Revealing Provillus

Provillus

Generic Name: Minoxidil 5% (topical)

Oral: Vitamins and Mineral Supplements

Provillus is a relatively new in the market in terms of hair loss products. Strong reviews have been pushing the sales of this product through the roof. So what is it really?

The oral version are a series of vitamins and minerals supplements that has beneficial effects of inhibiting DHT, the main reason behind Pattern Hair Loss. The content varies for men and women. There are also a topical version of Provillus which is similar to most generic Minoxidil 5%.

Who made this?

The company is also fairly new in the hair loss industry therefore there isn't much information available at the moment. The company web site states that its products are made in USA. The 2 main product lines includes Provillus Topical Application and Oral Supplements.

What makes it work?

Topical Minoxidil 5%

The active ingredient for topical Provillus is Minoxidil. The contents of this product are almost similar to any generic Minoxidil applications for hair loss. Comparatively speaking, the topical application is of the same equivalence of Rogaine. Minoxidil is a 'potassium channel agonist'. Its method of action is to

• revitalize the hair follicles
• increases its growth potential
• lengthen the growth phase (ANAGEN)
• increases the blood flow to the scalp

The topical product does not cure baldness, what it does is to stimulate the growth of the shrunken hair follicles damaged by DHT. See Rogaine for more information.

Provillus Oral Supplement

The other part of Provillus is the Oral Supplement that contains potential DHT inhibition role. The main ingredients are

Vitamin B6 Biotin Magnesium Zinc Saw Palmetto Nettle root Pumpkin Eleuthero Uva-Ursi Muria Puama

Vitamin B6 and Biotin are part of the B Complex family that can have health benefits including improving your skin condition and your body's metabolism. Zinc is an essential mineral necessary for a healthy immune system and proper enzymes function.

Saw Palmetto and Nettle root are natural herbs that have potential DHT inhibition qualities. They work by preventing the 5 alpha reductase (5AR) enzymes from bonding with Testosterone. This two herbs can cause potential side effects similar to Finasteride and are not suitable for women.

Although both of these herbal supplements are believed to inhibit DHT, not enough studies are conducted to show they can efficiently stop hair loss. The rest are ingredients also does not have sufficient proven studies that link to stopping hair loss.

The women's version contains

• Vitamin B6
• Biotin
• Magnesium
• Horsetail
• Para-aminobenzoic Acid

Similar to the men's version, Vitamin B6 and Biotin are good for the skin and metabolism. The other ingredients in men like Saw Palmetto and Nettle Root are removed from the women's formula because of its possible side effects and dangers for birth defects.

Overall, the formula are just basic herbal supplements that has no direct benefits to hair loss.

So whats to Side Effects?

The topical version should have the same kind of possible side effects from Minoxidil. Most people usually do not experience any kind of side effects but it's possible to have

• scalp irritation
• a burning sensation
• dandruff

Excessive dosage of this product might cause

• dizziness
• rapid heart beat
• chest pains

It's always good to use the recommended dosage. You have to remember that this Minoxidil is initially used to treat High Blood Pressure, over applying this product will not benefit your hair growth.

For the oral supplements, men should expect that Saw Palmetto and Nettle Root can cause side effects similar to Finasteride. (Propecia)

Who should take this?

The topical application states to be suitable for both sexes. However, research shows that it's best for women to only use the 2% Minoxidil compare to 5% Minoxidil for men.

For women, you might want to try the less potent of Minoxidil 2% like Rogaine instead of taking the 5% Provillus. If you are looking for a hair follicle boosting treatment, this application can be your alternate choice.

How should I use this product effectively?

For the topical application means you have to apply it directly to the scalp twice a day. It's best to apply once in the morning and before going to bed. Follow these steps when you want to apply Provillus.

1. Make sure that your scalp is dry. (your hair can be damp)
2. Move your hair to make way for the balding area. One way you can do that is to comb your hair in the middle to both ways. As I have short hair what I do is to hold my hair up vertical for maximum scalp exposure.
3. Spread the liquid evenly on the scalp area and use your fingers to massage it into your scalp preferable in a circular motion.
4. Style as required.

Try not to wash your hair for at least 6 hours so that maximum absorption can take place.

How much it costs you?

For the topical application, expect the costs to be around USD 25 - USD 39 per month. A two month supply for the oral supplement will cost you around USD 70. You can check the company's website for more offers. Remember, you will need to use Minoxidil to retain the hair that you grow, stopping will reverse to your initial condition.

If you are considering it, try to factor in other costs for other medications to supplement Provillus.

The PROs and CONs

Pros
	Good feedback from customers
	Uses the FDA Approved drug Minoxidil as active ingredient.
Cons
	Must continue taking it for retain hair growth.
	Company relatively new.
	Supplements have no proven benefits for hair loss.
	Over promise of what it can deliver.

In my Opinion

Like what I said regarding Rogaine, Minoxidil should always be included in your regimen if possible, 5% for men and 2% for women for the best effect. If you want brand reliability, go for Rogaine. But if you just want Minoxidil, Provillus and any other Minoxidil 5% that is suitable for men should do just fine.

As for the oral supplements, don't expect much from it. You might want to take it as an additional supplement to your regimen but definitely not an essential part of it.

Have you been using Provillus or thinking about using it? Do you have a better alternative? Share your thoughts and opinions with us by writing your own views about it. If this medication works for you it’ll be great to share and let people know!