Rogaine (minoxidil) is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that treatscertain kinds of hair loss.
When applied directly to thescalp, Rogaine helps hair grow faster and thicker.
Different formulations of Rogaine are available.
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Two formulations are marketed for females: a 2% liquid solution and a 5% foam.
Despite some slight differences, all Rogaine formulations contain the same active ingredient: minoxidil.
Keep reading to learn more about how Rogaine works, what results to expect, and potential side effects.
Over time, hair follicles may shrink.
The hair growth cycle changes due to age, genetics, and other factors.
As hair follicles shrink,the growth phasetypically gets shorter, and the rest phase may get longer.
Rogaine can help hair grow thicker and faster.
Minoxidil is also available by prescription as an oral tablet.
Oral minoxidil is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat highblood pressure.
In some cases, healthcare providers prescribe oral minoxidil off-label for hair loss.
Rogaine comes as a topical liquid or foam that you apply directly to your scalp.
Rogaine works by absorbing through the skin and relaxing blood vessels around the hair follicles.
This increases blood flow to your hair follicles.
Does Rogaine Grow Hair Back Fully?
And some people may not see any improvement.
Results from clinical studies can help give you an idea of what to expect with Rogaine use.
A yearlong study of over 900 men applying Rogaine 5% twice daily resulted in considerable hair regrowth.
Nearly 85% of individuals saw some hair regrowth, with 62% experiencing significantly smaller bald patches.
The higher-strength formulation resulted in about 45% more hair regrowth than the lower strength.
Why Rogaine works better for some and not at all for others is unclear.
double-check to apply Rogaine once or twice daily, according to the specific instructions on the product label.
Skipping applications makes Rogaine less effective.
The more applications you skip, the less likely it is to work.
Whenhair thinning first starts, each hair growth cycle produces weaker and thinner hairs.
So, starting as early as possible may reverse this trend.
How Long Will Rogaine Take to Work?
Rogaine starts working from the first tool, but people may experience different timelines for results.
After hair grows back with Rogaine use, youll need to keep using it regularly to maintain the results.
What Rogaine Products Are Available?
The site of software varies slightly between the different forms.
The FDA has approved each of the three Mens Rogaine products for software to the vertex of the head.
Mens Rogaine was approved for hair loss based on its system only to the vertex of the head.
The product isnt FDA-approved for use on the face,hairline, or anywhere else to promote hair growth.
The two Womens Rogaine products are FDA-approved for a broader program site.
The instructions indicate that these medications can be applied anywhere on the scalp to promote hair growth.
Both the foam and solution work pretty much the same way, but you apply them slightly differently.
With the solution, you apply the liquid to the balding area with a dropper.
With the foam, you massage it into your scalp where you want it to work.
This helps the medication reach the hair follicles to optimize effectiveness.
Most Rogaine products require a twice-daily utility for the best results.
Who Can Use Rogaine?
Rogaine is FDA-approved for hair loss in adults.
Specifically, Rogaine is approved to treat androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male-pattern baldness orfemale-pattern baldness.
Who Should Not Use Rogaine?
Rogaine can be a safe and effective treatment for hair loss, but it isnt right for everyone.
Mild side effects may occur, such asitching, redness, or flakiness on the scalp.
This shedding is generally a sign that the treatment is working.
Mild allergic reactions are also possible.
Consider testing the product on a small area first.
Rarely, however, some report Rogaine can cause severe side effects that require medical attention.
However, if irritation occurs with the liquid solution of Rogaine, switching to a foam formulation may help.
How Does Rogaine Compare With Other Hair Loss Medications?
In addition to Rogaine, other medications are available that might help regrow hair.
One is Propecia (finasteride), an oral tablet the FDA has approved formale-pattern baldness.
Propeciais expected to work better than Rogaine, but these medications have not been directly compared in clinical trials.
Keep in mind you need a prescription for Propecia, while Rogaine is available OTC.
Rogaine is the only medication the FDA has approved for female-pattern baldness.
Few studies investigate supplemental or herbal remedies for hair loss; however, some individuals may experience beneficial results.
With regular use, Rogaine typically provides noticeable hair growth within three to four months.
However, Rogaine may not work for everyone.
If youre not seeing results after four months, reach out to a healthcare professional to discuss other options.
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