Hair Loss - Is Rogaine the Best Hair Growth Product?
Hair LossIt seems strange to think that a drug originally developed to lower blood pressure could be used to treat hair loss. But that is exactly what happened to Rogaine, one of two drugs approved by the FDA to treat this condition - users of minoxidil, the active ingredient in Rogaine, were increasingly experiencing hair growth as a result of using their blood pressure medication. And so a new hair growth product was born.
Rogaine is a alcohol-based liquid solution that is applied directly to the scalp twice a day. Researchers are not completely sure how it works but there is some consensus that it promotes blood flow on the scalp and homes in on the hair follicles that have started to diminish. In particular it targets the potassium channels within the follicle, opening them up so they become enlarged, re-igniting the hair growth phase and helping to ensure this phase remains for as long as possible.
Currently two forms of Rogaine exist according to their strength - the first type is 2% and the extra strength version is 5%. Clearly the more potent solution achieves greater success quicker, but the fact that two versions are available gives users with more sensitive skin the chance to use a lower dose. That said, the lower dose has only been reported to have a success rate of up to 40%, with the extra strength dose reaching a more acceptable 60%. For both products, maximum success can only be achieved by applying the lotion twice a day religiously. If you stop using the lotion, you actually lose any hair that you may have gained.
Its a popular hair growth product but does it really work?
Whilst Rogaine brings some benefits to grow hair fast, it should be noted that it is not an all out baldness cure. In fact, it may be more suitable to label it as a means to delay hair loss rather than cure it. Furthermore its success is limited to cases of thinning hair and not areas of complete baldness. The most effective areas reported have been the crown area rather than the frontal hairline and relates to women. It is not known why women have found more success with this drug than men. As noted above, you must apply the lotion twice a day and cannot discontinue the treatment.
Hair loss products tend to be well tolerated by most. Does Rogaine have any significant side effects?
There are minor side effects but this is normally limited to scalp irritation, dandruff and itching. Do not be alarmed be increased hair loss at the beginning - this should merely be a sign that the solution is working as it should.
As a word of caution. more significant side effects have been noted however. These include facial hair (typically concerning those with high blood pressure), dizziness due to the high alcohol levels but this is really limited to cases of excessive use.
There are those that claim that optimal health should and can be achieved by taking a good quality antioxidant and complementing this with a multivitamin. When taking a powerful drug like Rogaine, this is indeed more reason than ever to adopt this approach, to help protect our body's cells.
As with any drug, we are all different. It is wise to note that Rogaine is an FDA approved drug, with many people electing to try it in the hope they will at least halt their hair loss for the time being. It is no wonder cure, but worth weighing up on your quest to grow hair fast.
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