Minoxidil (Topical Solution) Hair Loss Treatment
The minoxidil topical solution is an established hair restoration treatment. While it is most commonly used to treat female and male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), it can also treat thinning hair and various other hair loss conditions.
Are you considering using non-invasive topical minoxidil for receding hairlines, hereditary hair loss or other conditions? Book a consultation with Dr Bonaros today to discuss an effective treatment for your unique situation.
Reviewed by Dr Epameinondas Bonaros
Table of Contents
Overview of Minoxidil
Topical minoxidil solution, foam and liquid are derived from minoxidil tablets originally developed in the 1970s to combat hypertension. Members of early clinical trials for minoxidil experienced hypertrichosis (excessive unwanted hair growth on the body).
This resulted in healthcare professionals developing a topical solution with minoxidil as the active ingredient to treat hair loss. Marketed under the brand name Rogaine, this topical solution was the first FDA-approved medicine to promote hair growth.
How Topical Minoxidil Works
Topical minoxidil effectively treats pattern baldness, though studies have yet to discover its exact mechanism of action. Research confirms that it can slow down hair loss and stimulate hair growth. Scientists have identified the following effects that may contribute to hair regrowth:
- Slows and reverses the size reduction of hair follicles.
- Encourages follicles to transition to the growth stage of the hair growth cycle.
- Dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow around follicles.
- Nurtures existing and new hair growth by lengthening the follicle growth period (anagen phase).
Minoxidil is commonly used to treat female and male pattern baldness, making it ideal for anyone with a family history of androgenetic alopecia. Call us at 0141 340 9098 for advice on topical hair loss treatment plans.
Using Topical Minoxidil for Hair Growth
Before using topical minoxidil treatment for hair loss, it is important to learn about its dosage, results,
potential side effects and key safety information. This helps you make a fully informed decision.
Topical Minoxidil Dosage
The ideal topical minoxidil dose for hair loss depends on various factors,
including your biological sex and the type of topical formulation.
For the topical solution, it is recommended to:
- Apply minoxidil 1 ml two times per day with the applicator provided
- Men generally use the 5% solution
- Women typically use the 2% solution
For the topical foam, it is recommended:
- Both men and women should use the 5% formulation once per day.
- Men should apply a full capful
- Women should apply half a capful
Method of Application
The application method of minoxidil solution and foam is the same. Follow the steps carefully to achieve the most effective results:
- Ensure your scalp is dry before you apply minoxidil
- Gently massage the product to the affected area of the scalp
- Leave the minoxidil solution or foam on for at least four hours
- Allow treatment to dry for two hours to stop it from accidentally spreading onto your face, body or other surfaces
- Let it dry naturally. Using a hairdryer could interfere with its effectiveness
- If the solution spreads to other areas, gently rinse with cool tap water
- In case of a missed dose, apply it promptly or skip it if the next dose is due soon
Topical Minoxidil Hair Treatment Results
The minoxidil hair loss treatment immediately begins to stimulate hair growth from the first application. However, this medicine typically takes two months of consistent usage before showing tangible progress.
The timeframe also varies from person to person. You might need to wait between four and six months for visible results. As your hair loss slows, you will see improvements in the thickness and growth of existing and new hair.
It is important to understand that:
- Minoxidil works as an ongoing treatment, not as a once-off cure for hair loss
- Consistent usage is needed to maintain its efficacy
- Stopping treatment will gradually reverse its hair regrowth effects
- Hair will return to its original growth cycle over the next three to four months
Topical Minoxidil Side Effects
Although the topical treatment has many benefits, it is important to take note of potential side effects:
Patients often notice some initial hair shedding after using minoxidil to treat hair loss. This side effect is caused by the minoxidil’s stimulation of hair follicles from the resting or telogen phase to the growth or anagen phase. Typically, shedding only lasts between four and six weeks.
Some users may experience an itchy allergic reaction to the propylene glycol in the minoxidil solution. If this occurs, patients can switch to the topical foam, which does not contain this ingredient.
Minoxidil can also cause unwanted hair growth (hypertrichosis), specifically on the face. However, this is more common with higher doses found in oral minoxidil and should subside one to three months after medicine discontinuation.
This topical treatment often contains alcohol. When applied to the affected areas, this can irritate the skin and cause a dry scalp.
Another contact-based side effect is general scalp irritation, which could manifest as uncomfortable itching (pruritus).
The product increases blood flow, which could cause intense redness of the skin due to the dilation of blood vessels.
Rarer side effects and symptoms include:
- Increased heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
- Sudden weight gain
- Swollen in lower legs & other limbs
If you experience any of these, you should seek medical help immediately.
Want to know more about the available hair loss treatment options?
Contact our team for trustworthy, expert guidance about a range of hair loss protocols, including oral minoxidil treatments.
Topical Minoxidil vs Oral Minoxidil
The key differences between topical and oral minoxidil are their formulation, accessibility, and absorption process.
Topical treatment:
- Formulation: Topical treatment options include a minoxidil solution or foam
- Availability: Over-the-counter
- Application: Applied to areas of the scalp affected by hair loss
Oral minoxidil:
- Formulation: Oral tablets
- Availability: Purchased with a prescription
- Application: Taken orally
Absorption Process
Both treatments need to be converted by the sulfotransferase enzyme to become active and promote hair growth.
- Topical minoxidil interacts with this enzyme in hair follicles
- Oral minoxidil enters the bloodstream and encounters the enzyme in the liver
Sulfotransferase levels in hair follicles vary between individuals. Some people may not have sufficient levels to transform minoxidil into the active ingredient. However, they are always present in the liver. This is why doctors often prescribe oral minoxidil when topical formulations are not proving effective.
When prescribed appropriately, oral minoxidil tends to be more effective than its topical counterparts. However, this efficacy comes with a higher risk of adverse side effects.
Advantages of Topical Minoxidil for Hair Loss
Topical minoxidil has several advantages over the oral form, including the following:
- Minoxidil topical treatment comes in two forms — a solution or foam. This provides patients with a wider range of options for their hair loss treatment plan.
- Unlike the tablet form, which requires a medical prescription, topical formulations are easily available over the counter, making them more accessible.
- Topical formulations are UK-licensed and FDA-approved to treat male and female pattern hair loss. This ensures this treatment meets official safety regulations and can reassure users of its high standards.
- The topical solution for hair loss is less invasive than its oral counterpart. Only 1% is absorbed into your bloodstream, and your kidneys process and remove nearly all of this in just four days.
- This solution is an external treatment, and its most common side effects are also external. This means there is a limited risk of internal reactions, such as heart issues or adverse interactions with other oral medications like antihypertensives (high blood pressure medicine).
We offer a variety of hair regrowth and restoration treatments that suit everyone. For an expert assessment of your hair loss condition and a proposed treatment plan, book a consultation today.
Dr Bonaros: Experienced & Compassionate Hair Growth Specialist
Dr Bonaros is a trusted hair restoration expert whose qualifications include being part of the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery (BAHRS) and being the only member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) in Scotland.
As one of Glasgow’s leading hair restoration clinics, we understand the impact hair loss can have on an individual’s self-esteem. Starting with an initial consultation, we develop a professional and personalised treatment plan for every patient.
Our clinic offers a broad range of high-quality hair restoration services and treatments, including:
- Expert FUE hair transplants
- Hair loss medications by prescription, including minoxidil, finasteride or dutasteride
Regain your confidence with effective, reliable and long-term hair rehabilitation. Contact us to find out if you are a suitable candidate for a minoxidil topical solution.
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