Minoxidil Use - What Is Minoxidil And Realistically What Can I Expect?

Minoxidil is classified as a hair growth stimulant which was originally and still is used for hypertension in pill form. This FDA approved hair growth stimulant goes by the brand names Rogaine and Loniten and is widely available in topical form as a way of treating male and female pattern baldness. You may or may not have noticed that both Rogaine and Loniten contain anywhere from 2 percent to 5 percent minoxidil and the rest is made up of other ingredients. While this may not seem like very much most experts consider 2 percent to 5 percent to be the right balance to minimize scalp irritation while still providing the maximum hair re-growth potential.

Studies support its effectiveness particularly in protecting existing hair from the ravages of male pattern baldness. When applied twice daily for a sixty day period it has been shown to slow balding in nine out of ten instances. Studies indicate that it helps re-grow lost hair 20 to 40 percent of the time. While these are good numbers it is important to highlight the fact that no known hair loss product, including minoxidil works in every case, and new growth can be fine and fuzzy. Once minoxidil use is halted, new growth is lost and balding resumes. Minoxidil use is very safe for both men and women, with the only side effect being an itchy scalp in a small percentage of people.

Additionally, some extra benefit may be gained from combining minoxidil use with androgen blocking herbs such as saw palmetto and/or nettle root.

What Next? There are currently a handful of hair re-growth products (specially formulated for both men and women) which have been proven effective both in blocking harmful hormones and bringing the all important dead hair follicles back to life. These specially formulated treatments can be used both as a preventative tool, starting before hair loss becomes severe, or after loss of hair has become noticeable. Whatever the level of balding or thinning you are experiencing these products could be just what is needed to overcome this latest life challenge.

Male pattern baldness is the most common form of balding. Men are four times more likely to fall victim to the condition than women. Nevertheless, it is a serious concern for both, and the number of safe and effective treatment options is limited. One of these treatment options is twice daily minoxidil use. But what is minoxidil, and realistically what can I expect from minoxidil use?

About the Author

R.D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate for the use of natural health products and natural living with over 10 years experience in the field. Learn more about natural remedies and natural health at Purchase Remedies.com

Topics : Minoxidil Hair Loss, Hair Loss Remedy. Source: goarticles.com