Rogaine 101

Rogaine

Generic Name: Minoxidil (Me-nox-see-dill>

Alongside with Propecia (Finasteride), Rogaine is the only staple and effective treatment for Pattern Baldness. These two medications are so impressive during trials that they are the only two products ever to have such recognition from the Federal Drugs Administration of USA.

Minoxidil selling under the brand name Rogaine is the first topical application that can promote and trigger hair follicles growth and its results are top notch.

Who made this?

McNeil PPC

McNeil PPC acquired Rogaine from Upjohn Company who is the original inventor of the 2% Minoxidil formula. The company is a division of the global pharmaceutical and healthcare company Johnson & Johnson.

The company has a history in pharmaceutical research for almost 80 years and it's the creator of the sedative Algoson and also Tylenol for children.

What makes it work?

The active ingredient Minoxidil. This component was initially an oral drug used to treat high blood pressure under the brand name Loniten. Users of this drugs found that they have increased hair count all over the body when they are using oral Minoxidil. It was then discovered that the drug has beneficial qualities that can actually promote hair growth.

The full understanding on how this drug works is still quite unclear. Researchers suspect this drug is a potential 'potassium channel agonist.' Potassium channels are ion channels that triggers impulses to excitable cells like our nervous system and also regulate cellular processes like hormone secretion. An angonist means the ability to activate a receptor to its full efficiency like our hair follicles.

By activating the receptors, it will

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

This product does not cure baldness, what it does is to regain the growth of the shrunken hair follicles damaged by DHT. DHT makes our hair thinner and thinner every cycle and what Rogaine does is to stimulate the hair follicle's receptors to work better.

So what's the Side Effects

Most people using this treatment usually does not experience any kind of side effects but some have reported

irritation 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 product is initially used to treat High Blood Pressure, over applying this product will not benefit your hair growth.

If you are suffering from heart ailments and high blood pressure, inform your doctor before prescribing this medication.

Who should take this?

This hair loss treatment is both suitable for women and men. However this product comes in 2 types

• Regular Strength 2% Minoxidil
• Extra Strength 5% Minoxidil

Usually the regular version is more suitable for women and the extra strength for men. There is also a special Foam version for men for easier application.

If you are suffering from Pattern Baldness and if you are free from any cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure and heart diseases, do ask your doctor to see whether Rogaine is right for you.

As this product does not inhibit DHT, its best to use alongside Propecia and other treatments for maximum results.

How much it costs you?

Minoxidil should always be part of your hair loss regimen. You have to continue taking Rogaine if you want to retain any hair on your head that it has treated. If you stop, all your hair that you grow will fall off in a couple of months or maybe worse. So expect and plan before you start this treatment.

A typical Rogaine will cost you between USD 25 - USD 30 per month. Of course if you buy for 1 year's worth the price will go down to between USD 15 - USD 20 per month. So roughly it will cost you USD 200 per year for this treatment.

Remember, if you want your hair to grow back, this is only one part of the money you have to allocate for. You have to use other products as well for effective recovery.

Clinical Studies

Need more information and details regarding this product? Check out the some of the research materials here.

See reports on 2% vs 5% Minoxidil from National Center for Biotechnology Information here. (Opens a new window)

International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) report. (Opens a new window)

In my Opinion

In any hair loss treatment, Minoxidil is essential as a part of your hair loss regimen. Rogaine works hand in hand with Propecia, where the latter inhibits DHT and the former promotes hair follicles growth damaged by DHT.

Recovering from hair loss takes a long way. Be prepared for it.

Have you been using Rogaine 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!