Results with minoxidil start to show within the first few weeks. Then it starts to advance in various stages. The entire hair restoration process takes three to six months.
Expecting quick results is unrealistic; even then, it would take weeks. Only hair transplants can achieve that.
There are several ways to stop hair loss. Everyone agrees that it takes time for effective, safe, and long-lasting hair growth treatments to take effect.
Continue reading to learn more about the outcomes you can anticipate from using the FDA-approved medication minoxidil.
How much time it take to see minoxidil results?
Minoxidil takes time to work; like many things, it varies from patient to patient.
Some might see the hair growth as early as three months; some might only see it a year into the treatment.
However, there is an average timeline that applies to most people:
The first few weeks will be a struggle. You’re taking a drug for hair loss and seeing more hair shedding.
Don’t worry; this is normal.
After consistently using minoxidil, you will see new hair growth anywhere from 3, 6, to 12 months into the treatment.
What to do if you believe minoxidil is not working?
The first thing to always do is to consult a health professional.
Minoxidil might start working, but you didn’t notice.
Or, if it does not work, they will prescribe you something else, such as oral minoxidil, dutasteride, or finasteride.
How does minoxidil work?
Minoxidil works quite differently than other hair treatment options.
With the minoxidil treatment, hair sheds first before the treatment process begins to take place. So don’t worry if you instead see hair fall (pretty alarming when you’re supposed to grow hair, we know).
According to this study, minoxidil has been around 60% effective in men.
The minoxidil treatment takes place in two distinct phases.
The scientific hair growth cycle consists of anagen, telogen, catagen, and exogen.
Minoxidil does its work in the first two phases.
Anagen
This is the first stage in which hair growth takes place.
Telogen
This is the stage at which the hair is fully grown.
Minoxidil makes the anagen phase longer and the telogen phase shorter.
So you will see hair fall due to the shorter telogen phase.
Are there any side effects of minoxidil?
Minoxidil may cause side effects in some people.
Both men and women can use minoxidil. It is an FDA-approved, popular solution. Therefore, many may think it comes with little to no side effects.
Minoxidil, however, can result in a wide range of responses and symptoms, regardless of gender. Despite the rarity of negative effects from minoxidil, here are a few:
- Chronic headaches
- A burning sensation on the scalp
- Excessive facial hair
- Above-average hair loss
- Swelling in any of the body parts
- Slow or fast heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Acne
- Vision issues
- Weight loss or weight gain
It’s essential to refer with your dermatologist before starting the treatment. They will inform you about the possible side effects and, if lucky, will also present alternatives to minoxidil.
How to make minoxidil more effective?
You may unknowingly be taking steps to ruin your hair loss treatment!
To get optimal results, always apply it twice daily.
Be mindful of your daily hair care routine if you want minoxidil to be successful.
After checking a medical professional, you can also use minoxidil and other hair recovery products for improved results.
Are you using minoxidil properly?
There are more chances of getting accurate and timely results if appropriately applied.
There are two types of topical minoxidil treatments: minoxidil topical solution (serum) and minoxidil topical foam. Here’s how to apply minoxidil for the best results:
How to use serum minoxidil?
- Your scalp and hair have to be dry before you can apply minoxidil.
- Rinsing with shampoo isn’t necessary, but your hair should be clean.
- Use a measuring cup to separate one dose of 1ml of minoxidil solution.
- Divide your hair into many parts to make it easier to apply at the crown.
- Gently massage minoxidil with your fingers, rubbing it into your scalp.
- Don’t shower or wet your hair immediately after using minoxidil. Give it at least one hour to settle into the scalp.
You always need to apply minoxidil to your scalp’s crown!
How to apply foam minoxidil?
Foamy minoxidil usually comes in the form of a bottle.
- Make different sections on your hair scalp (as you would for minoxidil solution).
- Examine the area where the hair has become thinner.
- Take out some minoxidil foam onto your fingers.
- Spread the bit of foam to cover the entire scope of hair loss.
- Never squeeze out minoxidil directly onto your scalp!
Whether you’re using the solution or the foam, always wash your hands thoroughly after every use!
Will minoxidil become more effective if combined with finasteride?
Yes, finasteride can be used along with it to accelerate hair regrowth.
It is used for people who suffer from high DHT issues and bad hair follicular health. It is responsible for enriching hair follicles with nutrients, whereas finasteride is used to lower DHT levels.
As always, don’t use these drugs without prior consulting.
Is it possible to decrease minoxidil hair shedding?
According to research, skipping the hair-shedding part of it treatment is impossible. But it is possible to decrease the shedding.
If you have skin allergies or intense hair fall issues, your dermatologist might prescribe a 2% minoxidil solution.
The higher the concentration, the greater the hair coverage. The pace at which it works will remain the same.
However, a recent study found that a 5% minoxidil solution induces hair growth faster than 2% minoxidil.
It’s important to note that:
- The sample size consists of only men. It does not mean females will get the same results.
- One study is not conclusive enough to make it a medically accepted fact. Always talk with your dermatologist if you want to try 5% it.
What happens after you get the results?
What should you do after topical minoxidil has been successful or unsuccessful?
Typically, the 48-week timeline sets the benchmark on how to regrow hair on the bald spot fast, and for it, results to appear.
After this, hair loss would start to manifest itself just as it did before to taking it. Because the medicine causes dependence in hair that has grown during treatment, this hair loss is natural.And although the regrown hair is healthy, they have become accustomed to the blood volume induced by it. So now, it all depends on how you make up for the blood flow provided by it.
Your dermatologist or doctor should be able to give you detailed instructions based on your results and examinations.
How can you reduce hair loss after stopping minoxidil treatment?
It directly affects blood flow. When its usage is stopped, another method needs to stimulate the flow.
There are many approaches to regulating the flow of your scalp after stopping it.
- Take supplements. These could be vitamins, proteins, or any formula that works to enhance follicle health.
- Use naturally derived, effective serums.
- Massage your scalp to improve the blood circulation for your hair
You could use just one of these methods, but combining them with a doctor’s advice is also a good idea. Because you never know whether the combination will work or produce side effects on your scalp.
Remember that it’s all about keeping the blood circulation as it gives.
What if you miss a single or a couple of minoxidil doses?
Results remain unaffected if you accidentally skip the medication for a day or two or even for a few weeks.
It won’t affect the results if you forget to apply it for a day. This also goes if you miss it for several days.
However, the entire scenario can turn around when you permanently stop using it or if it’s been a few months since you quit.
After stopping it, pattern hair loss may return.
Follow the hair restoration treatment if you are already on one and see it through – if possible.
Conclusion
So thicker hair and new hair growth never appear suddenly.
It is a progressive hair regrowth treatment medication that takes place along with two phases in the hair growth cycle. You could combine it with finasteride if you’re experiencing high-level DHT problems.
The concentration of it will vary from person to person, depending on their health conditions and needs.
A recent study suggests the ideal concentration is 5% minoxidil, which works for around 60% of people, especially male pattern baldness.
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