LOCAL ROUTE: MINOXIDIL

There are varying concentrations: 2% (for men and women) or 5% (for men only). The hair that grows back under the effect of this treatment is dependent on the continuation of the treatment, in fact when the treatment stops this hair will fall out.

Minoxidil should be applied once or twice a day (2 x 1 mL), to the entire scalp after moistening.

Minoxidil doesn't pose any real problems when applied topically. However, mild side effects have been reported: dry skin, scalp irritation, and temporary facial hair growth when applied repeatedly.

The beneficial effects of the treatment appear in three stages:

• During the first month, paradoxical accentuation of hair loss (elimination of hair in the telogen phase)
• Normalization of hair loss during the second month
• Improvement in hair growth and quality, between the third and sixth months.

The combination of minoxidil 5% and finasteride increases their effectiveness against hair loss.

Important points:

• Improves scalp vascularization
• Limits hair loss
• Promotes regrowth, but with a dose-dependent effect
• Potentiated effect with finasteride