Studies show minoxidil improves hair density by up to 20 square centimetres in
as little as 16 weeks. With such impressive results, minoxidil seems
like a miracle cure for the stress, trauma, and discrimination caused by
hair loss. Now you may want to order Minoxidil, apply some minoxidil to your scalp, and grow back your hair,
right?
Unfortunately, it's not that simple.
Minoxidil
is an effective treatment for hair loss that your physician might
prescribe for you, but it comes with its own set of unique and dangerous
side effects. In this article, we propose a minoxidil warning. Follow
along to learn about some minoxidil precautions you should know about
before using it.
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Table of contents:
What Is Minoxidil?
Believe it or not, minoxidil wasn't intended to address hair growth.
Upjohn, a division of Pfizer pharmaceuticals, was conducting clinical
tests for a new hypertension drug
in the late 1960s at their headquarters in Kalamazoo, Michigan. They
meant to use minoxidil
to relieve high blood pressure.
At first, they dismissed the new hair growth on their patients as a
harmless side effect. They ended up releasing minoxidil as intended,
though the public found out about its fast hair growth
qualities. Upjohn realized that if they didn't produce the miracle
baldness cure, someone else would.
The first release of minoxidil for hair loss was in the UK circa 1988.
Branded "Regaine Topical Solution 2%," consumers could only get the drug
via prescription. Eventually, minoxidil became available to the public
as an over-the-counter solution to regrow hair.
Post-market surveys on minoxidil before and after
use, showed that minoxidil helps up to 92% of users in the first year.
Now, you can find minoxidil at most pharmacies at reasonable
prices.
How Minoxidil Works
Minoxidil works
on many different causes of hair loss. One theory on how it helps hair
growth is that minoxidil's vasodilation properties help with hair
follicle stimulation. Basically, experts speculate that minoxidil works
by widening your blood vessels. This increases blood flow to your scalp
and delivers more oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles faster.
The result? Fast, new hair regrowth.
An animal study from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine supports
this theory. Click here
to read the study's abstract.
How To Use Minoxidil
There are two types of minoxidil (Rogaine): 2% and 5%. You should consult with your doctor
to know what percentage and what minoxidil dosage
is right for you. Also, make sure you are using the correct gender
product- women should not use minoxidil formulated for men.
Once you have the right product, you can start using it:
-
Wash your hands before using minoxidil
-
Use only one dropper or pump (approx. 1 mL) of minoxidil at a
time
-
Apply it directly to a clean, dry scalp
-
Leave it on for at least 2-4 hours before rinsing off with warm
water and shampooing as usual
-
Do not exceed 2 doses (2 mL) within 24 hours. Follow your doctor's
directions on the dosage
-
Store it in its original container away from direct sunlight and
heat when not in use
These general instructions cover most use-cases
for minoxidil. But, we always recommend following the manufacturer's
instructions and professional advice.
Where To Find Minoxidil
Before 2014, you could only get 2% minoxidil solutions over-the-counter
in Canada. However, the Ministries of Health voted
to increase the percentage to 5. Now, while you can still request a
prescription from your doctor, most drugstores carry at least one brand
of minoxidil solutions.
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Minoxidil Warning and Minoxidil Precautions
While all this impressive information seems great, a minoxidil warning
is necessary. Unlike many topical creams and lotions, minoxidil isn't an
"apply and go" kind of drug. Transferring minoxidil can cause serious
adverse reactions.
Minoxidil doesn't just make hair grow on your head. So, if you fall
asleep before your minoxidil dries, you can transfer it to your
forehead, hands, and other areas with hair follicles you don't want hair
to grow. Here are some other minoxidil handling precautions:
-
Avoid applying to broken or irritated skin
-
Avoid contact with eyes, nose, mouth, or mucous membranes
-
Rinse off minoxidil if it comes into contact with unwanted areas or
causes irritation
-
Seek medical attention if irritation persists after rinsing
-
Discard unused minoxidil solution after four months or sooner if
the package shows signs of deterioration or leakage
Also, minoxidil can stain fabric and clothing. So, while it's drying,
you should take care not to transfer it to anything.
Read more:
Is There an Interaction Between Alcohol & Minoxidil?
Minoxidil Side Effects
One of the major minoxidil risks is its potential side effects. Users of minoxidil report the following adverse reactions:
-
Skin irritation at the application site
-
Increased heart rate and palpitations
-
Headaches
-
Dizziness
-
Dry mouth/eyes/nose/throat
-
Increased hair loss
Some minoxidil precautions don't refer to the drug itself but the
solution that carries it. For example, some people are also allergic to propylene glycol
in minoxidil. Signs of an allergic reaction include:
-
Swelling of the face or lips
-
Rash
-
Itching
-
Hives
-
Difficulty breathing
-
Chest tightness
-
Tongue swelling
If you experience any of the side effects or an allergic reaction, stop
using minoxidil and seek medical attention. In some cases, side effects
may wane after prolonged use. However, allergic reactions will persist,
and you should find another hair loss solution.
Read more: Minoxidil Cost in Canada
Who Cannot Use Minoxidil?
While minoxidil for hair loss is safe for many people, there are some
select people who should be careful to use it. For example, those with
an allergy must stay away from topicals with propylene glycol. If you fall under the following categories, consult your doctor
before using minoxidil.
-
Those with heart disease
-
Pregnant people
-
Nursing/breastfeeding people
-
People under 18 years old
If you become pregnant while taking minoxidil, stop using the treatment
until you have a chance to consult with your doctor.
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Final Words on Minoxidil
While it's wise to learn about minoxidil warnings and precautions, it
shouldn't dissuade you from trying to find hair loss solutions. But,
minoxidil is not a miracle cure-all. Many different factors influence
hair loss, so simply using minoxidil as instructed may or may not yield
your desired results.
We recommend consulting your doctor and reviewing the minoxidil
precautions and risks to answer the question "is minoxidil safe" for
yourself.
