• Questions About Rogaine/Minoxidil/Topical
THE HAIR LOSS DIRECTORY
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A:
Yes. Some things have been used topically to either bind up receptors (Spironolactone or estrogens) or reduce androgens or diminish hormonal impact (azelaic acid, pyridoxal B6, zinc, free fatty acids). There is much debate about the efficacy of these agents. The problem is a lack of study data regarding their use in pattern loss, though there are studies suggesting why these agents may help.
A:
Rogaine is just a brand name for Minoxidil. Minoxidil can be purchased from numerous sources and in varying strengths from 2% to 5% liquid and even in a 12.5% micronized lotion. It also comes combined with Retin-A, which improves results by increasing the absorption of Minoxidil. (Retin-A also apparently exerts some antiandrogenic effects over time.) Minoxidil's name betrays its relationship to nitric oxide, an important hair growth messenger that appears to be diminished in balding scalp. Minoxidil can be helpful in pattern loss, but it is not a panacea. It is best used as part of an overall program that attacks the problem from different angles.
A:
59% of men reported growth after 4 months use of Rogaine. 26% reported moderate to dense regrowth (what most of us would consider acceptable), while 33% experienced minimal regrowth (a few hairs here and there, but not worth the effort). It should be noted that 42% of men using the placebo (containing no Minoxidil) reported some growth. 11% reported moderate to dense regrowth (probably due to the propylene glycol, extra massaging, or just over optimism), while 31% reported minimal regrowth (if you rub just about anything into your head twice a day, you're bound to see one or two hairs here and there).
5% Minoxidil is a non FDA approved version of Minoxidil containing a larger concentration of Minoxidil. It is much more effective than the standard 2%. Many who do not respond to 2% will respond to 5%. Unfortunately, since it is not yet FDA approved, it has to be custom made by a pharmacy through a doctor's prescription. Due to this, many doctors will not prescribe it. Also, many pharmacies can't or won't make it and most that do sell it at a high price. Many people swear by 5% Minoxidil though.
5% Minoxidil is a non FDA approved version of Minoxidil containing a larger concentration of Minoxidil. It is much more effective than the standard 2%. Many who do not respond to 2% will respond to 5%. Unfortunately, since it is not yet FDA approved, it has to be custom made by a pharmacy through a doctor's prescription. Due to this, many doctors will not prescribe it. Also, many pharmacies can't or won't make it and most that do sell it at a high price. Many people swear by 5% Minoxidil though.
A:
The ideal Rogaine candidate is a young male (20s) with little (thinning) hair loss on the crown/vertex, or a small bald spot 1-2" in diameter. The less you match this description the less likely Rogaine is to work for you.
A:
Yes. In fact, you will have enhanced absorption after shampooing, as a well-hydrated scalp is more permeable and will better absorb topical agents. Just be sure to towel dry the hair first to remove standing water. The only precaution is to be attentive to signs of excessive absorption, such as a racing heart.
A:
Some people have used oral Minoxidil (Loniten), but this is a much more risky treatment than topical application. Use at your own risk. Side effects of excessive Minoxidil intake (either orally or topically) include racing heart and salt and water retention. Pay attention to symptoms such as swelling in the feet. Oral Minoxidil in any significant quantity ordinarily has to be taken with a loop diuretic and is best done under a physician's care.
A:
Yes. Rogaine requires continual treatment to maintain the new growth. If you stop using Rogaine your hair will revert back to what it would have been had you never used Rogaine in about 2-3 months.
A:
Superoxide dismutase. This is an enzyme produced by the body to neutralize the superoxide radical. Superoxide is a messenger of inflammation and is involved in the body's autoimmune response. It exists in a yin-yang relationship with nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a vasodilator that appears to be important for hair growth, while superoxide is a vasoconstrictor that may be part of the signaling mechanism that tells hair to stop growing. Superoxide can also interact with nitric oxide to form a highly destructive free radical called peroxynitrite, which causes protein and lipid oxidation.
A few hair products contain copper peptides, which are SOD mimetics; i.e., mimic the effects of the body's SOD enzyme. SOD-containing products have been noted a number of times by researchers to stimulate hair growth and block hair loss in mice. Recent study data on Tricomin, a copper peptide SOD, indicates increased hair growth in MPB. Among other beneficial things, SODs appear to help spare growth-stimulating nitric oxide, reduce damaging inflammation, and help reverse fibrosis (follicular scarring that impedes the follicle's ability to grow hair). There are a few patents for SODs as hair growth stimulators and even one for an SOD inhibitor that blocks hair growth by increasing superoxide.
A few hair products contain copper peptides, which are SOD mimetics; i.e., mimic the effects of the body's SOD enzyme. SOD-containing products have been noted a number of times by researchers to stimulate hair growth and block hair loss in mice. Recent study data on Tricomin, a copper peptide SOD, indicates increased hair growth in MPB. Among other beneficial things, SODs appear to help spare growth-stimulating nitric oxide, reduce damaging inflammation, and help reverse fibrosis (follicular scarring that impedes the follicle's ability to grow hair). There are a few patents for SODs as hair growth stimulators and even one for an SOD inhibitor that blocks hair growth by increasing superoxide.
A:
To a degree, Minoxidil response is dosage dependent. For example, 5% Minoxidil generally grows more hair than 2%. But you can also apply 2% more liberally, or more frequently, and deliver a comparable daily dosage of Minoxidil. While more Minoxidil sometimes helps, beyond a certain threshold, additional Minoxidil makes little if any difference.
A:
Occasionally people will notice flaking with minoxidil. This can be due to the Minoxidil itself flaking off, or it can be contact dermatitis if it seems like bad dandruff or the scalp feels irritated. If your minoxidil also contains Retin-A, the flaking may be due to increased skin cell turnover induced by that agent. Nizoral shampoo often helps with flaking. If it's contact dermatitis, though, you may need to discontinue or lessen the frequency of Minoxidil applications, or you can also use a Minoxidil formula that uses glycerol instead of propylene glycol, which is usually the problem ingredient. Check with a compounding pharmacy or with www.minoxidil.com. If irritation persists when using Minoxidil or any topical, it is probably best to discontinue usage.