Rogaine and Propecia are the only 2 drugs that are approved for by FDA for treating hair loss. Rogaine holds an active ingredient called Minoxidil, this was originally created as a drug for treating hypertension which is high blood pressure. It was discovered that one of its side affects was growing hair. That’s when the FDA approved it as a drug to help people with hair loss.
So how does it work?
Rogaine is for women and men, and works by revitalizing shrunken hair follicles, which increases their size. The makers claim that by using their product everyday, your follicles will start to increase in size and the growing phase may become longer, producing longer and thicker hair.
Rogaine is clear and alcohol based, and should be applied to a person’s thinning area with its supplied dropper or it can be sprayed on twice a day. The solution is approved and available by regular (2%) and Extra Strength (5%). Those who have used regular strength hair loss Rogaine formulas have claimed success rates of 30%-40%. People who have used Extra strength have success rates of 50% to 60%. Currently priced at $20-$30 a month for a 2 oz. bottle. Minoxidil is also available as a generic and can be purchased from over the counter without a prescription.
You should note that Rogaine does not cure baldness and scientists have been unable to determine just how the hair loss Rogaine formula works. Though it is known that Rogaine increases blood flow to areas of the scalp that surround these balding areas. It is believed that Rogaine works by opening follicle’s potassium channels located in the cells. It is thought that when these channels open, it may produce hair growth.
If you are completely bald, then Rogaine is not for you. It has been found to be somewhat helpful in maintaining or growing hair in the crown area, which is the top back of the head. Rogaine for women is more effective at delaying hair loss tha for men.
So what can you expect to get out of Rogaine?
Rogaine formulas only grow hair in a minority of men and women. The best results in most cases is hair growth with these treatments is a thin coverage of thin hair. The real benefit of Rogaine is keeping what hair you still have and slowing your thinning. Rogaine can only create success depending on how far your hair loss has advanced.
Rogaine has to be applied twice daily for life to get and maintain and benefits. Research shows that using Rogaine once a day is not effective. If you stop taking Rogaine after you have started you will loose whatever hair you preserved or regrew within 2-4 months. Rogaine may restore some hair growth but it can not prevent the hair follicles from their eventual deterioration.
