Minoxidil had originally designed to treat high blood pressure, and doctors may still prescribe its oral form of the drug for people with severe hypertension. In 1987 scientists developed a topical solution that is capable of treating hair loss. The minoxidil solution is available in either a 5% or 2% concentration. Minoxidil and finasteride are other drugs whose main work is to prevent hair loss. It is one of the only drugs that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating hair loss in males. Research shows that these two drugs are 60% effective in encouraging hair growth and in preventing hair loss. So now the question arises of how does minoxidil actually work?
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How Does Minoxidil Work For Men
In the United States, nearly 35 million men who have male pattern baldness have a choice of Two FDA-approved drugs To prevent hair loss and minoxidil is one of them. In some men using the minoxidil medication which comes in the topical solution or foam, Once or twice a day can help to prevent hair loss from male pattern baldness. It is also called androgenetic alopecia.
Minoxidil can help to stimulate new hair growth. The key factor in this is to use minoxidil treatment early when you start losing your hair and use it continuously to keep up the results.
Minoxidil was the first to be designed as an oral medication to treat high blood pressure that was taken by mouth. But scientists discovered that when people took the minoxidil oral form there was hair growth on part of their body.
Research shows that minoxidil medication influences hair growth in certain people when it is applied topically. As a treatment for hair loss, it works by expanding the growth phase of hair. Share gross for about 1000 days in a growth cycle before it falls out.
But for men with male pattern baldness, in which hair follicles become miniaturized and here start to become thinner and delegate. It usually happens sometime after puberty and it is associated with the male sex hormone androgens. That is why it is also called androgenetic alopecia. Eventually, the hairline recedes, And around the Crown of the head hair starts to thin.
Minoxidil solution comes in two concentrations 5% and 2%. The 2% drug is designed for women while the 5% drug is designed for men.
How Does Minoxidil Work For Beard
Minoxidil can also help to grow a beard. From studies, we know that minoxidil use will promote hair growth. If applied to the beard it will help to promote hair to stay in a glowing phase and less rest, the result is a fuller beard.
Adding minoxidil products to your daily routines takes only seconds. After washing your face apply minoxidil product to dampen beard skin. Not get just damp, as minoxidil tends to penetrate better into the skin. Gently massage it, and focus on the area in which you want denser, thicker hair.
Once it’s done wash your hands thoroughly, and be careful not to spread the minoxidil on the rest of the face. While you may be tempted to use it more than recommended, thinking it will help to grow a beard faster, then don’t. Just follow the recommended dose directed by your health expert.
How Does Minoxidil Work For Crown Balding
Minoxidil is available in the market in generic form and can be purchased over the counter. It is also available in foam.
In general minoxidil works on the applied Crown area in which the hair thinning.
- Minoxidil works in the area where at least there are some here. It doesn’t work on the bald scalp.
- Minoxidil works on the Crown area where the hair is just starting to fall. So, it is important to use it on the Crown area where the hair is thin.
Apply minoxidil to the Crown area to work, minoxidil does not work if you only apply it to the hair. You need to apply it to the Crown area.
- Minoxidil 5% solution is effective for people with some here, as the solution is easier to apply to the Crown area.
- If the 5% solution is irritating to your body, try the 5% foam which does not contain irritants.
- Additionally, if the minoxidil solution is too greasy for you then switch it to foam.
Usage Of Minoxidil
Minoxidil works best if you use it twice a day. You can also use it once a day. It is still very effective and it is better than not using it at all.
- Many people suggested that applying minoxidil at bedtime is the most convenient way.
- When using minoxidil you should use the exact amount recommended by your health expert so that it will be applied to the entire Crown area.
It can be applied to the damp scalp as well but you should apply it when you first get out of the shower this will make applying easier.
If you want the best result by using minoxidil treatment then be patient and use it continuously and regularly. do not stop using the minoxidil and start it again. You will see e hair loss in the first three to four months of treatment. It means the minoxidil treatment is working and do not stop the medication unless you are having serious side effects. If you stop the minoxidil treatment then you will lose the regrown hair.
Minoxidil Before And After For Crown Balding
Minoxidil works best for hair growth at the Crown area and vortex of the scalp. It does not work at the hairline. You will Pay attention to the top of the head area where thinning hair will appear fuller after the lengthy minoxidil treatment. You will see less scalp through your hair and even notice the improvement in follicle density.
How Does Minoxidil Work For Hair Loss
Minoxidil in liquid form so that it can be easily applied to the scalp. In general, minoxidil should be used twice a day. You might be tempted to increase the minoxidil dosage to grow your hair faster, then stop it because using the minoxidil product more than required does not produce faster results and it may cause serious side effects. You should use minoxidil exactly as recommended by your health expert. If you want the best result then be patient and use it for at least 4 months or longer. Its treatment works for women the same way as it works for men.
Minoxidil Before And After For Hair Loss
Minoxidil works better for hair growth at the Crown area and vortex of the scalp. It is not good for Regrowth at the hairline. You will want to pay close attention to the top of the head area where thinning hair will appear fuller after using minoxidil for several months.
How Does Minoxidil Work For Women

Women with female pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia, use 150 hairs a day, and women without thinning hair lose 50 to 100 hairs daily. Unfortunately, once you lose the hair, it takes a long time to grow back, so treating your hair loss early is the best treatment.
Symptoms of androgenetic alopecia are the overall thinning of your hair. In many women, hair loss occurs on the front of the head or the top of the head. Fortunately, minoxidil can help you to prevent hair loss. And in some cases, minoxidil can even help to regrow new hair.
If your hair loss is a result of female pattern baldness then applying minoxidil topically to your scalp can help to stop hair loss. Normally hair grows about half an inch every month. Each hair grows for 6 years then it stops growing, stays at rest for a while, and eventually falls out And new hair grows in its place for 6 years. In general, about 85% of your hair is growing at any given time and 15% of it is resting.
But in patients with female pattern baldness, hair follicles get thinner and thinner over time. They become smaller and take a short amount of time for your hair to grow. Eventually, when your hair falls out, they are not replaced by new hair, but instead by finer, thinner strands of hair.
Availability Of Minoxidil
In most women minoxidil slows down hair loss and stops hair loss. And in the quarter of the women who use minoxidil treatment can help to encourage new hair to grow. It works best when you use it as soon as the first sign of hair falls.
Minoxidil is available in the market, So you don’t need a prescription to buy it. But it is best to see a doctor or a dermatologist Before using minoxidil treatment. Because there may be a medical problem that is causing your hair loss.
How Does Minoxidil Work For Hair Loss
Topical minoxidil solution is available in the market and can be purchased over the counter. you don’t need any prescription to buy minoxidil solution.
There are a few side effects of minoxidil such as LightHeadedness/Dizziness, Increased Facial Hair, and Scalp Irritation. These Side Effects are reversible and only happen in only 5% of the people who use minoxidil treatment. If the side effects occur, contact your health expert and stop using minoxidil.
Minoxidil works on the applied area. You need to gently rub and massage the applied area.
- Minoxidil works Very well on the small head; it does not work on the receding hairline.
- However, minoxidil can also work on the front part of the scalp and on the temples where the hair is just starting to thin.
How To Apply Minoxidil
Minoxidil does not work on the hair itself. Women should apply it to the scalp. Also, many people find that applying minoxidil once a day before bedtime is the most convenient.
- When you apply minoxidil on the scalp do not use it more than recommended. Use it as it is recommended by your health expert.
- If the minoxidil solution is too greasy then use that at 8 bedtimes and take a shower in the morning. You can also use minoxidil foam at night if you are not planning to shampoo your hair in the morning. As minoxidil foam is easier to use.
- Apply minoxidil to the damp scalp if you shampoo in the evening. Applied when you first get out of the shower, it will make grooming easier.
Minoxidil is an effective treatment and it should be used regularly. It takes a long time for hair to grow. So don’t stop minoxidil and start it. People experience hair fall during the first three to four months of treatment. This means the medication is working so don’t stop it unless you have a side effect.
Minoxidil Before And After Women For Hair Loss
Sometimes minoxidil can even take up to six months before you see any visible sign of improvement. It is important not to stop minoxidil treatment too early because there are different phases of hair follicle growth.
Anagen phase, in which your hair grows very quickly. The Catagen phase in this hair stops growing but doesn’t fall. And in the telogen phase, hairs fall out and a new anagen phase starts. You have to pay attention to the top of the head area where thinning hair will become fuller.
How Long Does It Take For Minoxidil To Work

When using minoxidil to Thicken your hair, The last step is patience. It may take several months before you see any results. Give the minoxidil treatment at least 4 to 6 months before judging the result. It is better to keep a note or take before and after photos.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Minoxidil
Redness, stinging, or burning sensation at the application site may occur. If any of these effects last longer and get boards to tell your health expert.
In case your health expert has directed you to use minoxidil medication, then remember that your health expert judged the benefit is greater than the side effect. Many people who use minoxidil treatment do not have side effects.
Minoxidil can be absorbed through your skin and cause serious side effects. Tell your health expert right away And stop using it. If you have any side effects including unusual weight gain, tiredness, difficulty breathing especially when lying down, unwanted facial/body hair, dizziness, and fast/irregular heartbeat.
Serious allergic reactions are very rare to this minoxidil solution. However, go to the hospital right away if you notice any symptoms of an allergic reaction including severe dizziness, trouble breathing, rash, or itching/swelling(especially of the tongue/throat/face).
And this is not the list of all the possible side effects. If you notice other side effects that are not listed above contact your health expert.
When To Expect Results Using Minoxidil
Generally, minoxidil should be used for 4 months. But in most people, you will see improvement within 4 months. In the initial phase hair will shed which means minoxidil treatment is working. Minoxidil turns hair follicles from the resting phase to the active phase.
And for some people minoxidil may not work. It is better to stop taking minoxidil and consult your health expert.
Summary
Hair loss is a problem for many people but you can prevent it with the help of minoxidil-like medication. It helps to encourage hair growth.
Minoxidil treatment has been in use since it was first discovered to treat high blood pressure. It’s been used for decades to treat hair loss and hair loss-related treatment. Also, it is approved by the food and drug administration for hair loss and its related symptoms.
We still don’t know how the minoxidil works, it comes in a topical form and can be applied to the scalp area for the best. Is available in 5% and 2% concentration solutions and should be used every day. To make sure you are using minoxidil the right way, consult your health expert.