Minoxidil
These include branded versions usually in minoxidil 2% and minoxidil 5%
forms, as well as generic minoxidil (which tend to be lower in cost) and
usually vary from 2% to 6%. General medical opinion is that women should
not use Minoxidil stronger than 2% concentration.
Some women do buy generic minoxidil in concentrations higher than 2%.
The thing to remember here is that there is an increased risk of facial
hair growth the higher the concentration. So, if you are considering doing
this, start at a low concentration and gradually build up. Also, as always,
only do this under the supervision of your medical practitioner.
Minoxidil was the first ‘main stream’ medication for hair loss and has
proven an enormous help for many. It was originally developed as an anti-hypertensive
i.e. it lowers blood pressure. It was taken for blood pressure in tablet
form known as Loniten. As a side effect however, certain patients reported
increase in hair growth. The pharmaceutical company who had developed
minoxidil then conducted clinical trials using a topical lotion and from
those trials minoxidil 2% (known as Regaine) was produced as a treatment
for hair loss.
At the time of writing no-one has as yet been able to fully explain how
Minoxidil has an effect on slowing hair loss and promoting hair growth.
Minoxidil normally induces new hair growth between 4 and 6 months of use.
If it has not worked by 6 months it is probably not going to. It appears
to begin slowing the hair loss process almost immediately but - there
are no guarantees. You simply have to try it to see.
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| Minoxidil Before |
Minoxidil After |
Minoxidil with additives
The main additives used by specialists are:
Tretinoin (vitamin A)
Known as Retin-A. This helps to prolong the Anagen (growth) phase
of the hair growth cycle.
Nicotinate
This acts as a vaso-dilator, ensuring better absorption of the minoxidil.
Azelaic Acid
Whilst minoxidil promotes hair growth, Azelaic Acid reduces hair loss.
A very weak acid, (much weaker than vinegar for example), that is found
in some whole grains. Recent studies have shown it to be a very potent
inhibitor of the enzyme 5- alpha reductase which is responsible for the
formation of DHT - the primary substance responsible for hair loss. Many
experts believe that azelaic acid will therefore work synergistically
with minoxidil - the azelaic acid reducing hair loss whilst the minoxidil
promotes hair growth. Note that exposure to direct sunlight needs to be
avoided if using this item as it may cause irritation. Some people therefore
apply at night and then apply a minoxidil only item during the day.
Progesterone
A female hormone added in very small quantities. Its effect is to neutralise
the local action of the male hormone derivative DHT which is responsible
for hair loss.
Liposomes
In fact, liposomes are not really an additive to minoxidil but are actually
the medium in which the minoxidil is delivered. Liposomes are microscopic
molecules which are made up of similar material to the cell walls. Minoxidil
can be encapsulated within the Liposomes molecules which results in a
far greater absorption through the skin tissue. This means that a lower
concentration of minoxidil will achieve the same affect as higher concentrations
because of the improvement in delivery.
Finasteride
Finasteride inhibits the production of DHT thus slowing or even stopping
hair loss. It does this by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. Studies
have shown that significant regrowth of hair in many people also occurs.
Oral finasteride is prescribed in tablet form – the correct dosage for
the treatment of hair loss being 1mg per day.
Some specialists suggest that finasteride applied in solution as a topical
liquid, either on its own or in conjunction with minoxidil, can have a
beneficial effect in reducing DHT levels in the scalp and hence slowing
hair loss.
Finasteride , in whatever form, is a treatment for males only,
as it can have an effect on the sex organs of unborn male offspring. Finasteride
can also cause side effects, such as loss of sexual appetite or difficulty
in obtaining an erection in a small number of people. However, studies
show that these effects disappear if finasteride is discontinued and,
in many cases, disappear even if it is continued.
Dutasteride
Dutasteride, like finasteride, inhibits the action of the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase
and hence blocks the production of DHT. However, there are in fact two
forms of 5-alpha reductase and whereas finasteride only inhibits one type,
dutasteride inhibits both types.
At the time of writing Dutasteride is to be used for the treatment of
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). However, there is much speculation
that this substance would be a very effective treatment for hair loss
and it is hoped by many that clinical trials specifically related to hair
loss will be concluded.
Like finasteride, it would be a male only treatment and, because
of the nature of its action, could give rise to side effects such as loss
of sexual appetite in certain individuals.
Serenoa repens (Saw Palmetto)
An excellent natural DHT blocker. Can be in capsule or lotion form.
Toupees, Wigs and Systems
Some are very good but can be unnecessarily expensive. Many retailers
simply buy in from a wholesaler and put on very large mark ups. Bear in
mind with any form of toupee system (whatever the retailer calls it) if
it is attached by means of anchoring to your existing hair, you will probably
need to keep going back for servicing - sometimes even just to wash your
hair.
Cosmetic Hair Thickeners
These can give excellent effects on thinning hair. They are not suitable
for bald areas as they need some hair to attach to. Some contain minute
fibres which cling electrostatically to hair giving it more body as well
as colour. Those which are just colours do not work so well. Remember
too that these are cosmetics, they have no effect on the hair loss itself.
Still, they can be extremely useful in concealing hair loss or for use
whilst waiting for treatments/surgery to work.
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| Hair Thickener
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Hair Thickener
After |
Hair Transplant
Depends on suitability.
Common Questions
Q) Can lotions be guaranteed to work?
A) No, but it is possible to give a good indication of how likely they
are to work for a particular individual . In general, lotions work best
on thinned areas rather than completely bald areas. The most widely used
lotion is Minoxidil - either in its generic form or as Regaine/Rogaine.
This substance has proven itself over many years to be an effective aid
to both hair growth and in slowing hair loss. It is becoming increasingly
well documented that certain additives appear to enhance the effectiveness
of minoxidil or have a direct beneficial effect in their own right
Q) How long does it take for Minoxidil to work?
A) Whether on its own or with an additive, Minoxidil typically takes between
4 and 6 months to achieve hair regrowth. Therefore, there is no point
in trying a 3 month course and then stopping. It is important to continue
for 6 months. If nothing happens by then it is probably best to stop or
try another product.
Q) Do I need a doctors prescription to obtain a medically assisted
product?
A) We do have our own doctors and pharmacists who will prescribe and dispense
your chosen product from the information you provide in the online consultation
form. However, we do advise you to tell your own doctor what you are doing.
We and or the supplier also reserve the right not to supply a particular
product if the prescribing doctor feels it would not be in your best interests.
Q) Can hair loss medications have side effects?
A) Any medication can potentially have side effects. In our experience
there have been very few side effects from the types of items listed on
this site. It must be born in mind however that different people react
differently to different medication and so there is always some risk of
side effects.
Q) What does Saw Palmetto (Serenoa Repens) do?
A) Saw Palmetto is a natural substance obtained from the fruit of a particular
palm tree. It works by helping to block the production of DHT – the substance
most commonly the cause of hair loss. There are many favourable reports
about its effectiveness. Women can use it also but we always advise not
to if pregnant or breast feeding.
Q) Do hair transplants really work?
A) Yes they do. In fact modern techniques performed by skilled specialists
give extremely natural results. However, don’t expect too much. How much
hair you gain depends upon how much donor hair you have available. Also,
the surgeon should ensure that there is a sufficient reserve of donor
hair to keep things looking natural should you lose more hair in the future.
How to Purchase
Please visit our hair products section
for more information. |
