Game Changer Or Scam: Is Minoxidil Worth It?

It might start with just a few strands here and there, no big deal. But over time as the hair in the shower drain consistently grows in volume, an awful realization might set in: your days with a head of full, thick hair, or any hair at all, may be coming to an end.

And you won’t be alone. It’s estimated that 1 in 5 Americans are losing their hair. According to the American Hair Loss Association, approximately 35 million men and approximately 21 million women in the United State are affected by some degree of hair loss. At least 20% of them are under the age of 30. Those with a family history of hair loss are considered high risk.

For many, pattern baldness can be a source of deep emotional distress as it can affect all aspects of interpersonal and professional lives, particularly for younger people. While baldness might work for celebrities like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Jason Statham, and Jeff Bezos, it's something most people run from, not embrace.

What Is Minoxidil?

Fortunately for hair loss sufferers, there’s the hair loss treatment minoxidil, an over-the-counter liquid or foam applied to the scalp or affected area twice a day to slow or stop the progression of male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). For more than 30 years, minoxidil has earned a reputation as THE go-to treatment for hair loss and hair growth.

Originally developed in the 1960s as an oral treatment for high blood pressure, a 2% topical minoxidil, going by the brand name Rogaine, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1988. Minoxidil for treating female pattern hair loss was approved by the FDA in 1992.

A stronger minoxidil 5% topical solution and a 5% topical minoxidil foam have since been developed. Oral minoxidil, while available, has not been FDA approved as a hair loss treatment. All topical forms are sold over-the-counter and do not require a doctor’s prescription.

How Does Minoxidil Work?

While the exact mechanism of action for minoxidil is not fully understood, minoxidil works as a peripheral vasodilator that widens blood vessels. It’s thought that new hair growth is promoted as blood flow around hair follicles improves. It usually takes at least 4 to 6 months of use before new hair growth begins to show.

Balding and hair loss start when hair follicles become miniaturized and the hair becomes fine and delicate. What happens next is a familiar scenario, with the receding hairline, the thinning hair around the crown of the head, and eventually, partial or total hair loss.

When that happens, it's time to bring on the minoxidil!

Bottom Line: Does Minoxidil Work?

The good news is that clinical trials have shown that minoxidil can indeed regrow hair in some people. In a year-long clinical study conducted by German dermatologists, 62 percent of 984 men using 5% minoxidil reported hair loss reduction, and the drug was rated “very effective” in 16 percent of participants and “effective” in 40 percent. Double-blind clinical studies with women showed 19 percent of women aged 18 to 45 saw moderate hair regrowth, while 40 percent reported minimal regrowth.

While no serious side effects were reported, common side effects are known to include scalp irritation or redness, itchy scalp, dryness, and flaking. Hair may fall out when minoxidil is first used, but this is a temporary effect of the medication.

In rare cases, chest pain, unexplained weight gain, rapid heartbeat, lightheadedness, or swelling of the hands or feet were reported and usage was discontinued. Woman who are pregnant or planning to be, or who are currently breastfeeding, are advised to consult a doctor or dermatologist before using minoxidil.

Should You Use Minoxidil?

So, with all of that going for it, the question remains: is minoxidil worth it? That depends on the individual and the commitment they're willing to put into it. With proven results and minimal side effects, those desperate for a hair loss solution really have nothing to lose by at least giving it a try. As usual, seek medical advice from a doctor or dermatologist before attempting any OTC hair loss or health care treatments.

But should it work for you, there’s a catch: once you start using a minoxidil topical solution treatment, you’re locked in for life. Regular use of a minoxidil 5% topical solution is needed to ensure new and continuous hair growth. Hair will grow and stay for as long as the medication is used, but it will fall out again a few months after applications stop.

If it doesn’t work for you, simply stop usage. But for those it benefits, the use of minoxidil can be a life changer. Just the sight of a hair-free shower can make the long-term commitment worth it.