Suddenly gaining mainstream popularity amongst women who are looking for a fuller mane, Minoxidil is an FDA-approved topical hair loss treatment. 

If you are experiencing patterned hair loss, never feel alone: female pattern hair loss affects over 10% of women by age 50 and over 30% by age 70. Luckily, Minoxidil is a common treatment for hair loss in women, effective in reducing hair loss or promoting hair growth. It is also ideal for people with progressive hair loss, such as temporary hair loss or female pattern baldness. Safe and effective after consistent, long-term use for many, let’s discuss whether or not it’s earned its popularity and its potential benefits in treating hair loss.

Meet the Expert: Dr. Diana Rangaves writes for 21Ninety’s as a health and wellness expert. She is a pharmacist, philanthropist, and ethics professor turned writer, holding a Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of California. She also serves as the Executive Editor and Chief Content Officer for Healthcare Worldwide Central and has published several works in medical and pharmaceutical publications, academic books, as well as, scholarly articles.

What Is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is a common medication used to treat hair loss. It is available in oral and topical forms, but the topical solution is the most popular. Topical Minoxidil is applied directly to the scalp twice a day, every day. It is available in two strengths: 2% and 5%. Minoxidil is a type of vasodilator designed to widen the blood vessels. This improves the blood flow, encouraging nutrients flow to hair follicles. As a result, the hair enters the growth phase of the hair growth cycle. 

The Oral Minoxidil Tablet

Traditionally, the Minoxidil oral tablet is a prescription for high blood pressure. However, it is being used as a treatment for hair loss. Studies have shown oral Minoxidil to be effective and well-tolerated in healthy people. However, the tablet may increase hair growth throughout the body, not just on the head. Minoxidil is unlikely to restore a full head of thick, lush hair, but it can significantly slow down hair loss and stimulate growth. Despite this, it is one of the most popular hair growth remedies for women.

Many studies have concluded that Minoxidil is an effective hair loss treatment. It is suitable for numerous types of hair loss, including:

  • Female pattern hair loss
  • Alopecia areata
  • Traction alopecia
  • Telogen effluvium
  • Male pattern hair loss

Minoxidil is available under the common brand name Rogaine, but other generic forms can be bought over the counter. 

Minoxidil For Hair Loss Treatment Among Black Women

Hair loss is a major concern among most black women, and it has been estimated that up to a third of black women have experienced hair loss in their lifetime. Although some of these cases are due to genetics, such as female pattern hair loss and alopecia areata, most black women are susceptible to traction alopecia. Traction alopecia results from the constant pulling of hair in the same way for a long time.

Research shows that Minoxidil is a good treatment option for hair loss in black women. Many impressive stories have been recorded of women growing their hair back even when the initial damage was substantial. Thanks to Minoxidil, black women can now embrace their natural hair, which gives them a new outlook on beauty and self-care.

Minoxidil As A Treatment for Women’s Hair Loss

In the 1970s, Minoxidil was used to treat patients with severe refractory hypertension. Its use for treating women’s hair loss was accidental. When the patients started seeing abnormal hair growth around their bodies after using this drug, experts realized that it could be used as an effective remedy for pattern baldness and other types of hair loss. 

Over the years, Minoxidil’s popularity has grown. Numerous reports show that the primary reason for its popularity is its effectiveness as a hair loss treatment. It competes fairly with other hair loss remedies for women. It is also important to note, however, that Minoxidil is a treatment and not a cure. Therefore, results are gradual, and it calls for use for up to four months before any visible results.

Potential Benefits Of Using Minoxidil For Women’s Hair Loss

 Minoxidil actively stimulates the flow of oxygen and blood into the air follicle. This delivers the much-needed nutrients directly to the hair follicle. The benefits:

  • Slows down hair loss
  • Stimulates hair follicles to produce hair again
  • Produces thicker hair
  • Revitalizes blood circulation in small blood vessels
  • Clinically proven to deliver results in about four months 

Will Minoxidil Work For You?

Minoxidil is one of the most popular treatments for hair loss in women in modern medicine, as various studies have proven its effectiveness in treating several types of hair loss. Although it is available in oral form, the topical form is the most common and easiest to use. It could certainly work for you, so long as you remain patient and consistent. It may take up to four months to see any results.