Treatment with Minoxidil & Other Therapies

Hair Loss Treatment with Minoxidil

Minoxidil hair loss treatment was the first FDA-approved therapy with clinically proven results for hair loss. Minoxidil comes in the form of a topical solution applied directly to the scalp. Initially, it was available only by prescription. Today, it can be purchased over the counter in two concentrations: 5% and 2%. Recently, a foam version of minoxidil was also released, which some users find easier to apply.

What is Minoxidil

Minoxidil comes as a solution or lotion that’s applied topically to the scalp twice a day. Before topical minoxidil became available, it was an oral medication for high blood pressure. Doctors noticed that many people taking minoxidil also developed increased hair growth on their bodies.

It was therefore thought that applying minoxidil directly to the scalp could stimulate hair growth in that area without the side effects of systemic use. Researchers thus developed a topical treatment for hair loss with minoxidil, and studies showed significant hair growth on the scalp.

How Minoxidil Works

The exact mechanism by which minoxidil works is not fully understood. The substance is a vasodilator—it causes blood vessels to widen—and may increase circulation to the hair follicles.
However, it’s unclear how this improves hair loss. What is known is that minoxidil prolongs the growth (anagen) phase of the hair cycle and improves hair quality by increasing the diameter of thinning hairs.

Effectiveness of Minoxidil and Areas of Application

Initial studies on minoxidil-focused hair loss treatment targeted the crown of the scalp. This led to the common misconception that it only works in that area. While it may be more effective on the crown, minoxidil can also stimulate hair growth in other scalp regions—as long as there are still some miniaturized hairs (like in the frontal hairline).
However, it is not effective in areas of complete baldness. The maximum benefit from minoxidil treatment typically becomes visible between 6 months and 2 years after starting therapy. After this period, its effectiveness gradually declines. Hair loss may still continue, but at a slower rate than if the treatment hadn’t been used.The effectiveness of minoxidil has been studied since the mid-1980s and is well-documented.
Both available concentrations (2% and 5%) have been shown to reduce hair loss and improve hair density, with 5% being generally more effective.

Tip: Don’t pause your minoxidil treatment

If you stop using minoxidil, results typically begin to fade within 3 months, and previous thinning may return. When you restart the treatment, you won’t regain the hair you lost during the break. For this reason, it’s best to use minoxidil consistently without interruptions.

Is minoxidil effective for female hair loss?

Yes, minoxidil is also effective for female hair loss. In 1994, a study involving 256 women with androgenetic alopecia who used 2% minoxidil daily for 2 weeks found that 60% of participants reported new hair growth. Researchers concluded that minoxidil is an effective treatment for female hair loss, though individual results may vary.

Are there side effects to treating hair loss with minoxidil?

The most common side effect of topical minoxidil is scalp irritation. The foam formulation is significantly less irritating than the liquid.

Side effects of minoxidil in women

Minoxidil, a medication primarily used to treat hair loss, can cause various side effects in women.

• Facial hair growth: A side effect sometimes observed in women is facial hair growth. Although this decreases when the treatment is stopped, those hairs may need to be removed with electrolysis or laser treatment. To reduce the likelihood of this problem, you should be careful when applying it.
• Hypotension: Women appear to experience the potential systemic side effects of minoxidil on lowering blood pressure (hypotension) more often. Rarely, they may develop dizziness—a symptom of hypotension—from topical minoxidil use.
• Allergic skin reactions: In women, allergic skin reactions of the scalp are also more common.
• Fetal abnormalities: It is important to be aware that minoxidil may cause fetal abnormalities.
• Menstrual cycle irregularities: Women who are or are trying to become pregnant, as well as midwives, should avoid this medication.

Laser Hair Loss Treatment

Laser hair loss treatment is known as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), and these lasers are referred to as “therapeutic lasers.” LLLT is also known by other names, such as red light therapy, cold laser, soft laser, biostimulation, and photobiomodulation.

LLLT for hair loss has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of both male androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and female androgenetic alopecia (FAGA). It has been recognized as a safe and effective method for stimulating hair follicle growth in:

• Men with androgenetic alopecia classified as Norwood-Hamilton stages IIa to V, and

• Women with female pattern hair loss classified as Ludwig stages I-4, II-1, and II-2, as well as

• individuals with skin types I–IV according to the Fitzpatrick scale.

What Are the Results of LLLT Hair Loss Treatment?

• LLLT has shown positive results both as a monotherapy and as a complementary treatment in the majority of patients with hair loss. Most patients report a halt in hair shedding, along with improvements in hair texture and quality.
• Clinical experience has demonstrated that new hair growth stimulation is more likely to occur when hair loss is at an early stage.
  To maintain the results, continued use of LLLT is recommended as maintenance therapy following the initial treatment protocol, which typically lasts 6 to 12 months.
• When used before and after hair transplant surgery, LLLT has been associated with faster regrowth of transplanted hair, offering improved postoperative outcomes for patients.

Minoxidil and finasteride can be combined to treat hair loss

Minoxidil and finasteride provide an enhanced effect when combined because they act in different ways. Finasteride promotes hair growth by blocking the negative effects of DHT, while minoxidil directly stimulates the hair follicle.

There are no interactions from using both medications, and you may see better results when using them together.

Do hair loss treatments actually work?

People often expect miracles from the medications they’re prescribed, and the same goes for hair loss treatments. Minoxidil was the first approved hair loss therapy with clinical results. Today, laser treatment for hair loss and finasteride therapy have also been added to the approved options.

What can hair loss treatments achieve?

It’s important to understand the potential of hair-loss treatments before you start one. They can stop hair loss in some people and, depending on the case and the stage of thinning, stimulate regrowth in areas where some hair already remains. What they cannot do is restore all the hair you have lost.

Are hair loss products effective?

There are dozens of hair-loss products on the market today. With few exceptions, they are all of low—and often zero—effectiveness despite their high cost. The only treatments one should use are those that have been clinically tested and approved for treating hair loss.

Approved treatments with proven results

To date, the only hair-loss treatments with approval and clinically proven results are the medications minoxidil and finasteride, and laser therapy for hair loss. Only these have been found to produce real results in the fight against androgenetic alopecia.

All three treatments are supported by numerous extensive studies demonstrating their action, safety, and effectiveness.

A fundamental truth about hair loss treatment

There is no definitive cure for hair loss. Every substance used against hair loss is a treatment—meaning, it works only as long as you continue using it. So don’t expect to take something for a few months and have your hair loss magically stop forever. Every clinically proven hair loss treatment, without exception, only works while it is being used.

Key points about hair loss treatments

• Do not stop your treatment just because someone told you that “your scalp needs a break.” The scalp does not get tired from approved therapies.
• You should only stop your hair loss treatment if you experience side effects or if thinning no longer bothers you and you’ve decided you no longer care about your hair.
• Do not start and stop your treatment repeatedly, as this will lead to zero—or even negative—results. If a treatment gives you satisfying outcomes, continue using it daily. If stopped, the results will reverse in a short time.
• Stay consistent with your treatment. Also, keep in mind: increased shedding at the beginning of treatment is a positive sign—it means your follicles are responding well! Don’t stop—keep going! The new hairs that replace the old ones will be thicker, stronger, and have more color!
• Hair grows about 1.2 cm per month. Some treatments can help restore hair, but visible results typically appear after 6 months.

Does everyone experience the same results?

Some individuals respond exceptionally well, while others may not experience such noticeable benefits early on. The time it takes to see results from treatment varies from person to person. Since all hair loss treatments do not show immediate results, it is essential to remain patient.

However, in all cases, users should continue the treatment for at least 6 months before evaluating its effectiveness.

Minoxidil: the most scientifically proven treatment

It’s not uncommon to see various regimens for treating hair loss, often over short periods. However, minoxidil is one of the principal scientifically approved methods proven to deliver significant results. In particular, minoxidil was the first form of therapy to produce indisputable results for androgenetic alopecia.

Although its exact mechanism of action is not yet known, it is certain that it dilates blood vessels and prolongs the life of hair follicles. As a result, hair quality improves and hairs remain on your scalp for a longer period.

Male and female hair loss

Male hair loss is the No. 1 problem that increasingly younger men face every day. With the topical application of minoxidil, our patients can achieve the full, dense result they want with complete safety.

Despite its lower incidence, female hair loss troubles 10% of the female population. Women pay closer attention to the appearance and health of their hair. The application of this active substance guarantees an even more natural and dense result, especially when combined with a hair transplantation method.

Do you want to find out which hair loss treatment is right for you?

Book an appointment at the hair transplant clinic, Anastasakis Hair Clinic, and find out which hair loss treatment is right for you.