If you are looking for a product that can be used to treat hair loss then Minoxidil and Rogaine are effective and reliable products. Although they are mostly used to enhance the growth of beard hair. Can’t grow your beard? Minoxidil might help you!
Minoxidil
Minoxidil drug was originally developed in the late 1950s and was used to treat ulcers. But experiments of scientists failed.
Minoxil as medication, was developed to treat high blood pressure(hypertension) in males and females in 60s and 70s, and accidently it was discovered that it can effectively cure pattern hair loss in males and females if used consistently or as it is directed to use twice a day for at least 3 months. It is an antihypertensive vasodilator.
Rogaine
Rogaine is the brand name for minoxidil. In the year 1988,FDA approved this product to use as hair growth treatment for man .In 1991,a product was approved for women as well. Minoxidil can be used in varying strength 2% to 5 %in liquid or foam.
How it works
Minoxidil works as vasodilator. Its widens the blood vessels .In this way the necessary elements required for hair growth make way to the follicles resulting in hair growth.
Rogaine vs Generic Minoxidil
The active ingredient is Minoxidil. The only thing that varies are the inactive ingredients that changes the consistency and hence the way the product is applied. The difference between the products is almost negligible. One can choose the product according to the hair type. The only advantage between the branded and generic is the price and of course the generic one is cheaper.
Minoxidil for beard
As beard is considered as the sign of masculine beauty especially in the eastern part of the world. But in the West growing beard in in fashion nowadays. So, the products to enhance beard are in demand.
So you can anchor on Minoxidil to grow and enhance your beard as it gives you stronger roots. Minoxidil beard growth medication is a slow and natural process but the results are satisfactory as the thin and patchy beard turns into thick and uniform beard.
Trimming is also recommended during this medication as follicles get straight and blood flows easily and enhance the facial hair growth.
How to Apply
It can be applied in liquid or foam but foam is more effective. To apply the liquid usually 1milliliter is used through an applicator attached to the lid. Then the finger tips can be used to rub gently on the bald areas. Foam is easier to apply as it dries faster. Hands must be thoroughly washed after using the medicine. The medication is applied for at least few hours before washing.
Side Effects
Although all the side effects that are observed are not too risky. The most common ones are local irritations such as
- Itching
- Tingling/burning
- Flaking
- Redness
And it is observed that the symptoms are not severe enough to discontinue .The symptoms reduce with continuous use. If the symptoms get severe or get worse then the physician must be contacted immediately for further advice to continue or discontinue the medication.
- Shedding of hair initially in the first few months.
- Low blood pressure as it must be remembered that it is effectively used for high blood pressure.
- Severe reaction may include difficulty in breathing, hives, rashes and swelling of lips, mouth, tongue and growth.
Points to consider
- Minoxidil is not a hair loss cure
- Your hair loss can start again if the use of Minoxidil is stopped
- Minoxidil does not work for every individual the effect varies.
However ,it must be remembered that Rogaine is the most popular brand associated with Minoxidil but it is not the only brand that is available in the market. This must be kept in mind that there are many store brand minoxidil products available in the market. The good news is that majority work as effectively as Rogaine. Usually products with 5% minoxidil are most effective.
