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Minoxidil For Men: An Overview

Minoxidil For Men

If you notice the early signs of baldness, such as hair loss and receding hairline. Minoxidil is a topical medication that can decrease hair fall and treat male pattern hair loss. It is available in the market as a topical solution and as foam, with both versions designed for application on the part of your scalp. In this article, there is complete information about Minoxidil for men.

Minoxidil is a scientifically proven medication to stimulate hair regrowth. It is also used for men with male pattern baldness or regrow “lost” hair, androgenetic alopecia.

Table of Contents

Minoxidil Uses For Men

Solution and foam are used to help regrow hair in the treatment of male pattern baldness. It is not used for font scalp baldness or receding hairline in men. The foam and 2% minoxidil solution also help to use in women with thinning hair. 

Minoxidil medication belongs to a class of drugs called vasodilators. It is still unknown how minoxidil causes hair growth and minoxidil is not to be used for sudden patchy/hair loss or unexplained hair loss for hair loss after giving birth. Do not use minoxidil products if you are 18 years old or younger.

Minoxidil Uses For Men Solution

You should clean and dry the scalp area before applying the minoxidil products. Minoxidil may also be applied to Damp hair. However, you should fill the applicator with 1 milliliter of minoxidil or use 20 drops, to use the solution. Divide your hair in the area of thinning Apply minoxidil solution to the affected area evenly.  

Wash your hand in the cold water and dry well to use the foam. Apply only half a capful of foam to the scalp and massage the head gently. Wait for the foam to dry completely before styling or going to bed.

If you have a scalp irritation problem then you should avoid using any minoxidil solution. You should also avoid using minoxidil on the same day when you have used other hair products, colored your hair, or treated your hair with other chemicals.

Minoxidil should not be used on the other part of the body unless prescribed by your doctor. Do not use minoxidil on red skin, scraped skin, painful areas, irritated skin, cuts, or infected areas. Wash your hands thoroughly before using minoxidil. Minoxidil is not for the eyes and you should avoid getting it in your eyes. If by chance minoxidil gets in your eyes then you should wash your eyes with a large amount of cool water.

However, Minoxidil should not be used more often, apply more than it is directed, or apply to a sunburned or irritated scalp. And if you do so minoxidil may get absorbed in your body and result in serious side effects. Minoxidil may contain alcohol and can be drying and irritating to the scalp. Ask your doctor how to use minoxidil safely.

Note

Minoxidil takes time to regrow hair.  In general, most people need to use minoxidil regularly for at least four months before seeing any benefit. You should use minoxidil products continuously to maintain hair growth. If your condition does not improve but instead worsens after using minoxidil for 4 to 6 months or if you think you have a serious medical condition consult your doctor.

Benefits Of Using Minoxidil For Men

Benefits Of Using Minoxidil For Men

Minoxidil may be a good choice for those who have recent hair loss or hair thinning. Here are some benefits of minoxidil. It is very effective for young men. Barazani says if you start minoxidil treatment early, especially if you are a man in his twenties who has recent hair loss or hair thinning and a father with male pattern baldness, your chances of regrowing your hair are the best.

It is available in the market. A doctor’s prescription is not needed to use minoxidil products. Minoxidil is available at the local drugstore, although our experts recommend consulting your doctor or skin doctor (dermatologist) before starting minoxidil treatment on your own.

Side Effect Of Using Minoxidil For Men

Redness, burning, or stinging at the applied site may occur. If any of these effects last longer or get worse, consult your doctor. If your doctor has prescribed you to use minoxidil, remember that your doctor has judged that the risk of side effects is lesser than its great benefits. In general, most people using minoxidil do not have serious side effects. 

Minoxidil gets absorbed by your skin and causes serious side effects. Stop using minoxidil and tell your doctor immediately if you have any side effects, including unusual weight gain, tiredness, fainting, chest pain, swelling of hands/feet, unwanted facial/body hair, dizziness, fast/irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing especially when lying down.

You may rarely get serious allergic reactions to minoxidil. If you notice any symptoms of an allergic reaction, including severe dizziness, trouble breathing,  rash, or itching/swelling especially of the tongue/face/throat, get medical help immediately. 

This is not a total list of side effects. If you notice other side effects not listed above, consult your doctor It can be cumbersome to apply minoxidil to your scalp. In general, it is recommended to apply the minoxidil solution twice a day.

Minoxidil works best for young men who have recent hair loss. It does not work for those who are already bald. Also, while a certain number of men will be able to regrow their hair with minoxidil, some will only be able to stop hair loss with minoxidil, and other drugs won’t work at all.  

Also Read: Side Effects Of Minoxidil

Precautions Before Using Minoxidil For Men

If you have any allergy then you should not use minoxidil, you should consult your doctor before using it. minoxidil may contain ingredients that may cause allergies in some people. You can consult your doctor for more information.

However, If you already have a medical condition including Kidney Disease, liver disease, disease of the scalp, and heart problems. You should never put minoxidil in your eyes if by chance minoxidil gets in your eye and you should shit immediately with cool water. It causes irritation and burning of the eyes and in the nasal passage.

Minoxidil does not work for everyone. This medication is used for those who have recent hair loss or hair thinning and who have male pattern baldness. It will not show any improvement for those who have receding hairlines. Using minoxidil May cause hair fall within 2 to 6 weeks. If this condition stays longer than 2 weeks you should consult your doctor. 

In General, minoxidil is used as a topical form to apply on the scalp.  If you have heart disease And you want to use minoxidil then you should discuss with your doctor how your medical condition may get affected by it, how it may be effective for you, and whether you need to monitor your dosage. You should consult your doctor.

Interaction With Minoxidil

Interaction with drugs may change how your medicines work or increase your risk for side effects. This article does not contain all drug interactions. Keep a list of all the medicines you are using and consult with your doctor. You must not change the dosage of any medication without consulting your doctor.

Some medications that may interact with minoxidil, include drugs that interact with alcohol, and drugs for high blood pressure.

How Should Men Use Minoxidil

How Should Men Use Minoxidil

Minoxidil comes in a liquid form to be applied to your scalp, usually, minoxidil is used twice a day. Do not use less or more minoxidil solution or use more often than prescribed by your doctor. You should use minoxidil exactly as prescribed.

Exceeding or increasing the recommended dosage of minoxidil does not produce greater or faster results and may cause serious side effects. Use minoxidil for at least 4 months, and possibly longer before you see any effect.

How Does Minoxidil Work For Men

Minoxidil comes in liquid form to be applied on two men’s scales. Minoxidil is used twice a day. You should use minoxidil exactly as directed by your doctor, do not use more or less prescribed. Exceeding the prescribed dosage does not produce greater or faster hair growth rather it may cause side effects. In general, you should use minoxidil for at least four 4 months and possibly longer before you see any improvement.

Right Dosage Of Minoxidil For Men

In general, this minoxidil is used as a topical form and may be harmful if swallowed. If you have overdosed and have serious symptoms such as trouble breathing or passing out. Go to the hospital immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include fainting, flushing, dizziness, and drowsiness.

Note: You should keep all the regular appointments and laboratory appointments.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose, then you need to skip the dose, and use your next dose at the prescribed time. Do not double the dose of minoxidil to catch up.

Storage: Store minoxidil in a cool and dry place. Minoxidil products are flammable. You should keep it away from fire and avoid open flame after applying the minoxidil until the medication has completely dried. Keep all the minoxidil products away from children and pets. 

Do not throw minoxidil down the toilet or pour them into the drain. Properly discard the minoxidil product when it is expired or no longer required. Consult your local waste disposal company.

How Long Does Take To Show Any Sign Of Improvement

The general timeline of the treatment of minoxidil is 4 months before. Most people show improvement in hair growth within 4 months.  And some may experience hair shedding initially after the use of minoxidil. Your hair follicles get started from the resting phase to the active phase. For some people treatment of minoxidil may not show any sign of improvement even after using it for a long period. Our experts suggest that you should stop taking any minoxidil products and consult your doctor.

In general, minoxidil shows improvement in 4 months but the actual result may take from four to six months.  Except for a few medical conditions like lesions on the scalp, minoxidil is safe for men.  And you should take precautions before using it because taking too much dosage may irritate you.

If you stop using minoxidil hair loss will continue, if you stop using minoxidil then your hair will begin to thin again.

Why Is This Medication Prescribed

Minoxidil is used to regrow hair and slow hair shedding.  It is effective for people who are under 40 and who have recent hair loss.  Minoxidil has no effect on receding hairline. It does not cure baldness. In most cases, new hair is lost within a full month after stopping the treatment of minoxidil.

Does Minoxidil Affect Sperm

Do not use finasteride for hair shedding. There is evidence that it negatively impacts fertility. You may instead use a topical minoxidil solution, it has no known negative impact on male fertility.

Summary

Minoxidil comes in liquid as a topical solution and foam is used to help in stopping hair shedding and male pattern baldness. It is not used for receding hairline in men. You should dry your scalp before applying the minoxidil topical products. However, you can also apply it on damp hair.

Minoxidil should not be applied to other parts of the body unless prescribed by a medical doctor. Do not use minoxidil on red skin, irritated skin, cut, painful area, scraped, or infected area. Wash your hand thoroughly and dry well before using minoxidil topical foam.

Avoid any eye contact with minoxidil products if minoxidil gets into your eyes, and rinse your eyes with cool water. 

Also Read:

Minoxidil For Women

How Does Minoxidil Works

Sneh Singh

Sneh Singh

Sneh Singh is a content writer with a passion for both reading books and writing about health and lifestyle-based information. He has a deep understanding of the latest health trends and he is knowledgeable about a variety of lifestyle topics. He uses this knowledge to craft engaging and informative content that provides real value to the readers. His style is approachable and he strives to make complex health and wellness information accessible to everyone. For more info, you can visit his linkedIn profile.

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