Minoxidil is the number one treatment for male pattern baldness in the United States. Approved by the FDA, minoxidil slows the progression of androgenic alopecia, the number one cause of hair loss in men. A topical treatment, minoxidil (5%) is available without a prescription and can be highly beneficial for many men concerned about the appearance of their hair.
Minoxidil's Past When minoxidil was approved by the FDA in 1979, it was for the treatment of high blood pressure, but already, scientists were investigating another potential use for the medicine. During clinical trials with minoxidil, many men experienced hair growth as a side effect, and researchers were curious as to whether or not the drug could be used as a hair loss treatment. After research, development and testing, topical minoxidil was approved for use for hair loss and became available with a doctor's prescription.
The over-the-counter version arrived on the market in 1996. Options for Treatment The strongest over-the-counter dose of minoxidil is the 5 percent variety, but there are different types available for men to select. Solution-based products are applied with a dropper to the scalp and is the original form of topical minoxidil. These formulas remain on the market because they are very effective, but some men find them messy and time-consuming to use. Foam-based minoxidil products were introduced in 2006 as a neater and simpler-to-apply alternative to droppers.
The primary drawback with foams is that they are applied to the hair and not the scalp, which reduces the amount of absorption and limits results. The newest innovation in minoxidil treatment is the spray, which is both convenient and able to be applied right to the scalp.
Products like Regenepure Precision Minoxidil Spray have a swivel applicator that allows for direct targeting of your bald spots and aids in deep penetration to the hair follicles for maximum results. Amplifying Results While minoxidil can be an effective treatment on its own, using products along with hair loss shampoos can lead to increased results. While their formulas differ from brand to brand, these shampoos help to stimulate the hair follicles to encourage growth and remove build-up and microbes that can slow down the development of new hairs.
The very best hair loss shampoos are those that are free of sulfates because these chemicals can damage the hair and make breakage more likely. For example, Regenepure DR (Doctor Recommended) or Regenepure NT (Nourishing Treatment) are both sulfate and paraben free and don't have any harsh chemicals whatsoever.
These shampoos are safe to use on chemically, color, or keratin-treated hair and on all hair types. If you use these shampoos with their minoxidil spray, you will get maximum results. If you haven't talked to your doctor yet about your hair loss concerns, be sure to schedule an appointment. Even though you can purchase minoxidil 5% without a prescription, you should have a checkup to ensure that androgenic alopecia, not an underlying medical problem, is the cause of your symptoms of thinning. By Simon Shamay - Hair Loss Expert