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Minoxidil FAQ
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Please click on one of these links or scroll down the page to the desired section:
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What is Minoxidil ?
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In 1988, Pharmacia Corp. (then Pharmacia & Upjohn) introduced the first FDA approved product proven
to stop hair loss and to regrow hair Rogaine. Since then Minoxidil (Generic Rogaine) for Men and Minoxidil for Women have safely
been sold to millions of people around the world (known as regaine in some parts of the world) as
an over the counter product (in the US). Minoxidil is a topical solution applied directly to the scalp
and is not taken internally (as with Propecia). The only other product to gain FDA approval to help
men regrow their hair is Propecia (cannot be used by women). Scientists have uncovered the fact that
men who suffer from Male Pattern Baldness have a higher level of Dihydrotestosterone or DHT
in their scalps. Propecia helps to block the formation of DHT which helps to lower the levels of DHT
in the male scalp. There are key differences between Minoxidil and Propecia, here is a quick look:
> Minoxidil is available without prescription unlike Propecia which requires one.
> Propecia is ingested and is distributed throughout the body unlike Minoxidil which only affects the scalp.
> Minoxidil works by reactivating hair follicles where Propecia stimulates growth by altering male hormones
inside the body.
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What are the first signs of hair loss?
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Signs include receding hair line, thinning hair on the top of the scalp, and a finer, thinner hair texture.
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How does Minoxidil work?
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Minoxidil reactivates or revitalizes shrunken hair follicles, increasing their size. While you continue
to use Minoxidil, follicles gain greater volume, their growing phases become longer, and they produce longer, thicker
hairs. This is counter to what people who suffer with male pattern baldness experience. Usually, as males with MPB
get older their hairs slowly become thinner as their follicles shrink. Minoxidil works to counteract this.
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Should I use Minoxidil even though I am not experiencing hereditary hair loss?
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Minoxidil should only be used if you are experiencing hereditary hair loss. In other words, if there is
a history of hair loss in your family (on your mother's or father's side) then there is hereditary hair
loss in your family. If you are losing your hair for any other reason (medication, stress, illness, etc.),
we recommend that you consult your physician.
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What kind of results can you expect?
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Minoxidil has to do a lot of work on and in your scalp before you will begin to see anything different on top (ie: hair).
In the beginning, you will need to realize that your follicles are "seeing" results, even if you are not. While Minoxidil
works hard on your scalp to regrow hair it is important to realize that Minoxidil can help stop further hair loss by
revitalizing and stimulating hair follicles.
During the first two months you may lose or shed more hair than usual. This will be especially true in the first
2-4 weeks as the follicles make way for new growth. You will also be establishing your twice-a-day application regimen.
Don't worry if you see an increase in the number of hairs falling out into the sink every day. This is actually a sign
that Minoxidil is working and your follicles are coming back to life.
After the first couple of months, you may start to see results. Minoxidil makes miniaturized follicles larger and prolongs
the growth phase of your hairs' natural growing process and increasing the number of active follicles in this phase.
Eventually, new growth may appear as soft, almost clear hair, which is another sign that Minoxidil is actually working
by stimulating growth. Eventually, those clear hairs may grow to normal size, length and color that you are accustomed
to. Remember this, everyone is different. Some people notice results in 2 to 4 months, but to see your best results, it
can take up to a year.
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Do I need a prescription?
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No. Minoxidil is so safe, that the FDA has approved it for sale without a prescription.
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Does Minoxidil work on frontal baldness?
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From Pharmacia Corp.
"We have not widely studied frontal hair growth in men to date. Therefore,
the success rate of using Minoxidil for frontal baldness has not been clearly established. However,
Minoxidil has been clinically proven to be safe for topical application to the scalp."
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How to apply Minoxidil .
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You will need to apply Minoxidil twice daily to stop hair loss and regrow hair (just like brushing your teeth). Apply
Minoxidil in the morning once your hair has dried after washing your hair. Apply it again in the evening, at least an
hour or two before you go to bed, to allow it to dry completely. Be sure to wash your hands completely after application
to help prevent spreading Minoxidil to your eyes, face and other areas of the body.
Many people ask us if they should use
the spray applicator or the dropper. We would recommend the droper for those who do not have a large area of the scalp
revealed. The idea is to get the Minoxidil on the scalp because it works on the hair follicles, not the individual strands
of hair. So, give yourself the best shot and use the dropper. If you have a large area of scalp exposed by baldness, you
can use the sprayer.
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Am I supposed to use my fingertips when I apply Minoxidil?
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Each applicator contains one dose of medicine and is designed for application directly to the scalp.
It is not necessary to use the fingertips to apply Minoxidil. However, if you use your hands, wash them
thoroughly afterwards.
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Why don't they make Minoxidil Extra Strength for Women?
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The Extra Strength formula is for MEN ONLY. 5% Minoxidil has not been shown in clinical
trials to do anything more than 2% Minoxidil for Women has. Therefore there is no reason
to use and or make 5% Minoxidil for Women.
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What if I stop using Minoxidil?
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If you decide to stop using Minoxidil, you will lose the hair you have regrown
within a few months. Then your original pattern of hair loss will start again.
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What is the difference between 2% and 5% Extra Strength?
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Minoxidil 5% Extra Strength for Men is a stronger concentration. Clinical trials have shown that men experienced
45% more hair regrowth when using Minoxidil Extra Strength than with a regular strength product. Additionally,
users of Minoxidil Extra Strength for Men often experience results sooner than do users of regular strength
Minoxidil for Men. Users of Minoxidil Extra Strength for Men may experience results in two months versus the average
four months for Minoxidil regular strength.
The dose remains the same for both Minoxidil Extra Strength and Regular Strength: 1 milliliter (ml) with the dropper
or 6 pumps with the sprayer. And remember, it is important that the Minoxidil reaches the scalp. Just because 5% has
over 2 times the active ingredient does not mean you can use it once a day.
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Why you lose hair and how it happens.
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About Hair Loss and Minoxidil
We hope you'll find this site informative, educational and encouraging. Learn how hair
grows, why you lose hair, and what you can do about it. Plus, you'll have the opportunity
to exchange ideas and feelings with others experiencing hair loss.
Are you losing hair? Or, just worried that you might start looking like your father
someday? Either way, it is important to understand how your hair grows, why you lose
hair and how it happens. There are various reasons, but most men's hair loss is
hereditary. Hair loss affects other men like you - both physically and psychologically.
Ask yourself whether you need to take any action. As with any other medical condition,
early detection is critical in taking control of your hair loss problem. Then examine various
treatment options, and you'll understand why Minoxidil is the answer. Use only as directed.
Individual results will vary. Not everyone responds to Minoxidil.
Why you lose hair and how it happens?
While hair loss is often accepted as a natural part of aging, today's advanced options in
hair grooming and treatment allow us to take control of our appearance. More options are
available than ever before, from treating your hair loss to just helping you look your best.
Research shows that it is common for men who experience thinning hair to feel less
attractive, insecure or past their prime - and all of this can lead to feelings of stress and
anxiety. However, the latest news is encouraging: With the right grooming and treatment
regimen, you can stop your hair from thinning, and ultimately feel better about your
looks.
Why are you losing hair?
Some 95 percent of men's hair loss is caused by a hereditary condition called
androgenetic alopecia. This condition sets off a process known as miniaturization, causing
hair follicles to become smaller and reducing the period of time hair has to grow. This
miniaturized hair follicle has a shorter growth cycle and is structurally smaller. It produces
a thinner, shorter and more brittle hair, which results in less scalp coverage. The process
of hair loss can begin, for some individuals, as soon as in their teens, while others begin
to notice thinning hair in their 20s or 30s, or even later in life. Scientific research has
proven that the gene for hair loss comes from either or both sides of the family, and
contrary to popular belief, is not traced only to the mother's side. The best indicator you
have is your immediate family - if your family members are experiencing hair loss, you
may also be at risk.
More than 45 million men experience thinning hair in the United States, so if you are
seeing signs of hair loss, you are not alone.
Androgenetic alopecia is caused by heredity, hormones, and age. It leads to progressive
miniaturization of hair follicles and shortening of the hair's growing cycle. The active
growth phase becomes shorter and the hair follicles smaller, and thus the hair follicles
gradually produce finer and thinner hairs. Eventually, there is no growth at all. It is
important to understand that some hair loss is normal and should be expected by men of
all ages. A full scalp has an average of about 100,000 hair follicles, and this number
normally decreases with age. It is normal to shed between 50 to 100 hairs each day.
Other hair loss disorders
In addition to androgenetic alopecia, other hair loss disorders include:
Alopecia Areata
Unlike androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata often generates an abrupt hair loss. It is an
auto-immune disorder, which causes hair follicles to stop producing hair. Typically, it can
be recognized by patchy hair loss with often total loss of hair. The National Alopecia
Areata Foundation estimates that 4 million men, women, and children suffer from this
type of hair loss.
Telogen Effluvium
A temporary condition, telogen effluvium looks more like androgenetic alopecia, with
generalized thinning that begins abruptly. It is normally brought on by a shock to the
system, such as stress; surgery or illness.
Understanding your hair - The hair follicle
Everyone is born with about 100,000 active hair follicles. The number of follicles you have
will never increase. In fact, the number normally decreases to about one half that number
by the age of 60.
> A hair follicle is a cavity of cells that forms a "bulb" around the base of the hair in the
scalp.
> A healthy follicle produces a strong, thick, colored hair.
> A hair grows at the rate of about 1/2" per month (hair growth rates are different for
everyone).
The hair growth cycle
The healthy follicle repeatedly goes through two significant phases throughout its life:
Growing and Resting. At any given time, 10-15% of your follicles are in a resting phase.
After resting for 2-6 months, the follicle then sheds its hair and produces a new hair,
repeating the normal growth cycle.
> Growing Phase - the follicle grows a hair for 2-6 years.
> Resting Phase - from 10-15% of follicles rest for 2-6 months. At the end of the resting
phase, the follicle "sheds" its hair. Then the growing phase begins again.
Hereditary hair loss
Men who experience hereditary hair loss have an increasing number of follicles that shrink
and become miniaturized. A miniaturized follicle:
> Has a progressively shorter growing phase, resulting in shorter hair, and more
frequent shedding.
> Produces thinner, smaller hair.
> Eventually dies, producing no hair at all.
Once hair loss begins, it continues in a natural progression.
Men and Their Hair
Men's hair has long been viewed as a sign of success, vitality, sex appeal and even youth.
In fact, leading psychologists agree that today's male body image remains closely linked
to the appearance of the hair.
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What are the side effects from using Minoxidil?
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The most common side effects associated with using Minoxidil are an itchy scalp, scaling and irritation of the scalp.
Since Minoxidil is a topical solution, systemic side effects are only infrequently observed. To help keep irritation
to a minimum, use a mild shampoo like Progaine.
In the event that you experience an itchy or flaky scalp from using Minoxidil, stop using Minoxidil for a few days until
your scalp heals. Then use a moisturizing shampoo and be sure to wash your hair daily as you start using Minoxidil again.
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What factors should determine which hair loss treatment I should try?
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You should understand that both FDA-approved treatments, Minoxidil and Propecia,
require a dedication to a daily regimen. Cost and availability are also a consideration, as
Minoxidil is considerably less costly and does not require a prescription. I recommend
Minoxidil as an important part of a good daily hair care regimen.
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If I narrow my choices down to Minoxidil or Propecia, what is my best option
and why? Is it better to treat thinning hair topically or systemically?
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Minoxidil is applied topically and works in the scalp on the follicles. Propecia is taken
orally (in pill form) and impacts hair regrowth by affecting the balance of hormones.
While I cannot say definitively which treatment is best for all individuals, my first choice
for treatment is always topical, so I recommend Minoxidil. Also, Propecia can cause sexual
side effects, including reduced libido and sperm production in a small percentage of
individuals. Minoxidil is the strongest FDA-approved topical hair loss product that is safe
enough to be sold without a prescription. The most common side effects are mild itching
or scalp irritation.
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Can oily or dry skin cause or contribute to thinning hair?
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No, however, oily skin is often associated with hair loss because it is common among
men with thinning hair.
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At what age does hair loss usually start?
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Hair loss can begin as early as puberty, or ages 14 or 15, however most men first
experience it in their 20s.
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Is Minoxidil safe?
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Minoxidil is a safe and clinically proven way to control your hair loss. Pharmacia Corp. and the medical
community have conducted extensive research for over two decades which conlusively proves that Minoxidil works
for most men and women. For some it helps to stop hair loss. For others, it regrows hair that hads been lost.
Minoxidil has been approved by the FDA for use by both men and women who suffer from pattern hair loss due to
a history of hair loss in their family. If you have someone on you mother's or father's side of the family
who suffered from pattern hair loss then Minoxidil may work for you.
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Swimming and showering after use
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Many people ask us if it is ok to go swimming after use (this also applies to showering). Wait for 4 hours
after applying Minoxidil befoer you go swimming or before showering. Also, after you shower, first towel
dry your hair before you apply Minoxidil. This will allow for maximum penetration.
Be kind to your scalp, use a mild shampoo like Progaine. Harsh shampoos and
scalp treatments can dry out the scalp and make it more susceptible to rash or itching. Many conditioners
weigh down the hair, use a light conditioner like Progaine Weightless Conditioner
and be sure to rinse it out thoroughly.
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Should I avoid hair coloring, perms or relaxers?
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Routine hair coloring is safe, as are most perms. However, perms in combination with
relaxers can cause hair damage.. Combining several different chemical processes can
damage the hair's natural proteins, making hair brittle and hard. Hot combs and hairstyles
that produce traction on the hair follicles can damage them and may cause permanent
hair loss. I would recommend consulting a stylist for the best choice of hair products and
treatments (see Stylist/Image Consultant questions and answers that follow this section).
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Does frequent shampooing or conditioning have an effect on hair loss?
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No; daily shampooing or conditioning should not damage hair.
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Can blow-drying make hair look thicker?
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For starters, I believe blow-drying is good for one thing: drying hair. Men who are
still trying to achieve a "blow-dried" look are definitely going down the wrong style
path. That said, combined with certain styling products like light pomades and grooming
creams, using a hair dryer can help you achieve a different and sometimes fuller look than
hair that is only towel-dried.
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Will blow drying contribute to hair loss?
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Does hair loss increase when you use a blow drier? Don't fret: it's natural to shed as
many as 100 hairs a day. My advice -- approach the blow drier with caution. For men it's
best as a drying tool rather than a styling tool; however, it does provide an option for
creating a fuller look.
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Hair styling tips
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You can, however, use the length of your hair to achieve a fuller, thicker-looking style.
Longer hair can add fullness for a thicker look, and depending on the shape of your face
and pattern of hair loss, a combination style (longer hair on the top, clipped shorter on
the sides) can be effective.
Hair styling tips
It is important to select the right "tools" to make the most of your hair. Many of us know
certain products from using them over the years. However, as our hair's texture or
thickness changes, we need to update the products we use to reflect our needs and
desired look. The right hair products and processes can offer an added advantage in
achieving the look you want for your hair:
Shampoos:
Look for ingredients like "dimethicone" and "dimethicone copolyol," silicon
derivatives that help build volume in hair.
Recommended Products:
Progaine Volumizing Shampoo
Progaine 2 in 1 Shampoo/Conditioner
Progaine Deep Cleansing Shampoo
Conditioners:
Look for lightweight, rinse-out conditioners, or "volumizers," and such
ingredients as keratin or collagen, which plump up strands of hair for fuller-looking hair.
Recommended Products:
Progaine Weightless Conditioner
Gels ("fixatives") and sprays:
These products can make a big difference by adding
shine and texture while controlling "fly-away" hairs. Look for gels that offer "thickening,"
light or medium hold, designed for fine or thinning hair.
Recommended Products:
Progaine Volumizing Root Lifter
Progaine Volumizing Foam
Sprays:
If your hair is extremely thin or limp, you may wish to try a fine misting spray
instead of gels.
Note: It is important to select the right gel or spray, as some of these products are simply
not designed for thinning hair, particularly those labeled "maximum hold." These are
intended to streamline thicker hair, and will actually defeat the purpose of thickening the
appearance of fine or thinning hair.
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Which styles would you recommend for thinning hair?
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Thankfully there is more than one style that will work for thinning hair. The first and
most important advice is to achieve a look that is not the first thing others notice. This
fact alone rules out the ill-fated comb-over. It is the single biggest hairstyle no-no as it
serves only to draw attention to thinning hair rather than hide it.
The sayings "go with the flow" and "work with what you have" have never been more
appropriate than in discussing styles for men with thinning hair. When hair is thinning,
going a bit shorter is often suggested. This will minimize the difference between areas of
no hair and some hair on the head. The classic buzz cut is always an option- in variations
from super-short military style to a longer, classic version that is both student stylish and
suit savvy. While the traditional Caesar style - cropped short on the sides and back with
short bangs in the front - has run its course, there are a few variations that are both
stylish and work well with thinning hair.
One of the best looks for men now also happens to be a style that helps conceal thinning
hair. Ask your stylist about a somewhat choppy, uneven cut that's less neat than the
traditional Caesar. Still short on the sides and front, the hair is cut unevenly to achieve a
slightly disheveled look rather than the straight lines of years past. It's a style that's
served actors including Brad Pitt, Harrison Ford and Tom Cruise well in recent years.
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How do I get special offers on Minoxidil and Progaine?
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All you need to do is make a purchase from our site, or sign up for our newsletter
here.
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