Minoxidil was originally formulated for hypertension and is now used by millions to reverse hair loss and stimulate hair growth. Formulas normally are sold over the counter and contain either 2 or 5 percent minoxidil, with the remainder being made up of alcohol, propylene glycol, and purified water.
Most men showing the signs of balding or thinning hair almost always have the dreaded receding hairline as well. In fact, it is likely the first thing a person notices is a creeping receding hairline which if viewed overhead may resemble the beginnings of the letter M.
The chances are over 90 percent that if a man notices he is showing the telltale signs of a receding hairline he has a condition known as male pattern balding (androgenetic alopecia).
Male pattern balding is progressive, runs in families, and has thus far resisted virtually all attempts to find a cure.
Perhaps why male pattern baldness is so punitive is it actually shrinks the hair follicles to a point where new hair growth becomes impossible. This is made possible by a form of testosterone known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which accumulates over time deep within the hair follicle. The most common points of accumulation are in the areas described as a receding hairline and on the crown. If left unchecked balding will occur on the top of the scalp producing the dreaded horseshoe pattern.
So as you can see the hair loss area described as a receding hairline has been damaged the most, requiring a near miracle to restore the bald areas.
Detailing my results with minoxidil?
Over the last 20 or so years I have tried virtually every product on the market for hair loss. While it is true that some products have produced very good results I have yet to find anything that has even come close to restoring my receding hairline; slowing the recession, yes; restoring no. For me it was a matter of recognizing the problem too late.
That said, minoxidil in combination with natural herbal hair loss remedies has proven very effective in holding my hair loss at bay and stimulating new hair growth. I have been using the combination for almost 5 years now and have experienced no additional hair loss.
But all is not coming up roses with minoxidil. Despite good results in the area of hair re-growth the high concentration of alcohol combined with the mild drying affect of minoxidil itself has made my scalp very dry, resulting in a problem with dandruff. This has created another issue which requires constant attention.
There are certainly a number of pros and cons in relation to minoxidil. Factors like cost (about $20 per month), having to apply the product twice a day, the possibility of dry scalp dandruff, and the realization that once discontinued your new found hair will rapidly disappear must be compared to the realization that, short of hair transplant surgery, once your hair is gone, it is gone forever. Only you can make that determination.
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