Minoxidil, Everything You Need To Know!

Minoxidil is a lotion that wasn’t designed to be used as a hair treatment product. It is actually designed as an oral treatment for high blood pressure. During the trial period scientists discovered that some of the patients experienced more hair growth. As a result of this discovery and after many years of research the FDA gave their approval.

How does it Work?

Minoxidil works by increasing the blood flow to the hair follicles and increasing the size of the follicles, which can help to stimulate hair growth. sIt  by widening the blood vessels in the scalp, which allows more oxygen and nutrients to reach the hair follicles. This can help to stimulate the hair follicles and promote the growth of new hair.

There is also some evidence that Minoxidil lotion also inhibits the effects of DHT on your hair follicles defending them from damage however this is not scientifically proven. A treatment that is well known for this effect is Finasteride.

How long before I will see the effect of using Minoxidil?

The length of time it takes for minoxidil to work can vary depending on a number of factors, including the individual’s age, overall health, and the severity of their hair loss. In general, it can take several months of consistent use before any results are noticeable.

In clinical studies, people using minoxidil have reported seeing an increase in hair growth after about 16 weeks of treatment. However, some people may notice results sooner or it may take longer for others. It is important to be patient and consistent with the treatment, as results may not be immediately apparent.

How long do I have to take Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is a treatment for hair loss and not a cure. You need to take Minoxidil for as long as you want to continue to benefit from its use. If you stop taking Minoxidil, you will likely lose any hair you have gained within several months of stopping treatment.

Available concentrations Minoxidil

At this moment there are four different types of concentrations available: 2%, 5%, 10% and 15%. So what type of concentration do I need? If you are a man I would advise to start with the 5% concentration and if you are a woman with 2%. There is a good chance that you are satisfied with the results after a couple of months. If that is the case that’s great. But If that’s not the case you could try to switch to a higher concentration. But just keep in mind that the higher the concentration, the more chance that you will notice the side effects such as dryness, itching, and irritation.

In clinical studies, the 5% concentration of minoxidil has been shown to be more effective at promoting hair growth than the 2% concentration. In one study, men using the 5% concentration had a 40% increase in hair growth after 16 weeks of treatment, while men using the 2% concentration had a 10% increase.

For women, both concentrations of minoxidil have been shown to be effective at promoting hair growth, although the 5% concentration may be more effective. In one study, women using the 5% concentration had a 41% increase in hair growth after 16 weeks of treatment, while women using the 2% concentration had a 14% increase.

In conclusion, the higher concentration products are typically more effective at promoting hair growth, but it is also more likely to cause side effects.

Minoxidil with or without Propylene glycol

Propylene glycol (PG) is commonly used in minoxidil formulations as a carrier to help the active ingredient penetrate the scalp effectively. However, some individuals may experience sensitivity to PG, leading to mild irritation such as redness, itching, or flaking. To address this, PG-free alternatives are available, which can be gentler on the skin. However, removing PG from the formula has a trade-off—while it may reduce irritation for some users, it also affects how the product is absorbed. PG-free minoxidil tends to dry faster on the scalp, which can sometimes lead to increased dryness or a less even distribution of the active ingredient. As a result, users may need to adjust their application routine to maintain optimal effectiveness.

How do I get the best results

Let me just start by telling you that you get the best results if you start the treatment early. The reason is that you really want to prevent DHT from attacking your hair follicles. Otherwise DHT can cause permanent damage to your follicles and Minoxidil lotion will not be effective enough to bring them back to live. So this means that if you have area’s that are completely bald then there is no way that you will ever see hairs regrown on this area. In other words the earlier you start with the Minoxidil treatment the better.

The second tip to get the best results is that you need to be consistent in using this product. You will achieve the best results if you will keep using it on a daily basis. I am aware it can be a hassle to apply the lotion on the scalp.

My personal routine

What I do I just make it part of my evening routine. I will apply it every evening after I have showered and washed my hair. I’ll apply the lotion and go to bed. Applying it after a warm shower gives you the best result because your pores become more open. This allows better absorption of the lotion.

Be careful that you don’t wash your hair directly after you put on the Minoxidil lotion. The reason for this is that Minoxidil needs time to absorb after application. Therefore, wait about 3 hours before washing your hair and scalp.  

Earlier in this article I have put down that Minoxidil is not designed to shield your hair follicles from high levels of androgens including DHT. This means that it will stimulate hair growth and thickens your hair. However it is not scientifically proven that Minoxidil stops your hair follicles from being attacked by DHT. A product that is designed to protect you follicles from DHT is called Finasteride. So basically I advise you to buy a product that combines the ingredients Minoxidil and Finasteride in lotion form for the best results.

Please look at the video below for an instruction on how to use Minoxidil.

Minoxidil: Foam vs Liquid Formulations

Minoxidil users often find themselves at a crossroads, debating between these two formulations. Each comes with its distinct set of advantages and considerations, and understanding these can assist individuals in making informed choices.

To begin with, the liquid formulation of Minoxidil has been around longer, making it the more recognized form. Often containing propylene glycol, alcohol, and water, the liquid form ensures that Minoxidil penetrates the scalp effectively, providing the hair follicles with a direct dose of the treatment. Many users report noticeable results faster when using the liquid form. However, it’s worth noting that the presence of propylene glycol, while aiding absorption, might lead to scalp irritation in some individuals. The liquid can sometimes be a tad greasy, potentially affecting the hair’s texture temporarily post-application. 

On the other hand, the foam formulation was introduced as an answer to the concerns surrounding the liquid version. Free from propylene glycol, the foam variant is even less likely to cause skin irritation, making it an ideal choice for those with sensitive scalps. It dries faster than its liquid counterpart, ensuring a more comfortable and less greasy experience for the user. This non-sticky attribute means that styling the hair post-application becomes considerably more manageable. The foam formula also offers a more consistent and controlled application, reducing the likelihood of wastage. However, some users believe that the foam does not penetrate the scalp as deeply as the liquid, which might influence the speed at which results are noticed.

Cost can also be a distinguishing factor. Depending on the region and brand, one might find that the foam tends to be slightly more expensive than the liquid, mainly due to the additional manufacturing processes involved. Nonetheless, the price difference is often marginal and might be justified by the foam’s added benefits for specific users.

Oral vs Liquid Formulations

Oral Minoxidil, originally developed as a blood pressure medication, has gained popularity as an off-label treatment for hair loss. Compared to the more common topical (lotion) form, oral Minoxidil offers a convenient, once-daily dosing regimen without the mess or residue associated with applying lotion to the scalp. While both forms work by increasing blood flow to hair follicles and extending the growth phase of hair, the oral version distributes the medication systemically, potentially leading to faster or more widespread results. However, this also means a higher risk of side effects such as fluid retention, dizziness, or unwanted hair growth on other parts of the body. In contrast, topical Minoxidil is more localized, reducing systemic side effects but requiring consistent application and often causing scalp irritation or dryness. The choice between oral and topical Minoxidil depends on individual preferences, tolerance for side effects, and guidance from a healthcare professional.

Minoxidil for beard growth

If you suffer from less hair growth in the beard, I have good news for you. I have read the result from a  clinical study that showed that Minoxidil is not only suitable for the scalp. It can also be used to achieve a fuller beard. Combining it with microneedling is also really effective on the beard area. This will give you even better results. Please keep in mind that at this time there is just a single clinical trial that studied the effect of Minoxidil on the beard area. So it is a bit early to say that it is a treatment that has fully proven itself. It is also not yet an FDA-approved Minoxidil application.

What kind of shampoo should I use with Minoxidil Topical Solution?

It is generally recommended to use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo when using topical minoxidil. Sulfates can be harsh and drying to the scalp, which can be counteractive to the benefits of minoxidil. Gentle shampoos that are designed for sensitive scalps or dry, damaged hair may be a good choice. It is also important to avoid using a conditioner that contains a high amount of alcohol, as this can interfere with the effectiveness of the minoxidil. The best shampoo that you could use is a ketoconazole shampoo.

Potential side effects

Minoxidil is a safe drug that you can use for a long time without serious side effects. Side effects that sometimes occur are related to the ingredients including propylene glycol. For some users they can cause allergic reactions and skin irritations. Other users might be sensitive to the alcohol contained in Minoxidil. If you suffer from skin irritations, another variant of Minoxidil may offer a solution. In very rare cases there is dizziness, headache and low blood pressure.

User results

The results from using it will obviously vary per client. You will achieve the best results on area’s where the hair is thinning out and the hair follicles are still in a pretty good status. Minoxidil also seems to work a bit better on the crown area than on the temple area.

Scientific studies on the effect of Minoxidil on hair loss

There have been many scientific studies on the effects of Minoxidil on hair loss. Lets do a deepdive in three of the most significant scientific studies:

1. Study: A 48-Week Study of 5% Topical Minoxidil Solution in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA): One pivotal study, conducted by Olsen et al. and published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, investigated the efficacy of 5% topical minoxidil solution in treating male androgenetic alopecia. The study involved a randomized, placebo-controlled trial with a significant sample size. After 48 weeks of treatment, the results demonstrated a statistically significant increase in hair count for the minoxidil group compared to the placebo group. Furthermore, participants using minoxidil reported subjective improvements in hair growth, supporting the clinical evidence of its effectiveness in promoting hair regrowth in men.

2. Study: Efficacy and Safety of 3% Minoxidil Lotion for Beard Enhancement: A study conducted by Blume-Peytavi et al. and published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology explored the efficacy and safety of a 3% minoxidil lotion for beard enhancement. This study focused on individuals seeking to improve facial hair growth. The results, after 16 weeks of treatment, revealed a significant increase in both total and vellus (short, fine) hair count in the minoxidil group compared to the placebo. Adverse effects were minimal, highlighting the safety profile of topical minoxidil for enhancing beard growth in individuals with inadequate facial hair.

3. Study: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of 5% Minoxidil Topical Foam Once Daily in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women: An influential study led by Lucky et al. and published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology focused on the efficacy of 5% minoxidil topical foam in treating androgenetic alopecia in women. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial demonstrated that women using minoxidil experienced a significant increase in non-vellus hair count compared to those using a placebo after 24 weeks. The study affirmed the benefits of topical minoxidil in promoting hair regrowth in women suffering from androgenetic alopecia.

The best products to combine with Minoxidil lotion

Here is an overview with 7 of the best products that can be effective in combination with Minoxidil for addressing hair loss:

1. Ketoconazole-based Shampoos (e.g., Nizoral):

   • Antifungal properties can reduce scalp inflammation.
   • Complements Minoxidil’s regrowth effects.

2. DHT-blocking Shampoos (e.g., Saw Palmetto or Pumpkin Seed Oil Formulas):

   • Helps prevent dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from contributing to hair thinning.

3. Dermarollers (e.g., Dr. Pen Ultima A6):

   • Creates micro-injuries on the scalp, potentially enhancing Minoxidil absorption.
   • Stimulates blood flow to the scalp.

4. Hair Growth Serums (e.g., Pronexa by Hairgenics):

   • Contains ingredients like biotin, caffeine, and argan oil to nourish and fortify hair strands.
   • Supports overall hair health.

5. Supplements (e.g., Nutrafol):

   • Comprehensive approach with botanical ingredients and vitamins.
   • Addresses underlying causes of hair loss from within.

6. Scalp Massage Brushes:

   • Enhances blood circulation on the scalp, promoting nutrient delivery.
   • Can be used during shampooing to maximize product absorption.

7. Finasteride Lotion:

   • A prescription topical treatment that inhibits the action of DHT directly on the scalp.
   • Often used in conjunction with Minoxidil for a comprehensive approach to hair loss.

Our nr. 1 Minoxidil product choice

If you talk about Minoxidil products, it’s impossible to overlook the incredible potency of Dual-Gen 15 from MinoxidilMax. This product stands out as one of the most effective formulations available in the market. For those who are serious about achieving noticeable results, Dual-Gen 15 is a must-try. Its enhanced formula not only contains Minoxidil, but also boasts additional ingredients that amplify its efficacy like Finasteride.

The research behind Dual-Gen 15 is commendable. MinoxidilMax has invested considerable effort to ensure its product delivers unmatched results. The increased concentration ensures a robust response, making it ideal for those who may have found lesser concentrations less effective. Moreover, its unique blend minimizes potential side effects, making it a safer choice for long-term use.

For the best results, consistent application is key. As with all hair loss treatments, patience and persistence are essential. By choosing Dual-Gen 15, you’re opting for a product that is at the forefront of hair regrowth science. If you’re keen on investing in the best, this product is worth every penny. Experience a transformative hair journey with Dual-Gen 15 from MinoxidilMax.