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Hair loss medication
Hair Loss Products
There is currently only one medicine which is known to be effective in treating female-pattern baldness, this is called Minoxidil.
Minoxidil is available as a lotion that you rub on your scalp every day. It is not clear how Minoxidil works, but studies suggest that the balding process will slow in about half of those men who use it and that about 15% of those who use it will experience hair re-growth.
Like Finasteride which is used for male-pattern baldness, Minoxidil normally needs at least 4-months of use before any effect can be noticeable and the balding process will normally resume if treatment is stopped. Any new hair that does re-grow falls out two months after treatment is stopped. Side effects are uncommon.
If you require further advice concerning female pattern baldness or you would like to book a consultation with one of our hair loss advisors, then please telephone 0845 555 50 50 and schedule an appointment at your local clinic.
Frequently asked questions
How does Minoxodil work?
Minoxidil reactivates or revitalizes shrunken hair follicles, increasing their size. While you continue to use Minoxidil, follicles gain greater volume, their growing phases become longer and they produce longer, thicker hairs.
Should I use Minoxodil even though I am not experiencing hereditary hair loss?
Minoxidil should only be used if you are experiencing hereditary hair loss. In other words, if there is a history of hair loss in your family (on your mother's or father's side) then there is hereditary hair loss in your family. If you are losing your hair for any other reason, e.g. due to medication, stress, illness, etc then we recommend that you consult your physician in the first instance.
What kind of results can you expect?
Minoxidil has to do a lot of work on and in your scalp before you will begin to see anything different on top (i.e: hair). In the beginning, you will need to realise that your follicles are "seeing" results, even if you are not. While Minoxidil works hard on your scalp to re-grow hair it is important to realize that Minoxidil can help stop further hair loss by revitalizing and stimulating hair follicles.
During the first two months you may lose or shed more hair than usual. This will be especially true in the first 2-4 weeks as the follicles make way for new growth. You will also be establishing your twice-a-day application regimen. Don't worry if you see an increase in the number of hairs falling out into the sink every day. This is actually a sign that Minoxidil is working and your follicles are coming back to life.
After the first couple of months, you may start to see results. Minoxidil makes miniaturized follicles larger and prolongs the growth phase of your hairs' natural growing process and increasing the number of active follicles in this phase. Eventually, new growth may appear as soft, almost clear hair, which is another sign that Minoxidil is actually working by stimulating growth. Eventually, those clear hairs may grow to normal size, length and colour that you are accustomed to. Remember this, everyone is different. Some people notice results in 2 to 4 months, but to see your best results, it can take up to a year.
How frequently is Minoxidil applied?
You will need to apply Minoxidil twice daily to stop hair loss and re-grow hair. Apply Minoxidil in the morning once your hair has dried after washing your hair. Apply it again in the evening, at least an hour or two before you go to bed, to allow it to dry completely. Be sure to wash your hands completely after application to help prevent spreading Minoxidil to your eyes, face and other areas of the body.
What happens if you stop using Minoxidil?
If you decide to stop using Minoxidil then you will lose the hair you have re-grown within a few months. Then your original pattern of hair loss will start all over again.
Is Minoxidil safe and clinically proven way to control your hair loss?
The medical community has conducted extensive research for over two decades which conclusively proves that Minoxidil works for most men and women. For some it helps to stop hair loss. For others, it re-grows hair that has been lost.
Minoxidil has been approved by the FDA for use by both men and women who suffer from pattern hair loss due to a history of hair loss in their family. If you have someone on you mother's or father's side of the family who suffered from pattern hair loss then Minoxidil may work for you.
What can I expect to pay for Minoxdil medication?
Prices £120 for 6 month supply and £200 for 12 months supply. This medication will need to be maintained on a regular basis so ongoing treatments costs will be applicable.
