Rogaine (Minoxidil) Review
This generic drug is sold under many names
What is Rogaine (Minoxidil)?
Minoxidil is a vasodilator which is a chemical that makes your blood vessels larger. It was first sold as a drug for high blood pressure and was noted to have the interesting side-effect of increased body hair-growth. The Upjohn Corporation made a topical formulation and sold it exclusively under the name Rogaine until the patent expired in 1996.
Rogaine (Minoxidil) Ingredients
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The Minoxidil Moledcule |
When applied topically, minoxidil causes the blood vessels that go to the hair follicles to dilate, increasing blood flow to the hair.
Does Minoxidil Work!?
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A Supply of Minoxidil Foam |
Somewhat. The application of Minoxidil does not address the root cause of hair loss: elevated DHT levels. After using Minoxidil, many men notice that in the first month of use, more hair actually falls out. This is because minoxidil dilates the follicular blood vessels, flooding the follicle with more blood and DHT. The increased DHT binds to androgen receptors on the follicle which leads to hair miniaturization and loss.
Minoxidil manufacturers do not guarantee that the lost hair will be replaced by new hairs.
This 'shedding' process supposedly encourages new hairs to grow by resetting the growth phase of the shed hair
Indeed it has been noted that after prolonged use, most men do notice some "peach fuzz" growth. One study found that compared to a baseline of 103 to 106 hairs/cm2, men who applied a 5% solution of minoxidil for 32 weeks or 8 months increased their non-vellus, or "peach fuzz," hair counts by an average of 39 hairs/cm2, in contrast to 5 hairs/cm2 in subjects who received a placebo. [Source 1]
Is Minoxidil Safe?
No long-term studies have been done on the toxicity of minoxidil. However, it has been found to be toxic to cats! It causes them to be lethargic, coinciding with a drop in blood pressure and ultimately damages hear muscle. [Source 2, 3]
Side effects oral minoxidil may include: headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, change in heart rate or blood pressure, chest pain, swelling of hands or feet, or fatigue.
Overall Rating:
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Knowing about the toxic effects of minoxidil in cats, we wouldn't recommend minoxidil unless you have no other option. If you do decide to go with this treatment, we'd recommend combining it with a DHT-blocking supplement for maximum results.
Minoxidil is available at:
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For Best Supplement, we recommend Hairomega for its array and quality of ingredients. Although this is their first entry into the industry, they have a winning formula on their hands. Its long list of ingredients have been proven to block DHT and provide your hair follicles with the nutrients it needs. |
For Best Topical Solution, we recommend Revivogen for the all natural formulation ingredients which has both DHT-blockers and growth promoters. |
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For Best Concealer, we recommend Toppik hair augmentation fibers. This easy to use product yields instant results that gives the appearance of having a full head of hair. For just sticking with static electricity it works well. |
Sources:
1: J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007 Nov;57(5):767-74. Epub 2007 Aug 29.
A multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of a novel formulation of 5% minoxidil topical foam versus placebo in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men.
2: DeClementi, C., Bailey, K. L., Goldstein, S. C. and Orser, M. S. (2004), Suspected toxicosis after topical administration of minoxidil in 2 cats. Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 14: 287–292. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-4431.2004.04014.x
3. http://www.showcatsonline.com/x/minoxidil.shtml