Minoxidil minoxidil (minoxidil) is an extremely popular and widely used medication for treating hair loss (mainly androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness).

Originally, its history is quite interesting, as it began for a completely different purpose!

1. How was it discovered?

In the 1970s, minoxidil was introduced as a vasodilator pill for the treatment of severe hypertension (high blood pressure). During trials, doctors noticed a strange but pleasant side effect in patients: hypertrichosis (the growth of hair on the body and head).

This led researchers to develop a topical form (lotion/foam) directly for the scalp, which was approved in the late 1980s for the treatment of baldness.

2. How does it work?

• It dilates blood vessels in the skin of the scalp, improving blood microcirculation around the hair follicles.

• It delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the roots.

• It prolongs the hair growth phase (anagen phase), forcing weak or "dormant" hairs to grow back stronger and thicker.

3. Forms and Use

Today, minoxidil is mainly available in two forms:

• Topical use (Lotion or Foam): This is the most common form. It is applied directly to the scalp (usually 2 times a day) in concentrations of 2% (milder, usually for women) or 5% (stronger, usually for men).

• Oral - pill: In recent years, taking minoxidil in a very low dose (low-dose oral minoxidil) has become extremely popular as an alternative for those who are tired of daily lotion use or experience skin irritation.

4. What You Should Pay Attention To

The "Shedding" phenomenon (initial hair loss): During the first 2 to 8 weeks of use, you may notice increased hair loss. Don't panic! This happens because the medication pushes old, weak hairs to fall out to make room for new, healthy ones.

• Consistency is key: Minoxidil does not permanently "cure" hair loss. If you stop using it, the hair you gained will gradually be lost within a few months and the hair loss will return to the point it would have naturally reached.

• Results: Patience is needed. The first visible results usually appear after 3-6 months of daily use.

5. Possible Side Effects

Although it is generally a safe medication (especially the topical lotion), it may cause:

• Local irritation, dry scalp, or itching on the head

• Unwanted hair growth in other areas (e.g. on the face, if the liquid runs)

• More rarely (especially with the pill): dizziness, low blood pressure, or rapid heartbeat

Note: It is always a good idea to consult a dermatologist before starting any hair loss treatment, so they can recommend the appropriate regimen for your specific case.