Introduction
Hair loss can occur for a variety of reasons ranging from genetics to disease. When hair loss occurs, there are two FDA-approved products for treating hair loss, finasteride (Propecia) and Minoxidil (Rogaine). Only Minoxidil can be used for both men and women and can be purchased without a prescription.
Hair Loss Phases
Hair loss occurs in three phases, the anagen growth phase, the catagen transition phase, and the telogen resting phase. The anagen growth phase relies on blood and nutrients supplied by your blood vessels to grow a hair strand out of the root of hair follicles. Without this supply, the cells of your hair root are unable to divide properly, resulting in less hair growth.
Process
When Minoxidil is applied to the scalp, it acts as a vasodilator, meaning that it expands the capabilities of the blood vessels in the scalp to carry blood to the cells of the hair root. With the additional nutrition, follicles become revitalized and the cells begin to multiply again, allowing new hair strands to grow.
Types
Minoxidil comes in foam and liquid forms and is rubbed directly into the scalp twice each day. Minoxidil also comes in two strengths, in products with a 2 percent minoxidil solution and 5 percent solution.
Effectiveness
Minoxidill is not effective for everyone. If after six months you see little hair growth, you may want to talk to your doctor about other hair growth options. According to the Mayo Clinic, it can take as many as 12 weeks for new hair growth to occur while using the product. The hair growth results of minoxidil will only last as long as you continue using the product. After stopping the product, your hair will return to its original growth state.
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