Numerous reviews of women, made before and after the course of using the remedy for hair Minoxidil, photographs posted in the public domain clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of using the drug. According to many, the medicine strengthens hair, prevents hair loss and improves color.
Description of the drug
Minoxidil belongs to the new generation of therapeutic and prophylactic drugs with a wide spectrum of action. Initially, the drug was developed for the treatment of hypertensive diseases.
Its vasodilating effect allowed scientists to find other areas of therapeutic use of this substance, one of which is its androgenic property. It is thanks to this property that minoxidil and preparations made on its basis have become so famous and widespread.
The composition of the product
The active substance of the drug is minoxidine. It has a light gray crystalline structure. On its basis, drugs are produced for the treatment of androgenic alopecia: in the form of lotions, ointments, sprays, oils.
In the manufacture of products with minoxidin, only environmentally friendly and proven components are used:
- active crystalline substance minoxidine;
- pure distilled water;
- medical ethanol;
- propylene glycol.
Propylene glycol is a viscous, liquid-like substance with a sweetish taste and a slight specific odor, is a good solvent and has pronounced hygroscopic properties. Due to this, minoxidin easily penetrates into skin cells and hair follicles.
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Minoxidin has found wide application, both in medicine and in the cosmetic industry. This component is included in medicines for the treatment of hypertension, diseases of the stomach and other internal organs.
But minoxidin gained particular fame in connection with its use in the treatment and prevention of hair loss. This drug is used both for the treatment and prevention of androgenetic alopecia of the head, and for the activation of beard growth.
Minoxidin is prescribed for the treatment of hair loss in both men and women, numerous reviews and photos of patients before and after the start of taking the drug, make up a picture of positive dynamics in eliminating the problems of excessive hair loss.
Minoxidin is prescribed to persons over 18 years of age, the main indications for use are:
- age-related hair loss;
- hair loss due to hormonal changes in the body;
- hair loss associated with insufficient intake of vitamins and minerals;
- weakening of hair growth due to environmental impact of the environment;
- hair damage caused by perms, dyes and poor quality shampoos and masks.
Contraindications
Minoxidin is not a hormonal agent, does not contain harmful dyes, and is a drug belonging to the group of low-allergenic foods.
Trichologists do not recommend using it in the following cases:
- persons under the age of 18;
- with existing damage to the skin of the scalp;
- in the presence of skin diseases;
- with individual drug intolerance;
- during pregnancy and lactation.
Possible side effects of use
Due to the absence of such harmful components as dyes, allergens, as well as antibiotics and hormonal components in minoxidine, the side effects caused are minimal.
In case of individual intolerance, improper use of the product, or with an overdose, there may be redness of the skin under the scalp, peeling or itching.
Overdose can lead to excessive hair growth on the front of the head and sideburns. To avoid such manifestations, experts recommend that you carefully read the attached instructions and follow the recommendations for the dosage of the drug, the methods of its use.
Mechanism of action
The main feature of the remedy is its ability to act directly on the blood vessels. The improved blood flow ensures that more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the hair follicles.
Minoxidil acts on cell membranes by activating their receptors, stimulating the natural process of beta-catenin production. Improved microcirculation and activation of potassium channels are the main factors in the effect of minoxidil on the body.
The cells of the scalp, as well as hair follicles, due to the effect of the drug, receive a more complete saturation with oxygen and trace elements, which in turn leads to a thickening of the hair shaft, strengthening of the follicles and accelerating hair growth.
Hair begins to fall out less, grow faster, and becomes stronger and thicker. Improved blood circulation also stimulates the growth of dormant hair follicles and promotes their awakening and growth.
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Minoxidil is available in various concentrations:
- from 1% in gels and shampoos aimed at preventing and preventing weakened hair loss;
- up to 15% concentration in medicinal products.
The higher the concentration of the drug, the more pronounced its androgenic properties.
- 5% minoxidil by trichologists, most often, is prescribed for the active stage of alopecia, as well as in the presence of a progressive hereditary tendency.
- Minoxidil 15%, which has a high degree of concentration of the substance, enhanced by azelaic acid, is prescribed for advanced forms of baldness.
- To prevent the appearance in patients of excessive hair growth on the facial part of the head, a 2% solution of minoxidil is most often prescribed.
Reviews of women, as well as photographs before and after applying Minoxidil 2% for hair, show that an improvement in growth occurred in more than 80% of the subjects. The rest of the participants in the test group, the specialists prescribed the use of the drug with a higher concentration of minoxidil and recommended a longer course of therapy.
Forms of release (foam, spray, gel mask, lotion, shampoo, tablets)
The wide spectrum of action of minoxidil has led to the release of products in different types and forms.
Minoxidil comes in the form of:
- pills - the vasodilator effect makes it possible to use it for the treatment of patients with arterial hypertension;
- gel masks and creams - with a concentration of 1%, these products are intended to increase the growth of beards and mustaches;
- shampoos, containing 1-2% minoxidil, are prescribed for preventive purposes, are used to strengthen weakened damaged hair, including after exposure to perm;
- lotions various concentrations are intended for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
Preparations based on minoxidil (cosilon, alopexy, regaine)
On the basis of the active substance, other preparations are made that are similar to Minoxidil, both in composition and in its androgenic properties.
Among them:
- Kosilon - a yellow solution with identical composition and properties, available in bottles with a capacity of 60 ml, 2% concentration for women and 5% for men;
- Alopexy - sold in bottles of 100 ml, complete with 1 and 3 bottles per package, differs from its counterparts in that it is not recommended for use by patients with a history of heart disease;
- Regaine - another drug based on minoxidil, with the same composition and identical properties, produced in 2% and 5% concentration.
Instructions for use
Minoxidil is applied to a clean, dry scalp 2 times a day. For the convenience of using this tool, a measuring pipette or a spray bottle is included in the package. The product is evenly distributed over the entire surface, starting from areas especially damaged by alopecia.
After applying the product, it is recommended not to wash it off for 3-4 hours. Treatment should be started with funds with the lowest concentration of 2%. If necessary, the concentration of the drug should be increased.
The drug is designed for long-term treatment, it must be used for at least 4 months. After achieving the desired result, even with a complete restoration of the hairline, in order to avoid relapses, experts recommend repeating the course of application from time to time.
Efficiency
Given the numerous reviews and photos before and after using the product on forums and Internet sites, we can conclude that the drug has helped many women and men in the treatment of alopecia.
According to some trichologists, it is highly effective in treating hair loss in women.
The active ingredients of the medicine prevent profuse hair loss, make the hair shaft thicker, more elastic, and give the hair strength and volume.
During laboratory studies, experts found that the drug begins to act from the first weeks of use. The most significant results, in the group of subjects, were established in the third month of treatment. At this stage of ongoing research, noticeable improvements were found in more than 80% of patients.
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Minoxidil for hair is not classified as a drug by pharmacists. It belongs to the category of medicinal cosmetics, so not all pharmacies can find an assortment of these products. Some pharmacies work directly with manufacturers, being its official dealers. It is in such pharmacies that you can find and buy this drug.
Minoxidil can also be found and purchased on specialized official distributor websites. the cost of the drug depends on its configuration:
- minoxidil 5% concentration, calculated for a month of use, can be purchased from 750 r;
- minoxidil 5%, calculated for a six-month course of treatment, can be purchased from 3000 rubles;
- minoxidil 5%, in a package with a one-year course of treatment, can be purchased from 7500 rubles;
- minoxidil 15%, with the addition of azeloic acid, you can purchase a monthly course from 2900 rubles;
- minoxidil 15% - a course designed for 3 months can be purchased from 8500 rubles.
Analogs (Stemoksidin, Aminexil, Prokapil)
Minoxidil is one of the most popular remedies aimed at getting rid of alopecia, given its effectiveness, ease of use, this medicinal drug has many analogues.
Some of the most famous are:
- Stemoksidin - has an identical chemical constituent, according to laboratory studies, stemoxidin has the same terms of hair treatment and is based on the same technology, but unlike Minoxidil, it has a higher cost;
- Aminexil - also made on the basis of the active substance minoxidil, but differs from its derivative in a less pronounced androgenic property and a higher price, but has a less irritating property, is recommended for use in patients who are more sensitive to minoxidil;
- Prokapil - the patent of this product belongs to an Italian cosmetic company, produced on the basis of minoxidil, has a less oily consistency and a higher price.
Effectiveness of Minoxidil After Chemotherapy
To establish the effectiveness of minoxidil for hair restoration after chemotherapy, experts take into account the real reviews in the group of women tested, their photos before and after the start of using this remedy.
Research results show that minoxidil is really effective, even after such severe chemical exposure on the body as chemotherapy.
True, in this case, trichologists recommend starting treatment with the agent having the lowest concentration. With well-tolerated treatment, without side effects, the concentration of the drug can be increased.
With gray hair
The effectiveness of the treatment is not affected by age, gender or hair color. Patients who have been treated with this remedy in the presence of gray hair, note that the hair becomes less brittle and thicker, and growth is activated after several weeks of use.
In addition, the increased microcirculation of the skin and hair cells often leads to partial restoration of hair color. This phenomenon is especially observed at the initial stage of androgenic alopecia.
Is it possible to use minoxidil simultaneously with nicotinic acid?
Taking nicotinic acid, which is responsible for the regulation of metabolism in the body, not only successfully complements the course of treatment, but is also able to enhance the effect and help to achieve the greatest results.
Reviews of women taking nicotinic acid simultaneously with the course of treatment of minoxidil for hair, their photos before and after using the drug, allow us to note that this combination speeds up the treatment time and better preserves the result.
Minoxidil during pregnancy: is it possible?
Before starting any treatment, you should definitely consult with a specialist. Gynecologists advise against exposing your body and the unborn baby to various chemicals during pregnancy.
Nursing and expectant mothers should refrain from treatment with this drug due to insufficient data on the effect of minoxidil on the intrauterine development of the baby, as well as on its effect on the baby during lactation.
Is it addictive?
The data of numerous studies indicate that even with prolonged use, the effectiveness of the treatment does not decrease. The chemical on the basis of which this drug is made has the ability to be excreted from the body within a few hours after application.
The drug is completely excreted from the body within a week after application. Minoxidil is not addictive and can be used to treat hair for a long time.
How to recognize a fake?
In order not to suffer from deception, you should purchase the product from official representatives who can provide a quality certificate, give detailed advice and answer questions of interest on the quality of the product.
An additional factor of the authenticity of the product is the high-quality packaging with the obligatory indication of the manufacturer and the expiration date. You should also pay attention to the cost and try not to purchase goods that are greatly understated in price., since a high-quality and proven drug, unlike a fake, cannot be unreasonably low.
Reviews of Minoxidil for hair, as well as photos of women before and after starting it, can also be found on specialized forums for the treatment of androgenic alopecia. In order to confidently choose this medicine, you should read the reviews on the use of the drug.
What do doctors think
Uvarov Andrey Vladimirovich, trichologist of the highest category:
“I actively recommend Minoxidil to my patients. First, on the recommendation of a colleague, I tested it on myself. Convinced that it really helps to preserve hair, strengthens it and activates the growth of new ones, began to prescribe it to patients. And on their example, I am again convinced that the medicine fully meets the declared results of use. "
Anna Igorevna Kravtsova, radiologist:
“I started losing my hair on a professional basis. In a scientific medical journal I read about a new study in the field of trichology, the results were intriguing. I decided to try it on myself. I have been using it for 6 months, the result is pleasing, but the treatment needs to be continued until complete recovery. "
Video about Minoxidil
The result of using Minoxidil for hair in a month:
The real story before and after taking Minoxidil:
I want to roll myself up minoxidil