Minoxidil – Should I Use Rogaine or Rogaine For Women?

If you are starting to lose your hair, then you need to start taking a Minoxidil product to arrest the process before it gets worse.  Minoxidil is a medication that opens up the blood vessels and promotes the growth of new hair by enhancing the flow of blood to the follicles. It is available in both oral and topical forms, with the topical products being more popular since they are applied directly to the scalp, increasing absorption of the drug and enhancing its effectiveness. There are a wide variety of products that contain this drug as an active ingredient, the most popular of which remains Rogaine.

What is Rogaine and Rogaine for Women minoxidil?

Rogaine is an over-the-counter medication that is designed to address baldness and hair thinning in both men and women, and is one of only two products approved by the FDA to promote hair growth, the other being Finasteride. By using Rogaine regularly, you can not only slow down the process of baldness but also possibly stimulate defunct hair follicles if used early enough. It is available in two strengths: the regular variant contains a 2% solution and the extra-strong has a 5% solution. While men can use either strength, there is a 2% Rogaine for women solution.  Women should only use the weaker strength Rogaine for women since the 5% solution may cause unwanted side effects such as promoting the growth of facial hair. These should be used continuously, since the benefits of using the product can be quickly lost if you discontinue use.

Minoxidil and Rogaine Side Effects

It should be noted that Minoxidil has minor side effects, such as flaking and burning of the scalp as well as itching and drying. Users should also be careful to use the product as instructed and avoid using too much of it. Not only will using too much of the product not be effective, it may also result in vasodilation or the widening of the blood vessels, which can cause dizziness and chest pain. In addition, women who are pregnant or currently breastfeeding should not use Rogaine for women or related products, since they may not be entirely safe.

When Should I Start Using Minoxidil?

For a Minoxidil product to be most effective, it has to be used as early as possible when you are starting to lose your hair, since Rogaine and other products cannot revive dead follicles and can only stimulate hair growth in ones that are still active. The early signs of hair loss include thick clumps of hair on your brush or comb, a receding hairline in the shape of a horseshoe or an M, and thinning hair on your brow or the crown of your head. Your hair may also start appearing limper than normal.
While the most significant causes of baldness and hair loss are age and genetics, there are a number of other factors which also play an important role and which you can influence to help promote hair growth. Poor diet, for example, can deprive your hair of the nutrients it needs to grow, while excessive emotional stress can also accelerate hair loss and baldness. While taking Minoxidil remains the main cure for baldness, addressing these factors can greatly enhance the medication’s effectiveness as well as improving your overall fitness.