Regrowth hair|Minoxidil therapy

The pump spray tip applicator is used for applying minoxidil to large areas, while the extended spray tip applicator and the rub on applicator are for smaller areas of the scalp.

Minoxidil is absorbed into the scalp in 5 minutes.  Because it is odorless and does not leave a residue on the scalp no one but the user needs to know of its use.

It may take up to 3 or 4 months of daily application before results are noticeable.  In some cases changes are not obvious for 8 to 12 months.  It is necessary to continue the treatment schedule even after hair regrowth is evident in order to maintain the restoration process and to prevent further hair loss.  This treatment program is a long term commitment.

If there is no response to the daily use of minoxidil after a 4 month period or more, then it may be worthwhile to consider an alternative.

Does minoxidil cause any side effects?

Side effects of minoxidill and Though rare, allergic reactions have occurred after the application of minoxidil.  An allergic reaction may be characterized by such symptoms as itching, swelling, redness, and a rash.  The reactions may be caused by one or more ingredients in the solution, including the minoxidil, alcohol, propylene glycol and the preservatives.

Problems may also result from the absorption of minoxidil into the body, though this is extremely rare.  Hair may grow in areas other than the scalp, and heart problems, such as irregular beating and enlargement of the heart, may occur.  Those using minoxidil on a regular basis should be monitored by their physician , even though a prescription is no longer required.  If any side effects do occur, use of minoxidil must be discontinued immediately and the physician contacted.

Are there any other agents or medication available for regrowth of hair?

Electric stimulation of the hair follicles has also proven to be a potential hair regrowth solution.  Further evaluation of this technique is required before it is made widely available.

Side effects of minoxidill and finasteride, when taken orally, is proving effective in stimulating the regrowth of hair in men with male pattern baldness. Originally used to treat benign prostate enlargement in men, a noted side effect was the regrowth of hair on the scalp.  The mechanism of action is the inhibition of the release of an enzyme which transforms testosterone into a potent hormone known as drotestosterone (DHT).  DHT stimulates the production of prostate tissue and the shrinkage of hair follicles on the scalp.  By restricting the production of DHT, prostate enlargement is reduced and hair follicle growth is allowed to continue along its normal course.  It only has an effect on the hair follicles of the scalp, not the rest of the body because it is these hair follicles which are particularly sensitive to shifts and changes in testosterone levels in the body.

Finasteride is already approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States as a treatment for benign prostate enlargement and is currently being evaluated as a medication of baldness.  If it is approved as a treatment of male pattern baldness it will be available in a smaller dose under the trade name of Propecia.

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