Minoxidil
A popular treatment for hair loss is minoxidil for men, which has also become quite commonly used as minoxidil for women. While this product is available over-the-counter, you should seek a consultation from the best hair loss experts in Manhattan at Linkov Hair Surgery. After extensive questioning about your medical history and current conditions, a top NYC hair loss doctor guides you to the best solution for treating your particular type of hair loss. Minoxidil for hair growth works very well for some people, and not so much for others. When you’re thinking of using minoxidil for beard growth or minoxidil for hair loss, call on the experts first.
What Is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil is an FDA-approved topical medication that can reduce hair loss, encourage new hair growth and strengthen existing strands of hair. Brand names of minoxidil include Rogaine and Theroxidil. This medication was originally intended to be used to treat high blood pressure, and people who took it for that purpose noticed they were experiencing increased hair growth. This led to the development of a topical formula for treating hair loss.
Even though minoxidil for men and minoxidil for women are available over-the-counter, consult a top doctor who specializes in hair loss treatment before using it so that the cause of your hair loss is properly diagnosed. Effective hair loss treatment requires expert advice and supportive guidance. For professional diagnosis and treatment of hair loss in both men and women in NYC, get in touch with the experts at Linkov Hair Surgery.
Does Minoxidil for Hair Loss Work for All Forms of Hair Loss?
Both men and women may experience thinning hair or hair loss. There are many possible causes for this, and minoxidil isn’t recommended for all of them. Minoxidil for hair loss is most often recommended to treat androgenetic alopecia, which is a common hereditary condition related to hormones called androgens. Types of androgenetic alopecia include:
Male pattern hair loss This type of hair loss can start any time after puberty. It usually begins with a receding hairline and progresses to hair loss around the perimeter and top of your head.
Female pattern hair loss In women, hereditary hair loss is characterized by slow thinning all over the scalp rather than a receding hairline. It rarely progresses to total baldness.
Minoxidil doesn’t work if you’re completely bald and won’t restore hair growth if you have follicles with scar tissue. For men and women with pattern hair loss, minoxidil helps regrow hair at a much lower cost than a hair transplant, although it’s not as natural-looking nor as permanent.
How Do I Use Minoxidil?
Minoxidil for men comes as a five percent solution, a five percent foam and an oral pill. Minoxidil for women comes as a five percent foam, a two percent solution and an oral pill. Whichever formula you use is a personal preference. Minoxidil solution contains inactive ingredients that help enhance solubility, which some people find irritating. The foam doesn’t contain propylene glycol, and those with sensitive skin find the foam less irritating. Others prefer the liquid solution that comes with a pipette for precise placement.
When you use minoxidil, follow your doctor’s instructions, as well as instructions that come with the medication. It’s safe for long-term use as long as you don’t exceed the recommended dosage. To use the topical foam:
- Part your hair into rows to expose the area where it’s thinning.
- Press the nozzle to put foam on your fingers and gently massage it into the area with hair loss.
- Wash your hands afterward.
For the liquid solution:
- Make sure your scalp and hair are dry before using.
- Start in the center of the area being treated and apply the prescribed amount.
- Wash your hands afterward.
- Don’t use a hairdryer to dry your scalp.
- Allow your scalp to dry completely before touching the area or lying down.
- Don’t wash your hair for at least four hours after applying.
Be sure to avoid getting minoxidil in your eyes or mouth. Avoid contact with sensitive skin. Use the exact amount instructed. You can normally apply minoxidil twice a day, but women should use the five percent foam once daily. If you miss an application, apply it as soon as you can, but if it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight when using minoxidil. To learn more about oral Minoxidil, watch Dr. Linkov’s video.
What Should I Tell My Doctor Before Using Minoxidil?
Before using minoxidil, your New York doctor reviews your medical history. Things your NYC doctor needs to know before you start using minoxidil include:
- Any known drug allergies
- All the medications you take, including both prescription and over-the-counter vitamins and supplements. Mixing minoxidil with certain medications can be dangerous.
- Whether you have heart disease, kidney disease or liver disease
- If your hair loss is sudden or patchy
- If your scalp is red or inflamed
Women seeking minoxidil hair growth should tell their doctor about a current or planned pregnancy. Also let your doctor know if you’re breastfeeding. If you use minoxidil, tell your doctor right away if you have chest pains, dizziness, swelling in your hands or feet, blisters, itching or any other symptoms you find concerning.
How Effective Is Minoxidil for Hair Growth?
Many people find minoxidil for hair is the perfect treatment for hair loss. There’s no downtime when you use it and you don’t need to worry about needles or long treatment sessions. The effectiveness of minoxidil for stimulating hair growth varies among individuals. It works best for people under 40 years of age with recent hair loss.
To find out whether minoxidil works for you, keep in mind that results don’t happen immediately. Things to expect when you use minoxidil include:
- You may continue to experience hair loss for a couple of weeks.
- It must be used regularly to be effective.
- It may take two to four months to see hair regrowth.
- If you stop using minoxidil, hair loss resumes and regrown hair falls out again.
Part of the reason it works is that it increases blood flow to the scalp. It also helps keep hair strong and thick. Some men are experimenting with minoxidil for beard growth, but that’s considered off-label use. Your expert NYC hair loss doctor can guide you.
Are There Other Forms of Hair Loss Treatment?
If minoxidil isn’t effective for you, your NYC doctor may recommend that you use minoxidil with another prescription medication called finasteride, which is a pill you take daily on a long-term basis. Other forms of hair loss treatment include:
To learn if minoxidil can help you as a hair loss treatment, contact Linkov Hair Surgery. You’ll find top NYC doctors in the field of hair restoration. Schedule a consult today.
