Minoxidil Explained: The Secret to Fixing Weak and Thin Hair

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their 8-year journey with hair loss and how minoxidil helped them regrow hair, despite some challenges. They explain how minoxidil works by increasing blood circulation to hair follicles and dispel common myths, including its effect on testosterone. The speaker offers practical tips on how to optimize minoxidil use, including storage recommendations, the best application methods, and the benefits of combining it with micro-needling. While results may take months, consistency is key to achieving thicker, healthier hair. The video provides valuable insights for anyone considering or already using minoxidil.

Takeaways

• 😀 Minoxidil is an FDA-approved treatment that stimulates blood flow to hair follicles, promoting hair growth.
• 😀 The product does not affect testosterone or libido, contrary to common myths associated with other hair loss treatments.
• 😀 Minoxidil helps to thicken hair and prevent further hair loss, but it does not stop the process of balding entirely.
• 😀 Side effects such as an itchy scalp and dandruff are common but manageable with proper scalp care like using ketoconazole shampoo.
• 😀 Minoxidil should be stored in a cool, dry place, and not in humid environments like bathrooms, to maintain its effectiveness.
• 😀 The most effective application is using 1 ml of minoxidil once a day, preferably at night, to avoid visible residue in the morning.
• 😀 Micro-needling with a dermastamp or dermapen, used once a week, enhances minoxidil's effectiveness by allowing deeper penetration into the scalp.
• 😀 Results from minoxidil typically take 3-6 months to become visible, and consistency is key for long-term success.
• 😀 If you stop using minoxidil, the benefits will reverse, and hair loss will resume.
• 😀 Minoxidil is safe for both men and women, but it should not be used by those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain heart conditions.
• 😀 It is crucial to use minoxidil consistently for the best results, and skipping days occasionally should not significantly impact progress.

Q & A

What is minoxidil and how does it work?

Minoxidil is an FDA-approved treatment for hair loss that works by stimulating blood circulation to the hair follicles, which promotes hair growth. It increases ATP production, which opens blood vessels and improves blood flow to the scalp.

Does massaging the scalp produce the same results as minoxidil?

No, massaging the scalp can increase blood circulation, but it doesn't open blood vessels in the same way that minoxidil does. Minoxidil works by increasing ATP, which enlarges blood vessels and allows for more blood flow to the hair follicles.

Can minoxidil cause negative side effects?

Yes, some users may experience side effects like itching, dandruff, or scalp irritation. However, these are typically mild, and the speaker personally found these effects manageable. Itching, in particular, is seen as a sign that the product is working.

Is minoxidil safe to use alongside other treatments for hair loss?

Yes, minoxidil can be used alongside other treatments, such as DHT blockers (like finasteride), to enhance results. Minoxidil does not prevent balding, but it helps in regrowing thicker hair.

How often should minoxidil be applied for optimal results?

The standard recommendation is to apply 1 ml of minoxidil twice a day. However, the speaker personally uses 1 ml once a day before bed, which has proven effective for them while saving money.

What is the best form of minoxidil to use?

While minoxidil is available in foam, liquid, and spray forms, the speaker prefers the spray. It is easier to apply directly to the scalp and ensures better coverage of the affected areas.

Why is it important to store minoxidil properly?

Minoxidil should be stored in a cool, dry place to maintain its effectiveness. Exposure to humidity, as experienced in the speaker's case in Thailand, can cause the product to lose its potency.

Who should not use minoxidil?

Minoxidil is not recommended for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It should also be avoided by individuals with heart conditions or those on blood pressure medication without consulting a doctor first.

How can micro-needling improve the effectiveness of minoxidil?

Micro-needling, done using a derma stamp or derma pen, creates tiny channels in the scalp. This helps minoxidil penetrate the scalp more effectively, and studies have shown that using micro-needling in combination with minoxidil can result in up to four times better results.

What happens if you stop using minoxidil?

If you stop using minoxidil, the benefits will reverse, and you may lose the hair that was regrown. However, you can use minoxidil intermittently, and skipping days occasionally does not necessarily negate the benefits if used consistently over time.