Is there really a difference between minoxidil for men and minoxidil for women? Or is it a gimmick created by the manufacturers to make you buy more?
Statistics have shown that hair loss can start as early as 15, with one in four men seeing baldness at the age of 21 (source).
This issue can be especially upsetting for those who begin to see receding hairline and frontal baldness in their early years.
What is minoxidil for men?
A previously known vasodilator known as minoxidil is currently used to treat hereditary hair loss, and promote hair growth.
The minoxidil can come in three popular forms:
- Oral minoxidil
- Minoxidil foam
- Minoxidil liquid
If you're confused, check out our comparison between minoxidil foam and liquid.
Men's 5% topical minoxidil is usually used to cure hair loss and promote the hair regrowth of thicker hair in the hair loss area for men.
5% minoxidil topical solution as a hair restoration treatment has been clinically shown to regenerate more hairs in 12 weeks, making it ideal for usage in the initial phases of hair thinning, too.
Key features of minoxidil
Minoxidil has these key features:
- Increased blood supply to the scalp
- FDA-approved hair loss treatment
- Minoxidil results take 2 months to a year
- Doesn't block DHT
Should you use minoxidil for men?
Minoxidil is used to treat hair loss that is caused by genetic factors.
Other than that, you should not use minoxidil.
Here's when you should not use minoxidil:
- There is no record of hair loss in your family.
- Your hair loss is abrupt or uneven.
- The cause of hair loss is not known to you.
- You are not yet eighteen.
- Your scalp is itchy, irritated, infected, or painful.
- You apply different medications to the scalp.
- If you are using blood pressure medications (such guanethidine) and alcohol-interacting medications (such as disulfiram, metronidazole).
If you experience any of these and want to start minoxidil treatment, consult with a health professional.
Is minoxidil safe for men to use?
You have justified reasons to doubt whether minoxidil is good for you, considering its physical, mental, and sexual side effects.
However, if you see minoxidil shedding after usage, it's a normal occurrence.
In short, minoxidil is relatively safe to use and has been approved by the FDA.
However, it does not hurt to know your alternative choices.
Minoxidil alternatives that work for men
Luckily, with so many options, there has never been a better time to search for alternatives to minoxidil:
In your conquest of male pattern hair loss, it is of utmost importance that you put your trust where it should be.
In brands that value you, your results, transparency, science.
The Hair Growth Routine For Men guarantees to grow your hair, or you won't pay a dime on anything.
In fact, it's easier than ever to try it:
- Clinically proven to reduce hair loss
- Free shipping and free returns
- 150 days-long money back guarantee
- Naturally-derived, and safe to use
Finasteride
Finasteride has been used to treat male hair loss after its discovery.
It's important to note that Finasteride works differently - it blocks your testosterone from converting into DHT - the root of your pattern hair loss.
For that reason, it will:
- Disrupt your hormones
- Will not work on women
Regardless, there have been studies done to show that finasteride can be combined with minoxidil for even more effectiveness.
Other common alternatives:
- Men's Rogaine Extra Strength
- Saw palmetto
- Capsaicin
- Pumpkin seed oil
- Peppermint oil
- Biotin
Where to get minoxidil?
You can get minoxidil virtually anywhere today. Here's where to get them:
- Local pharmacies
- Online pharmacies
- Online e-commerce stores that sell minoxidil
How does minoxidil works?
Minoxidil permeates the scalp to awaken the dormant hair follicle.
It encourages blood flow to your scalp to activate those hair strands, increasing hair density and regrowth.
How to use minoxidil?
Different brands have different instructions on how to apply minoxidil. It's crucial to read the instructions on the manufacturer's label to use it correctly for optimal results.
Generally speaking, you should use minoxidil once a day or twice a day.
How to store minoxidil?
To ensure your minoxidil remains effective and safe to use, here's how you should store it:
- Store away from heat at a room temperature of 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F).
- After treatment, keep it away from flames and stay away from them until the drug has completely dried.
- Never pierce or burn the container.
What is the difference between men's and women's minoxidil?
The short answer is no, there shouldn't be. But it's in fact more complicated.
Minoxidil itself is a drug, and it can be included with many other ingredients to nurture hair growth. Therefore, it's the other ingredients that make or break your hair regrowth treatment.
The main difference between men's and women's minoxidil is the other ingredients included in the hair growth treatment. Minoxidil itself is a drug that is commonly used to promote hair growth, but it can be combined with other ingredients to provide additional nourishment for the hair.
It is important to note that minoxidil itself should not differ between men's and women's products. However, the other ingredients in the product may be formulated differently to address specific hair concerns that are more common in men or women.
For example, minoxidil for men may contain ingredients that are targeted at addressing hair loss or thinning, which are more common concerns for men. Ultimately, it is important to carefully read the ingredients list and choose a product that is formulated to address your specific hair concerns.
References
Read more:
- Why You Should & Shouldn't Use Minoxidil After Hair Transplant?
- Minoxidil & Dermaroller: What They Won't Tell You?
- Does Hair Gel Cause Hair Loss: Everything You Need To Know
