Minoxidil is indicated for the treatment and prevention of hair loss, as it increases the caliber of blood vessels, improving blood circulation in the scalp, stimulating hair growth.
In some situations, and if the doctor recommends it, the minoxidil solution can also be used to thicken and fill in gaps in the eyebrows and beard.
Minoxidil is available for sale under different commercial names, such as Aloxidil, Rogaine, Pant or Kirkland, for example, and can also be compounded in a pharmacy. Before using minoxidil, you should speak to your doctor to understand the contraindications and side effects that may arise.
What is it for
Minoxidil is indicated for:
- Treatment and prevention of androgenic hair loss;
- Thicken and fill in gaps in the beard;
- Fill in gaps in the eyebrows.
It is important that minoxidil is used according to the dermatologist’s instructions, as the way it is used may vary according to the objective.
How does minoxidil work?
The mechanism of action of minoxidil is still unknown. Initially, this substance was used to lower blood pressure in hypertensive people, as minoxidil has a vasodilating action. It was only later discovered that one of the side effects in these people was hair growth.
Thus, minoxidil began to be used in solution on the scalp, due to its vasodilating action, which improves blood circulation, promoting the absorption of nutrients in the hair bulb. It is also known that this substance prolongs the anagen phase, which is the phase of the hair cycle in which hair is born and grows.
How to use
The use of minoxidil should only be used under medical supervision. Generally, depending on the region to be treated, minoxidil should be used as follows:
1. Hair
To treat hair loss, the minoxidil solution can be applied directly to the skin of the dry scalp, in areas where the hair is weaker, with the help of a massage, twice a day. Find out how to use minoxidil on your hair.
Generally, the amount that is applied at a time is around 1 mL and the duration of treatment can be around 3 to 6 months or as recommended by your general practitioner or dermatologist.
2. Barba
Although the manufacturers of minoxidil solution do not recommend applying the product to areas other than the scalp, in some cases, the dermatologist may recommend applying the product to the beard. See when to use minoxidil on your beard.
To fill in gaps in the beard, minoxidil can be applied in the same way as it is applied to the scalp, but in this case, the product must be applied first to the hands and then to the areas of the beard that are intended to be treated. Wash your hands after applying minoxidil to your beard.
After applying the product, the person must apply a moisturizing and nourishing product, such as coconut oil or sweet almond oil, for example, to avoid dryness and reduce the smell of the medicine, as it contains a large amount of alcohol, which dries the skin.
3. Eyebrow
The manufacturers of minoxidil solution are not authorized to recommend the use of the product in areas other than the scalp, however, in some cases, the dermatologist may safely recommend applying the product to the eyebrows.
Minoxidil can also be used to thicken eyebrows by applying the solution with the help of a cotton swab. After applying the product, you can also apply oil to your eyebrows to prevent them from drying out. Learn how to make eyebrows grow and thicken.
In all situations, after applying minoxidil, you should use a product that prevents the skin from drying out. It is advisable to wash your hands well after application, be careful with the eye area and avoid using more than 2 mL of the solution. per day.
Possible side effects
In some cases, the minoxidil solution can cause side effects such as a local allergic reaction, itching, dry skin, peeling of the scalp and hair growth in other parts of the body, such as the ears, forehead and upper lip.
In some cases, increased hair loss may occur, which is usually temporary, and may occur approximately 2 to 6 weeks after starting treatment, improving after a few weeks. However, if hair loss continues for more than 2 weeks, you should stop using minoxidil and inform your doctor so that the treatment can be re-evaluated.
Who shouldn’t use
Minoxidil should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those who are allergic to minoxidil or any other component of the formula. The 5% minoxidil solution should only be used by women under the guidance of a doctor.
The use of minoxidil is not recommended if the skin or scalp is inflamed, irritated, painful or in cases of burns or dermatitis.
Furthermore, as it contains alcohol in its composition, the use of minoxidil is not recommended for people undergoing treatment for alcoholism who use the medicine disulfiram.
