Rogaine for men is approved by the FDA as a treatment to regrow hair, and is available as a topical solution or foam that is applied to the scalp twice daily. Both contain 5 percent minoxidil as the active ingredient. Rogaine is intended for balding of the vertex, or top of the scalp, and is not recommended for treating a receding hairline.
Significance
Rogaine works best in men with recent hair loss and men under 40, according to PubMed Health. Although how it works is not fully understood, according to the Hair Loss Learning Center, Rogaine appears to enlarge hair follicles and extend the growth phase of the hair cycle. This allows hairs to grow in longer and thicker than before.
Benefits
Rogaine might help slow the rate of hair loss as well as cause hair regrowth, according to the Mayo Clinic, although new hair might be thin and short at first. The primary advantage of using Rogaine, according to the Hair Loss Learning Center, is slowing the rate of hair loss. The benefits of Rogaine will be seen as long as the product is used. When the medication is stopped, hair growth stops.
Considerations
It can take four months or more for results to be seen, and consistent use of Rogaine is necessary. During the first two weeks of treatment, hair loss might increase. Drugs.com advises that if increased hair loss continues beyond the first two weeks, a doctor should be consulted to rule out a medical cause for the sudden hair loss. In addition, the Mayo Clinic recommends telling a physician if no results are observed after six months of using Rogaine, as the doctor might recommend discontinuing treatment.
Side Effects
Potential side effects of Rogaine include itching of the scalp, burning, skin redness, increased hair loss and growth of facial hair. If too much minoxidil is absorbed into the skin, according to Drugs.com, it could cause dizziness, fainting, chest pain, headache, blurry vision and numbness or swelling of the extremities.
Warning
Rogaine for men should not be used by women. Self-treating with Rogaine is not recommended if the cause of hair loss is not known. The Rogaine site advises not to use the product if hair loss is sudden or if there is no family history of hair loss. Rogaine should not be combined with other scalp medications nor should it be applied to an irritated or infected scalp.
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