Read This Before Using Minoxidil (It’s Not For Everyone!)

Consult your derma for proper guidance.

Apr 9, 2024

When it comes to hair goals, it seems all that everyone wants are thick, healthy, and lustrous locks. Yet despite our best efforts to take care of our tresses, hair loss can still creep in. In most cases, dermatologists would usually recommend using minoxidil, a not-so-secret weapon in the battle against hair thinning and hair fall. Spoiler alert, though: It’s not exactly ideal for everyone.

Minoxidil 101

Originally developed as a treatment for high blood pressure, minoxidil stumbled into the spotlight when its unexpected side effect of promoting hair growth was discovered. Fast forward to today, minoxidil is a household name in hair care, available in various forms such as foam, liquid, spray, and shampoo. Simply put, minoxidil works by stimulating hair follicles, encouraging them to enter the active growth phase, a.k.a. the anagen phase. This can lead to thicker, fuller hair over time.

“Minoxidil may also cause prolongation of the anagen phase and increase hair follicle size,” explains Dr. Maximin Navarro, resident dermatologist at Bella Pelle Skin Solutions and a fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society. “Anagen is the longest phase, lasting about 3 to 5 years for the hairs on your scalp.” According to studies, most people may not notice any difference until they use minoxidil for at least 8 weeks.

Dr. Navarro adds, “Low dose oral minoxidil is also available but proper consultation with a dermatologist is needed for proper evaluation, recommendation, and monitoring.”

Can You Use Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is most effective for people under 40, and whose hair loss is fairly recent. It can also be used as a preventative measure to maintain healthy hair and prevent future hair loss. Here’s a quick rundown of conditions that can be targeted with minoxidil use:

• Androgenetic Alopecia: Also known as male or female pattern baldness, this hereditary condition is characterized by a gradual thinning of hair. Minoxidil can help stimulate hair follicles in affected areas, promoting regrowth. However, it usually only produces modest improvements in receding hairlines, and cannot restore hair with advanced baldness.
• Telogen Effluvium: Telogen effluvium is a temporary form of hair loss characterized by excessive shedding of hair due to various triggers such as stress, illness, hormonal changes, or certain medications. A common example is postpartum hair shedding. By accelerating the regrowth phase of the hair cycle, minoxidil can help deliver faster recovery from telogen effluvium-induced hair loss.
• Alopecia Areata: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes patches of hair loss on the scalp, face, or other areas of the body. Minoxidil can help stimulate dormant hair follicles in affected areas.
• Mild to Moderate Hair Thinning: This can be due to aging (including menopausal hair loss in women), hormonal changes, excessive styling or chemical usage, and other factors.

Who Can’t Use Minoxidil?

 

Unfortunately, minoxidil is not advised for individuals falling under the following categories:

• Individuals with allergic reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to minoxidil, such as scalp irritation, redness, or itching. If you have a known allergy to minoxidil or any of its ingredients, it’s best to skip it.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women: The safety of minoxidil use during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been firmly established. While topical minoxidil is unlikely to be absorbed into the body in significant amounts, it’s generally recommended to avoid it during pregnancy or while lactating.
• Patients with non-androgenetic hair loss: Minoxidil is primarily effective for hereditary hair loss, and may not be as effective for hair loss caused by other factors like chemotherapy, severe scalp conditions, or sudden patchy baldness.
   
• Those with scalp infections and irritations: If you have any existing scalp infections, open wounds, or irritations, applying minoxidil may exacerbate these conditions or cause discomfort. It’s best to wait until your scalp has healed before using minoxidil.
• Individuals under 18 years old: Minoxidil is typically not recommended for use in kids and teens under 18, as its safety and efficacy in this age group have not been extensively studied.
• People with cardiovascular conditions: If you have issues with your heart or high blood pressure, it’s best to talk to your doctor before starting minoxidil. Although rare, serious side effects have been reported.

Pro Tips for Using Minoxidil

1. Follow the instructions.

Read the label carefully and follow the instructions to a T. Consistency is key when it comes to minoxidil, so make applying it a part of your daily routine.

1. Patience is a virtue.
   Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a lustrous mane. Be patient and stick with your minoxidil regimen, even if you don’t see results right away.
2. Watch out for any side effects.
   Keep an eye out for potential side effects like scalp irritation or unwanted hair growth. If you experience any adverse reactions—especially chest pain, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or swelling—discontinue use and seek medical attention.
3. Take care of your scalp: A healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy hair. Be sure to nourish your scalp with regular shampooing and conditioning, and consider incorporating scalp massages into your routine to stimulate blood flow. (Try this scalp scrub!)
4. Go for a holistic hair regimen: Consider combining minoxidil with other hair loss treatments for maximum effectiveness. From oral medications to mesotherapy for the scalp, there are plenty of options to explore—just ask your doctor.

Derma-Approved Minoxidil Formulas

Check out these tried-and-tested minoxidil solutions available at Bella Pelle:

Minoxidil can be a game-changer for those battling hereditary hair loss, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you’re ready to embark on a minoxidil journey or exploring other options, remember to do your research, manage your expectations, and best of all, be kind to your locks.

For customized skin and hair care recommendations, you can book a face-to-face or virtual dermatological consultation with Dr. Maximin Navarro, our resident dermatologist and a Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) fellow, here. You may also contact the Bella Pelle Skin Solutions Clinic at (+63) 999-887-1933. For a full list of facial services and other treatments, click here.

Bella Pelle Skin Solutions is located 2/F L Building, #142 Katipunan, Brgy. Saint Ignatius, Quezon City. The center is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

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