Displaying items by tag: Minoxidil

REPORT: Efficacy of Treatments Compared for Female Pattern Hair Loss

As of July 2015, there have been no less than 47 reported studies on several popular topical treatments for female pattern hair loss (FPHL) that included approximately 5300 women ranging in age from 27 to 57. Within these studies, there were 3 small sub-studies on a topical treatment used for male hair loss. No age was provided on the ages of the 231 male participants. Twenty-one of the studies were viewed as bias-free, meaning that there were no outside influences, and 26 studies were financed by pharmaceutical firms which were viewed as having a moderate risk of being biased.

Each participant provided information about family history of hair loss. Additional pre-study information was collected on whether a person was pre or post-menopausal, how the impact of thinning hair affected their self-confidence, discomfort, emotional stress, and quality of life. In those cases where hair regrowth or improved density was noticed, the participants reported an improvement in their self-confidence and quality of life.

CATEGORIES OF STUDIES:

Minoxidil Compared to a Placebo:
In these studies twice as many women experienced moderate regrowth with the minoxidil than with the placebo. The mild side effects described by both group participants were: dermatitis, skin irritation, and itching scalp.

Minoxidil 2% Compared to Minoxidil 5%:
The results of these studies indicated that while there was an increase in hair regrowth, there were no significant benefits gained from the group using the higher concentration of minoxidil from the group using the lower concentration. The same mild side effects of dermatitis, skin irritation and itching scalp were reported by both female groups.

Finasteride Compared to a Placebo:
Three studies on the use of the male topical treatment, finasteride, compared to a placebo showed the same level of improvement. The mild side effects identified by both groups were the same, but the studies did not describe those comments.

Laser Comb Therapy Compared to Sham Therapy:
The results of these two studies revealed that both groups saw a healthy increase in hair regrowth. There were no side effects reported by either group.

FPHL is the most common hair problem for women, occurring most often at the front and over the top of the head. Topical hair treatments are similar to other health care routines; people must continue their routines in order to retain the benefits. Minoxidil is not recommended for lactating or pregnant women.

What Is Minoxidil? 

Minoxidil is a medication that is recommended to treat hair loss. The brand names of this drug are Rogaine, Renewal and Loniten. It is most effective when it is used shortly after the hair loss starts. Additionally, people who are under the age of 40 will get the best results.

How To Use Minoxidil
Minoxidil comes in the form of a liquid. It is applied directly to the scalp using an applicator. It is typically applied twice a day. You will need to use Minoxidil exactly as directed. You will not get faster results by using more than recommended. In fact, you are likely to experience adverse side effects if you use more than what is recommended.

Minoxidil should only be applied to your scalp and hair. It should not be applied to other areas of your body. Keep it away from your eyes. If the Minoxidil comes in contact with other areas of your body, then you will need to wash it off as soon as possible. Contact your doctor if you have skin irritation.

Your medication should be stored at room temperature. You will need to keep your medication in a tightly closed container when it is not being used. Medication that is outdated should be thrown away.

Precautions
You should let your doctor know about any medications that you are taking. If you are taking any herbs or supplements, then you will also need to let your doctor know that. You should also let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding, pregnant or plan to become pregnant in the future. Do not apply the Minoxidil to your scalp if it is burned.

You should avoid excessive sunlight while you are taking this medication. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing while you are out in the sun. Minoxidil makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Side Effects
Dryness, scaling, irritation and burning on the scalp are common side effects of Minoxidil. Rare side effects include rapid heartbeat, lightheadedness, difficulty breathing and swelling of the face. Contact your doctor if you begin to start to experience unpleasant side effects.

Solutions for Hair Loss

At Apollo Hair Replacement of Dallas / Fort Worth, we take pride in being able to offer you both surgical and non-surgical hair loss solutions. By introducing new and innovative technologies, we can provide our clients with the widest array of hair loss solutions.

We understand what it's like to be frustrated in the search for answers. At Apollo of Dallas / Fort Worth that frustration ends! We strive not only to solve your hair loss problem, but to provide the most positive, comfortable, and confidential service in the hair replacement industry.

Call us now for a FREE consultation! Get your life back!

How Does Minoxidil Work?
Hair loss, which affects both men and women, is usually caused by a genetic susceptibility to thinning hair. Many people give up at the first signs of hair loss, believing corrective treatments to be costly or ineffective. People suffering from male or female pattern baldness need not give up hope, however, as Minoxidil has been shown to yield impressive results.

What Is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil took a circuitous path to becoming the most popular hair loss treatment. It began its life as a drug for high blood pressure. It was administered in pill form, and scientists noticed an interesting side effect: excessive hair growth. Drug manufacturers decided to release an over the counter, topical version of the drug intended to treat hair loss. This enables people to enjoy the hair growth without any unnecessary arterial dilation.

When Minoxidil is applied topically, the hair follicle widens. This leads to an increased thickness in individual hair strands. The drug also extends the stage of hair growth known as anagen, which leads to an increase in the number of hair strands produced. These results can prevent further hair loss and promote the growth of new hair.

How Effective Is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil is an effective hair loss treatment for both men and women. 60% of men who used the topical drug saw improvements in vertex balding, and 10% of men saw improvements in hair thickness. When women were tested, as many as 60% reported new hair growth.

How Is Minoxidil Used?
Minoxidil is a topical treatment that comes in two strengths, 2% and 5%. The 5% is intended for men, and the 2% is recommended for women, as higher strengths might produce unwanted side effects.

To apply the solution, first make sure that hair and scalp are completely dry. Massage the treatment into any areas of the scalp that are thinning, using fingers to ensure that the Minoxidil penetrates the follicles. Make sure that none of the solution has dripped onto the face or neck; if it has, wash it off.

Does Minoxidil Have Any Unwanted Side Effects?
Minoxidil does have several side effects, including skin irritation and unwanted female hair growth. Some people report dermatitis, which is caused by the alcohol used in the solution. Minoxidil can also cause hypertrichosis, which leads to excessive hair growth in areas like the forehead and cheeks.

For more information on hair loss treatments, contact Apollo Hair Replacement.

FDA Approval Hair Growth Treatments 
If you are a victim of hair loss, you may be willing to do anything to reclaim a full head of hair. Beware of false claims that surround you. The market is inundated with home remedies and products that will not improve your hair growth. Worse yet, products that are not regulated could actually be dangerous for your health. Take a close look at the alternatives below that do not work and stay away from them. 

A Variety of Herbs
Herbal supplements have gained in popularity and many promises have been made to treat virtually any condition, including hair loss. Hair loss is generally due to an imbalance in hormones in your body or for genetic reasons. No type of herb will fix these problems. You need to diagnose why you have lost hair and find the appropriate, FDA-approved treatment method or surgery may be your only option.

Special Brushes
You're sure to find brushes that are intended to stimulate your hair follicles in order to promote growth of new hair. Anything that involves brushing or massage is not going to work. You have to address the underlying cause of your hair loss.

Special Shampoos and Conditioners
If you see an advertisement for a shampoo or conditioner that promises to help you grow more hair, forget about it. You can't wash away the root of your hair loss problem and these products are more examples of false advertising.

An Oil Massage
Take a look at natural remedies and you'll find many sources offering you hope with the use of natural oils. You're given free reign to choose any type of oil, from avocado oil to coconut oil or olive oil, to massage into your scalp on a weekly basis. The only result you are going to get is a oily head.

An Abundance of Indian Gooseberry
Another oddball remedy involves the use of a tablespoon of mashed, Indian gooseberries and lemon juice. You're supposed to cover your head with it, put on a shower cap, and wear it all night. Not only will this fail to promote hair growth, but you'll wake up with a mess.

What Actually Works?
According to the American Hair Loss Association, two FDA-approved products have been shown to have effective results. Propecia, also known as Finasteride, and Minoxidil have been approved. Results vary and depend on when treatment begins. Hair transplants or hair grafting are also used, but can result in scarring and infection.

Individualized Hair Loss Solutions

At Apollo Hair Replacement of Dallas / Fort Worth, we take pride in being able to offer you both surgical and non-surgical hair loss solutions. By introducing new and innovative technologies, we can provide our clients with the widest array of hair loss solutions.

We understand what it's like to be frustrated in the search for answers. At Apollo of Dallas / Fort Worth that frustration ends! We strive not only to solve your hair loss problem, but to provide the most positive, comfortable, and confidential service in the hair replacement industry.

Call us now for a FREE consultation! Get your life back!

Minoxidil (2% or 5% solution) is a spray or lotion that you put directly on your scalp twice a day. It is available without a prescription.

Minoxidil is a spray or lotion that you put directly on your scalp twice a day. It is available without a prescription.Applied topically, minoxidil prolongs the hair's growth phase. It's available over-the-counter in 2 and 5 percent formulas. Only the lower dose is approved for women, but many doctors recommend using the higher dose (though it carries a risk of increased facial hair growth). Massage minoxidil into the scalp twice daily; regrowth should appear in about six months (a three-month supply costs around $50). Minoxidil must be used daily. If you stop using minoxidil, any regrown hair will gradually be lost, and within 6 to 12 months the scalp will most likely appear the same as before treatment. Women may have more hair growth if they take minoxidil with estrogen (such as hormone replacement or birth control pills). If you stop treatment, hair density returns to what it would be if you had never used the medicine.

It is unclear how minoxidil affects hair growth. Minoxidil appears to increase hair follicles camera and also thickens the shafts of existing hair so that it grows in thicker. Some people who take minoxidil only grow hair that is thin and wispy or similar to peach fuzz. Minoxidil seems to work best on people younger than 30 years of age who have been losing hair for fewer than 5 years.1. The most common side effects include skin irritation, dandruff, and an itchy scalp. In women, minoxidil may promote facial hair growth, especially on the forehead and cheeks. If you have heart problems, ask your doctor about using this medicine.

When you need a hair replacement or hair restoration therapy in the Dallas Fort Worth area, call Apollo Hair Replacement. We have been DFW’s premier hair replacement provider for more than three decades, and we offer a wide range of effective hair loss therapies for both men and women.

Call us at 1 (800) 339-4247 to set up an appointment with our team or visit us online to learn more about our hair restoration services.