How does minoxidil help hair growth?
I'll answer
Earn 20 gold coins for an accepted answer.20
Earn 20 gold coins for an accepted answer.
40more
40more
Charlotte Gonzales
Studied at the University of São Paulo, Lives in São Paulo, Brazil.
As a dermatologist with a keen interest in hair loss treatments, I am often asked about the efficacy of minoxidil and how it aids in hair regrowth. Minoxidil is a medication that has been widely used for over three decades to treat hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male pattern baldness.
Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles. The enhanced blood flow provides the follicles with more nutrients and oxygen, which are essential for hair growth. The increased nourishment can stimulate the follicles that are in the resting phase, known as the telogen phase, to enter the growth phase, or anagen phase, where actual hair growth occurs.
The mechanism of action of minoxidil is not entirely understood, but it is believed to act on the hair follicle cells to prolong the anagen phase and shorten the telogen phase. By doing so, it allows for a longer period of active hair growth and a shorter period of rest, which can result in thicker and more robust hair strands.
Moreover, minoxidil has been shown to increase the size of the hair follicles, which can lead to the growth of thicker and more pigmented hair. This is particularly important as hair loss often involves not just a reduction in the number of hair follicles but also a miniaturization of the follicles, resulting in thinner and lighter-colored hair.
It's important to note that minoxidil does not cure the underlying cause of hair loss. It is a treatment that needs to be continued for as long as the individual wishes to maintain the benefits. If the treatment is stopped, the hair that was regrown will likely shed, and the hair loss will resume.
While minoxidil is effective for many individuals, its efficacy can vary. Some people may experience significant hair regrowth, while others may see little to no improvement. It is also worth mentioning that minoxidil is less effective when there is a large area of hair loss in the scalp. This is because the medication works best on hair follicles that are still alive and capable of responding to the treatment. In cases of extensive hair loss, many follicles may have already been lost or become inactive, reducing the effectiveness of minoxidil.
In conclusion, minoxidil is a valuable tool in the treatment of hair loss. It works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, prolonging the anagen phase, and potentially increasing the size of the follicles. While it is not a cure for hair loss and its effectiveness can vary, it remains a widely used and recommended treatment for those experiencing hair thinning or baldness.
Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles. The enhanced blood flow provides the follicles with more nutrients and oxygen, which are essential for hair growth. The increased nourishment can stimulate the follicles that are in the resting phase, known as the telogen phase, to enter the growth phase, or anagen phase, where actual hair growth occurs.
The mechanism of action of minoxidil is not entirely understood, but it is believed to act on the hair follicle cells to prolong the anagen phase and shorten the telogen phase. By doing so, it allows for a longer period of active hair growth and a shorter period of rest, which can result in thicker and more robust hair strands.
Moreover, minoxidil has been shown to increase the size of the hair follicles, which can lead to the growth of thicker and more pigmented hair. This is particularly important as hair loss often involves not just a reduction in the number of hair follicles but also a miniaturization of the follicles, resulting in thinner and lighter-colored hair.
It's important to note that minoxidil does not cure the underlying cause of hair loss. It is a treatment that needs to be continued for as long as the individual wishes to maintain the benefits. If the treatment is stopped, the hair that was regrown will likely shed, and the hair loss will resume.
While minoxidil is effective for many individuals, its efficacy can vary. Some people may experience significant hair regrowth, while others may see little to no improvement. It is also worth mentioning that minoxidil is less effective when there is a large area of hair loss in the scalp. This is because the medication works best on hair follicles that are still alive and capable of responding to the treatment. In cases of extensive hair loss, many follicles may have already been lost or become inactive, reducing the effectiveness of minoxidil.
In conclusion, minoxidil is a valuable tool in the treatment of hair loss. It works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, prolonging the anagen phase, and potentially increasing the size of the follicles. While it is not a cure for hair loss and its effectiveness can vary, it remains a widely used and recommended treatment for those experiencing hair thinning or baldness.
2024-05-26 02:25:47
reply(1)
Helpful(1122)
Helpful
Helpful(2)
Works at Amazon, Lives in Seattle, WA
This may result in the shedding of the hair follicles in their telogen phase which are then replaced by thicker hairs in a new anagen phase. Though minoxidil is known to be effective in treating hair loss and helps regrow hair, it is less effective when there is a large area of hair loss in the scalp.Apr 2, 2018
2023-06-13 11:58:24
Ethan Campbell
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
This may result in the shedding of the hair follicles in their telogen phase which are then replaced by thicker hairs in a new anagen phase. Though minoxidil is known to be effective in treating hair loss and helps regrow hair, it is less effective when there is a large area of hair loss in the scalp.Apr 2, 2018
