Minoxidil is considered the gold standard against hair loss. What you should know about the medication and how to use it correctly
There are plenty of shampoos and tinctures that are supposed to stop hair loss. Open and honest: The manufacturers’ advertising promises are misleading. Clinically proven effectiveness is often touted. But if you read the small print, it becomes clear: The tests were carried out in vitro, i.e., in a test tube, and not under natural conditions. You can usually save the money for this.
There is only one active ingredient whose effectiveness has been scientifically proven through decades of studies: minoxidil. We asked an expert what kind of ingredient it is, how it works, and who is recommended to use it: Dr. Med. Désirée Hölscher is a dermatologist and hair loss expert at the renowned Dermatologicum in Hamburg.
Here, we clarify the most important questions about minoxidil for you.
What is minoxidil?
Anyone who has googled knows that minoxidil originally came onto the market in the 1960s as a drug to treat high blood pressure.
Common side effect: increased hair growth. The pharmaceutical industry took advantage of this and developed solutions and foams that men (and women too) can apply to their thinning hair twice a day, with scientifically proven success in many, although not all, cases.
“The application has proven itself. The remaining hair is strengthened, and the growth of new hair is promoted,” says Dr. Hölscher. So it’s no wonder that the minoxidil products available over the counter in pharmacies are now among the best-selling anti-hair loss products.
How does minoxidil work?
It is now established that minoxidil works against hair loss. However, scientists still disagree about why exactly this is the case.
A short science excursion:
- The most widespread theory is that minoxidil dilates the blood vessels in the scalp, allowing the roots to be better supplied with nutrients.
- A newer hypothesis is that minoxidil increases a specific enzyme (called ATP) in the hair follicle and prolongs its growth phase (scientifically called the anagen phase).
- Some researchers also believe that minoxidil enlarges hair follicles that have previously shrunk due to hormones.
For whom is it suitable?
The expert explains: “Minoxidil is indicated for male (and female) hair loss and can be used from the age of 18. In general, therapy should be started early, as already inactive hair roots can only rarely be reactivated.” So, don’t hesitate for long!
According to Dr. Hölscher, minoxidil works best for central baldness. The manufacturer does not claim any effectiveness for receding hairlines. However, on the Internet, you will find many positive reports from men who are happy about having fuller hair on the front of their heads.
By the way, some men also use minoxidil to accelerate the growth of beard hair. With success. “However, it is used off-label. There are no scientific studies on this,” says Dr. Hölscher. Read the following link to find out how else you can accelerate your beard growth.
How long does it take for minoxidil to work?
“To see successful hair growth, the product should be used for at least 3 months, and in my personal opinion, more like 6–9 months,” says the dermatologist and hair expert. After that, stick with it forever.
Help! The hair loss is getting worse! What’s the matter?
It sounds paradoxical, but before hair growth starts again, there is increased hair loss. As a consolation, this so-called shedding shows that the therapy is working. “Old hair is replaced by new, stronger hair. This is over after 8–10 weeks,” says the dermatologist.
What happens if you stop taking the active ingredient?
“If minoxidil is discontinued, the hair that has been reactivated as a result of the therapy will gradually disappear again,” says Dr. Hölscher. So stick with it, is the motto.
By the way: there is a rumor circulating in forums that the hair loss will become worse than before after stopping the medication. A myth.
What side effects does Minoxidil have?
As always, if there is an effect, there are also side effects. “Since the preparation is used externally and is also available over the counter, side effects rarely occur. These include headaches, blood pressure problems, and scalp irritation.” You should therefore ideally discuss the use with a doctor in advance. Read here what you can do to relieve an itchy scalp. According to Dr. By the Way, Hölscher is nonsense and is more likely to occur, if at all, with other forms of therapy such as finasteride tablets.
How do you apply Minoxidil?
Twice a day, wherever the hair is thinning. After applying it, wait a few minutes before styling or blow-drying your hair. The product should be completely absorbed beforehand. You should integrate the application into your everyday life like brushing your teeth. If you forget it once, it’s not tragic. But this shouldn’t happen too often. “However, a certain regularity is important for the success of therapy,” says Dr. Hölscher.
Which works better: foam or solution?
Both work equally well. Our expert recommends using a solution if you have longer hair; otherwise, the foam will stick to the hair and cannot develop its effect on the scalp.
Tip: For sensitive, flaky and itchy scalps, foam preparations are said to be more tolerable than solutions.
Do cheap minoxidil alternatives work just as well?
Yes. The market leader is the brand manufacturer, Rogaine. “However, the ingredient minoxidil is the same in all preparations available on the market, so the effect is similar,” says Dr. Med. Desiree Hölscher. It’s worth comparing prices.
What is the cheapest form of minoxidil?
Minoxidil is considered the most researched treatment for hair loss. The drug has been used for decades and has only rare side effects. If you unfortunately experience hair loss, a dermatologist can determine whether it makes sense for you.
