External Hair Loss Treatment for Men

External Hair Loss Treatment for Men

Minoxidil, also known as Regaine (Rogaine) was initially marketed as an orally taken drug for hypertension. It was noticed that one of its side effects was randomly spaced hair growth on the face and body and sometimes on the scalp. This effect arises from the drug’s tendency to dilate the blood capillaries. On the basis of this, a 2 per cent solution was made and applied to the scalp. Studies indicated that this helped to reverse male pattern hair loss and the mixture was marketed, after FDA approval, about fifteen years ago. It has not lived up to its clinical trial results. The initial studies were based on hair counts (not dissimilar to Propecia). Observers counted at intervals the number of hairs on a circular area of scalp whilst using Minoxidil (and placebos). The method was brought into disrepute because it was found that the more experienced the observers became on counting the number of hairs, the more hairs they counted! Even the placebo controls had considerable increases.

Since then, Pharmacia Upjohn, the pharmaceutical company that produces Minoxidil, has made 3 per cent and ‘extra strength’ 5 per cent solutions available. Even with these, the results are dis­appointing. At first it seems they are helping – the solution darkens the vellus (fluffy) hairs and coats the hairs near the scalp with a stiff­ening film, giving the impression of more hair. All well and good -I’m all for improving the cosmetic appearance of quantity. The negative, though, is that the coating dulls the hair, gives it a brittle, dry look and feel, and often causes scalp flaking. Some of it is due to the inclusion of propylene glycol in the solution, which is neces­sary for the Minoxidil to dissolve.

I have not seen any noticeable improvement in the many hun­dreds of men and women that have been using it. However, intriguingly, even though they don’t see an improvement, most want to continue using it because they think their hair may get worse if they stop. Perhaps a valid point and another example of mind over matter, since, theoretically, it would probably make no difference. Minoxidil doesn’t effect androgens, 5-alpha-reductase or change the genetic aspects. Again, I’m not against its use. If you want to try it, do so. But be prepared, as with Propecia, for long-term use and not necessarily seeing the claimed benefits. However, there may be a possibility that the hair loss is slowed down.