald. But, there is a noticeable thinning of the hair

In both the cases, this type of hair loss occurs because of a genetically determined shortening of the Anagen, hair’s growth phase and the lengthening of the time between hair shedding and the start of a new growth phase.

Some common side effects include: irritation or redness of the eye; itching of the treated area; unwanted hair growth in areas not under treatment; allergic reactions have also been noted in some people. In some cases, it has also been seen to induce hair loss rather than growth.

Weird Fact: Minoxidil was developed in the late 1950s by the Upjohn Company; later a part of medical giant Pfizer; as a treatment for ulcer. It was officially approved for the treatment of hair loss only in 1988 and an over-the-counter drug in 1996.

The medication and application are the same for both men and women.

Application as a topical foam:

• Expose the thinning part of the scalp by parting the hair into one or more rows
• Transfer the foam from the container onto the fingers and gently massage it into the affected areas of the scalp.
• Wash your hands immediately to remove any residual foam.
• Do not blow-dry your hair as it makes Minoxidil less effective.

Application as a topical solution:

• Make sure the hair and scalp are dry and apply the solution in the prescribed amount only using the supplied applicator.
• Do not shampoo for 4 hours.
• If going to bed, wait for the Minoxidil to dry, at least 3 to 4 hours.
• Avoid transferring wet solutions to other parts of the body.
• Wash your hands to remove residue.
• Do not apply on irritated, sunburned or worn skin.
• Do not blow-dry here also.

Dosage varies from person to person. Follow your doctor's instruction strictly.

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Blog reviewed by: Dr. Priya J Talageri
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