Minoxidil against hair loss (2024)
The progression of androgenetic hair loss can be prevented with medication. Minoxidil is one of a few medications whose effectiveness has been scientifically proven.
In a Nutshell
| Cost | From 13 USD per month |
| Side Effects | Itching (1%) etc. |
| Chances of success | +18.6% Hair density/cm² |
What is minoxidil?
Minoxidil is an antihypertensive drug that was originally used to treat high blood pressure. Under the name Lonolox, it is offered in tablet form to those with high blood pressure. The effect of minoxidil as a hair loss remedy was discovered by chance.
For hereditary hair loss, it is applied to the scalp in the form of a solution or foam called Regaine (Rogaine in the US) twice a day, morning and evening. It usually shows a controlled effect, namely on the areas where the solution is applied.
- Free
- Fast
- Non-binding
| Study | Results |
|---|---|
| Olsen et al (2002) | 2% Minoxidil & Application 2 times a day: +12,7 hair density/cm2 5% Minoxidil & application 2 times a day: +18,6% hair density/cm2 Placebo group: +3.9 hair density/cm2 (male study participants only). |
| Berger et al (2003) | 2% Minoxidil & Application 2 times a day: +12,7 hair density/cm2 5% Minoxidil & application 2 times a day: +18,6% hair density/cm2 Placebo group: +3.9 hair density/cm2 (male study participants only). |
| Lucky et al (2004) | 2% Minoxidil & Application 2 times a day: +20,7 hair density/cm2 5% Minoxidil & application 2 times a day: +26,0% hair density/cm2 Placebo group: +9.4 hair density/cm2 (female study participants only). |
For whom is minoxidil suitable?
The active ingredient minoxidil is suitable for both women and men and is equally well tolerated by both sexes. It should be noted that the 2% solution is more suitable for women and the 5% solution for men.
For people who suffer from androgenetic alopecia, i.e., congenital hair loss, the application of the drug is an extremely effective solution to stop the progression of pattern baldness, with women especially benefitting from the use of minoxidil. Minoxidil can usually only stop the hair loss however, and has not been proven to trigger new hair growth.
People who are already taking medication for psychosis, for example, should avoid taking minoxidil, which can lead to an increased reduction in blood pressure. Also, the effects of this medication on pregnant women and nursing mothers have only been analyzed to a limited extent. In general, when a patient has existing diseases or is pregnant, the intake of minoxidil should only be carried out under medical supervision.
Although hair loss medication such as Minoxidil is on of the few effective remedies against hair loss, only 15.6% of the patients who are interested in a hair transplant are treating their hair loss witch these medications according to the medihair hair loss statistics:
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- Age: 33
- Hair loss degree: III and IV (medium)
- Method: FUE
- Age: 35
- Hair loss degree: III and IV (medium)
- Method: FUE
- Age: 28
- Hair loss degree: III and IV (medium)
- Method: FUE
- Age: 27
- Hair loss degree: III and IV (medium)
- Method: FUE
- Age: 43
- Hair loss degree: V+ (advanced)
- Method: FUE
- Age: 38
- Hair loss degree: III and IV (medium)
- Method: FUE
- Age: 45
- Hair loss degree: III and IV (medium)
- Method: FUE
- Age: 24
- Hair loss degree: III and IV (medium)
- Method: FUE
- Age: 29
- Hair loss degree: III and IV (medium)
- Method: FUE
- Age: 32
- Hair loss degree: III and IV (medium)
- Method: FUE
- Age: 30
- Hair loss degree: III and IV (medium)
- Method: FUE
- Age: 34
- Hair loss degree: III and IV (medium)
- Method: FUE
- Age: 33
- Hair loss degree: III and IV (medium)
- Method: FUE
- Age: 40
- Hair loss degree: III and IV (medium)
- Method: FUE
- Age: 43
- Hair loss degree: III and IV (medium)
- Method: FUE
Our tip
Minoxidil is not suitable for every individual suffering from hair loss. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly analyze all hair loss treatment options before deciding to take minoxidil. Our hair loss experts will help you to choose the right hair loss treatment: Do your hair loss analysis now
| Study | Results |
|---|---|
| Olsen et al (2002) | Itching: 1% Headaches: 0.6%. (Male study participants only). |
| Berger et al (2003) | Local intolerance (itching): 7%. (Male study participants only). |
| Lucky et al (2004) | Itching: 0.6% Headaches: 2% (Male study participants only). |
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What happens when you stop taking minoxidil?
Once the patient has started taking minoxidil for hair loss, sudden discontinuation of the medication is not recommended. The effects of minoxidil are not permanent, and discontinuation of the medicine will lead to the previous hair loss resuming within three to four months.
However, one should generally distinguish between two types of hair loss. If a patient suffers from seasonal hair loss, then they should use minoxidil for approximately three months to prevent hair loss. In this case, minoxidil can be discontinued without hesitation after three months and the positive effects of the medication will remain as the body becomes able to regulate hair growth. However, if the hair loss is due to a genetic predisposition, discontinuing the medication will lead to visible hair loss.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for minoxidil to take effect?
How dangerous is minoxidil?
Can minoxidil stop hair loss?
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