Minoxidil before and after results are really important for us if we want to decide which type of treatment is working the best. Between 1991 and 2001, the Food and Drug Administration and the United States Department of Health and Human Services approved Minoxidil in 2% and 5% concentrations as an effective treatment for male and female hair loss.
MINOXIDIL |
The Way To Regrow Your Hair
What Is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil was accidentally discovered by scientists who were developing Loniten®, a medicine for high blood pressure. A side-effect of Loniten was hair growth on the head and body. As a result, Minoxidil has been become an ingredient in products that support hair growth. In hair loss treatments, Minoxidil is used as a 2% concentration (recommended for a women) and 5% concentration (recommended for a men) both in Linguid formulation and Foam formulation. In spite of the fact that generic forms of Minoxidil contain higher concentrations (10%, 16%…), they are not more effective. In fact, skin cannot absorb concentrations of the substance greater than 5%. For the best absorbency, before you apply the drug, we recommend you use a derma roller with titanium needles.
Minoxidil Before and After
Scientists have conducted several clinical studies of a dermal solution of Minoxidil at 2% and 5% concentrations to determine its effectiveness against hair loss and its ability to induce new hair growth. In 50%-80% of subjects studies have shown the ability of Minoxidil to stop male and female hair loss and to trigger the growth of new hair, especially on top of the head, which were not completelay fall out.
How Does Minoxidil Work?
Scientist believe that Minoxidil works by extending the anagen phase of hair cells, which supports their growth => source. Since it increases the length and diameter of miniaturized hairs, it helps to improve hair quality. This process can induce new anagen cycles
Hair Cycle Process
Hair cells pass through three phases:
- The first phase is the “growing“ phase, known as the anagen phase.
- This is followed by the “involution” phase, known as the catagen phase.
- Then the telogen phase. At the end of the telogen phase, the old hair falls out and is replaced by a new one.
A shortened anagen phase usually precedes hair-loss problems such as male baldness. Scientist think that Minoxidil extending this phase.
HOW TO APPLY MINOXIDIL?
In an ideal practice, minoxidil is applied to the bald scalp twice a daily . After using, wash your hands. Do not apply two doses at once.
Before using, wash your scalp using a shampoo or clean water. Before you apply Minoxidil, your scalp and hair must be dry.
Liguid: Pump the applicator to fill it with minoxidil. Apply 1ml (0,034 fl oz.) on a thinning area.
Foam: Dispense half a capful of foam onto clean, dry fingers.
The medication can only function in areas where it is applied, and there must be direct contact to the scalp, not hair between or above it.
Gently massage it into the scalp for 1-2 minutes. Wait for approximately 1h to use GETTIK hair-thickening fibers, gels or mousses. Do not let your hair come into contact with water within 1 hour of the application.
FAQ ABOUT Minoxidil
How Long Does Minoxidil Take To Work?
Minoxidil should be taken for up to 4-6 months, until the patient can assess whether the medicine has helped or not. The main application of the drug is for the treatment of androgenic alopecia in both men and women. When you use minoxidil, remember that results might not show up for six months or even a year. Most patients who eventually witness results experience some delay or even a reduction in their hair-loss rate. This treatment also sometimes thickens existing hair. Minoxidil doesn’t grow any new hair on a scalp that has gone completely bald.
What Happens If I Stop Using Minoxidil?
When the use of this drug has been discontinued, the effects will wear off in a period of 3 months and the hair-loss pattern previously experienced will continue. When restarting this medication, the individual will not be able to regain hair that has been lost, which means it is advisable to use this drug on a regular basis for optimal results.
After 3-4 Months Of Stop Using Minoxidil You Back To Situation Before You Start
What Is The Difference Between Liguid And Foam Formulation?
Liquid form is dissolved in propylene glycol. The purpose of the propylene glycol is to improve the skin’s absorbency of Minoxidil and ensure that the drug is evenly distributed on the treated areas. On the other hand, it is a scalp-irritating compound. That might make hair feel difficult to manage, and even sticky. If this becomes an issue, think about switching to the Foam formulation. Is free of propylene glycol and more gently to your scalp. The level of absorbency in Foam formulation is still a question. Study on animals show the same absorbency as a liquid form. But there is still no study on humans.
Liquid Formulation Contains Propylene Glycol. It Can Irritant The Scalp
Foam Is Free Of Propylene Glycol
5% Minoxidil VS 2%
It should go without saying, but the 5-percent formula is usually more effective than its 2-percent counterpart => study. On the other hand, it does have propylene glycol, which itself is a scalp-irritating compound that might make hair feel difficult to manage, and even sticky. If this becomes an issue, think about switching to the 5-percent solution before bedtime and save the 2-percent formula for morning use. The 2-percent variant is based on alcohol and far less sticky in comparison.
After the use of Minoxidil at a 5% concentration, the rate of new hair growth was 45% higher than it was at a 2% concentration. (The parameter compared was the number of hairs on top of the head within a diameter of 1 cm.) In 54% of patients, a restoration of hair growth was observed in this area when it was treated with Minoxidil at a 5% concentration. Similar results were observed in clinical tests for women. After one year of treatment, the average number of hairs in the observed area increased by 112 hairs.
Gettik Team Recommended Use Minoxidil Twice a Daily To You Can Be Sure To Get The Best Results From It
Once or Twice Daily?
Based on Bernstein Medical Center the topical usage of minoxidil (5% and 2%) once daily is said to be almost as effective as using this formulation 2 times daily. This is because when one applies minoxidil topically, it offers a half-life of around 22 hours when on the skin. When given orally, its half-life is relatively short and lasts only a few hours. This suggests that the once-daily topical application is the better option. However, it is important to consider that GETTIK states that minoxidil is not as effective when applied only once daily.
What About Higher Concentration ?
In spite of the fact that generic forms of Minoxidil contain higher concentrations (10%, 16%…), they are less effective. In fact, skin cannot absorb concentrations of the substance greater than 5%.
Higher Concentration Than 5% Is Not More Effective.
Effective Combination
Using 5% Minoxidil With DHT Blocker Together Is The Most Effective Combination For Men To Stop Hair Loss And Regrowth Hair.
Minoxidil can stimulate follicular growth directly due to stimulation of dermal papilla (DP) and epithelial cells => source It also plays a critical role in proliferating dermal papilla cells. In contrast to dht blocker such as Propecia or natural Saw Palmetto, the effects of minoxidil are unrelated to androgens. Testosterone and its derivate, DHT, can affect the shortening of the anagen phase.
When finasteride and minoxidil are used simultaneously, they can directly prove inhibitive to DHT formation, which might have synergistic benefits in treating hair loss, even though finasteride is considered far more effective.
In most scenarios, using the two together gives patients the best possible outcomes => study
Recent studies indicate that minoxidil acts on hair follicles by opening potassium channels that are adenosine-sensitive. These are found in a part of the hair follicle known as the dermal papilla. A gene effect also takes place.
Minoxidil FOR Women
Both the 2% liquid and 5% foam formulations of the drug have been FDA-approved for women to use. 5% foam was approved in 2014, while for men it was in 1996.
Sensitivity to side effects experienced from minoxidil are much higher in women. These side effects can include feeling lightheaded or experiencing low blood pressure, known as hypotension. Women are also more at risk of developing allergic reactions on the skin and dermatitis.
Topical applications of minoxidil for women may produce an annoying reaction locally. This includes developing facial hair. Even though facial hair growth will resolve slowly when usage stops, this hair might need removal. When applying the solution, take care to stop the solution from running down onto the temples and forehead. The 5% solution is associated with a greater chance of the above-mentioned side effects, particularly when it is applied twice daily.
What should you know about minoxidil
- Minoxidil only works on miniaturized hair, which means areas where the scalp is not 100% bald.
- Minoxidil is proven to work effectively on the vertex, when the hair is just beginning to thin. The medication must be applied directly to the scalp to work, and is not effective on the hair itself.
- If the 5% solution irritates the scalp, it is best to try the 5% foam because it is free from propylene glycol, which is the more common of the irritants.
- Minoxidil can be applied to damp skin when you get out of the bath or shower.
- Minoxidil works best if used in combination with dht blockers.
- Minoxidil must be used continually and regularly to provide effective results. This means you should avoid stopping and starting. Shedding can be experienced within the first three to six months. Typically, this is a sign that the solution is working. This means you should avoid stopping the medication unless you experience adverse side effects.