Minoxidil has received a lot of attention in recent times because approximately two-thirds of UK males suffer from male pattern baldness. As a result, people often combine the daily treatment with Finasteride, and it is typically supplied as an easy-to-apply topical solution. But the burning question is this – does Minoxidil actually work?
What is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil is a treatment for hair loss that exists in various forms. Some people use it as a spray, while others opt for Minoxidil lotion. At Sons, we provide our customers with a 5% topical solution that is high-strength and should be gently rubbed into the scalp each day. The solution is known as a vasodilator, which means it works by dilating the blood vessels in your scalp. In doing this, your blood flow to the treated area increases, which helps to revitalise your hair follicles as a result. Due to the increase in oxygen, your hair follicles stand a good chance of recovering.
How do I use Minoxidil?
Minoxidil is super easy to apply, and it comes in a 60ml bottle. Each day, you should massage 1ml of Minoxidil to the area of your scalp that you’re hoping to treat (this is typically the crown or temple). For the best results, you should massage the lotion gently into your scalp once in the morning and then once again before you go to bed. It’s important that your scalp is dry before you apply Minoxidil, as this enables the solution to absorb sufficiently and thus, reach your hair follicles.
Does Minoxidil work?
That all sounds great – but does Minoxidil actually work? The answer is yes, and don’t just take our word for it. Scientifically-backed data indicates that Minoxidil is an effective hair loss treatment. Research has shown that the most effective type of Minoxidil is a 5% topical solution and that it effectively regrows hair around the vertex (scalp). Although every person’s scalp is slightly different, evidence from these studies and feedback in the form of testimonials from our clients are extremely encouraging.
How do I improve my Minoxidil results?
You can optimise the impact of Minoxidil treatment in various ways. And perhaps the most important thing for Minoxidil (and any of our treatments) is to take it consistently. Remembering to apply your Minoxidil solution to your scalp twice a day is crucial if you want to successfully treat your hair loss. If you find it hard to remember to apply Minoxidil consistently, it’s worth setting a timer to remind yourself or to incorporate it into your daily routine.
Another thing to realise is that Minoxidil requires an application to the areas of your scalp that are thinning or receding. This might seem like an obvious thing to mention, but it’s easy to forget about important areas of your scalp (such as the crown). While you might not be able to see your crown in the mirror, it’s worth taking a photo after application to make sure you’re hitting the right spots.
In some cases, men find that combining Minoxidil with other treatments has impressive results. Numerous studies indicate that Minoxidil is highly effective alongside Finasteride. For instance, a 2015 study concluded, ‘‘the combination of topical Minoxidil and Finasteride can […] be considered as a beneficial treatment strategy to maintain hair density’.
The bottom line is that Minoxidil isn’t 100% guaranteed to work, but very many men experience impressive results. To give Minoxidil the best chance of success, it’s a good idea to incorporate its use alongside other treatments.
