Minoxidil is the only FDA-approved treatment for women’s hair loss (Ramos et al., 2020). According to a study conducted by Gupta et al. (2021), one of the significant findings was that minoxidil could lead to hair restoration in receding hairlines and bald spots in women. Minoxidil has increasingly garnered attention as a viable solution for women experiencing hair loss along edges and thinning. Many women have turned to Minoxidil as a solution for fuller, thicker hair. Let’s delve into the science behind Minoxidil and explore its potential for regenerating those delicate hairlines.
Uses of Minoxidil
- Androgenetic alopecia – FDA-approved
- Female hair loss – FDA Approved
- Beard enhancement
- Eyebrow enhancement
- Chemotherapy-induced alopecia.
Background- The Development of Minoxidil
Originally, minoxidil was an oral medication that was used in treating severe hypertension during the 1970s (Suchonwanit et al., 2019). During treatment, physicians noticed that the patient experienced hair growth as a side effect; this led to the development of topical minoxidil, which is used in treating alopecia. The treatment was first used with first administered to male patients suffering from alopecia and then administered to female patients. A 2% solution was first introduced in the market, then the 5% solution a few years later. Minoxidil was widely adopted as a hair loss treatment.
How Does Minoxidil Work?
Minoxidil works by affecting follicle cells to reduce hair loss and enhance hair growth (Suchonwanit et al., 2019). Although the exact mechanism of the drug is not fully understood, it is believed that the solution widens hair follicles, thus increasing blood flow to the follicles and prolonging growth. When applied, minoxidil solution stimulates hair follicles, thus reversing miniaturization, whereby the follicle shrinks, resulting in shorter and finer hairs. The solution encourages the growth of longer and thicker hair strands.
Does Topical Minoxidil work for Regrowing Hair, Edges and the Beard?
The short answer is yes! Compared to other treatments, such as placebo, minoxidil is superior in stimulating beard growth. However, it is worth noting that minoxidil has some downsides, as discussed in the sections below. Minoxidil does work for the regrowth of edges and the beard. Some individuals use topical minoxidil to stimulate beard growth and eyebrow growth.
One significant finding in a 16-week randomized trial study was that applying 2 percent of typical minoxidil can enhance eyebrow density (Suchonwanit et al., 2019). However, it’s worth noting that results can vary from individual to individual. For some, hair growth can be less pronounced and slower, while for others, it’s going to be relatively fast.
Can Minoxidil Grow Edges?
The edges, also known as the hairline or frontal hairline, are susceptible areas prone to thinning and receding. Many individuals, especially women of African descent, experience hair loss along the edges due to factors like tight hairstyles, traction alopecia, and hormonal changes. While Minoxidil is primarily marketed for treating androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness), some users have reported success in regrowing edges with consistent use. However, it’s essential to manage expectations. Results can vary significantly from person to person, and regrowth may be slower and less pronounced in certain areas, including the edges.
Benefits of Minoxidil
- Stimulates hair follicles to encourage the growth of new hair.
- Reduces Hair Loss: Decreases the pace at which hair is lost and thinning.
- Enhances Hair Density: Boosts the hair’s thickness and density.
- Non-Invasive Treatment: Topical use eliminates the requirement for surgery.
- FDA Approved: Clinically demonstrated and authorized to address hair loss.
- Appropriate for Every Gender: beneficial for both balding men and women.
- Easy to Use: Apply easily as a foam or topical solution.
- Over-the-counter availability: Purchasing does not require a prescription.
Minoxidil Side Effects
Before embarking on the minoxidil journey, it is essential to understand its adverse effects. Although topical minoxidil for women is generally safe to use, some individuals experience mild to extreme side effects.
- Contact dermatitis – One of the common adverse effects is irritant contact dermatitis. The 5% minoxidil solution has a higher incidence rate than the 2%. Therefore, before using a minoxidil solution, it is essential to conduct a patch test to determine whether you are allergic to that solution.
- Excessive hair growth in unwanted areas – Another common side effect is excessive hair growth in various untreated body parts (Ramos et al., 2020). Suppose you’ve been conducting your research on minoxidil. In that case, I’m sure you have seen TikTok videos or YouTube videos of individuals showcasing hair growth in other unwanted parts of the face, including the cheeks or the forehead. Excessive hair growth is widespread among individuals using the 5% minoxidil solution. Furthermore, it is more common among female patients and with oral minoxidil than topical minoxidil.
- Halting treatment – Stopping treatment can result in hair loss within approximately 12 and 24 weeks (Suchonwanit et al., 2019). Furthermore, individuals may experience hair loss in the initial phases of treatment.
- Serious side effects – Although uncommon, minoxidil can also lead to serious adverse effects, such as cardiovascular effects and fluid retention. Other adverse effects are skin rashes, excessive hair loss, and itchy eyes.
Tips for Using Topical Minoxidil
- Consistency is Key: Apply Minoxidil to the affected areas twice daily, as directed. Skipping doses can hinder progress.
- Be Patient: Hair regrowth takes time. Notice that visible improvements may take several months, so stick with the treatment regimen.
- Protective Styling: Choose hairstyles that don’t pull or tug on the hairline to minimize tension on the edges.
- Combination Therapy: For enhanced results, some users pair Minoxidil with other hair growth treatments, such as low-level laser therapy or topical anti-androgens.
Conclusion
Studies have shown that minoxidil for women is effective in resolving loss issues and promoting growth, especially for individuals suffering from alopecia. Although typical minoxidil is generally considered safe for various hair disorders, it is essential to analyze the adverse effects, such as excessive hair growth in nontreated areas and allergic reactions to the treatment. All in all, minoxidil can reduce hair loss and improve hair density. However, it is worth noting that it may take a long time to see the full benefits of minoxidil. Thus, patience is vital.
References
Gupta, A. K., Talukder, M., Venkataraman, M., & Bamimore, M. A. (2022). Minoxidil: a comprehensive review. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 33(4), 1896-1906. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09546634.2021.1945527
Suchonwanit, P., Thammarucha, S., & Leerunyakul, K. (2019). Minoxidil and its use in hair disorders: a review. Drug design, development, and therapy, 2777-2786. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.2147/DDDT.S214907
Ramos, P. M., Sinclair, R. D., Kasprzak, M., & Miot, H. A. (2020). Minoxidil 1 mg oral versus minoxidil 5% topical solution for treating female-pattern hair loss: a randomized clinical trial. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 82(1), 252-253. https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(19)32666-0/pdf
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