Preventative treatment is the first step in the fight against hair loss, and Dr. Gabel is quick to direct his patients to preventative treatments before pursuing surgical solutions. Minoxidil (name brand Rogaine) is an FDA approved over the counter topical medication that is available in clinically tested variations that are appropriate for both men and women experiencing hair loss to use.[Read More]
Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a topical solution that is applied directly to the scalp. It can presently be purchased without a prescription and in generic form with the recommended concentrations of 5% (for men) and 2% (for women).
Minoxidil (Rogaine) tends to work the best when applied in the crown, but it also works in the front portion of the scalp, so as long as there is some fine or miniaturized hair in the area and it isn’t completely void of existing hair growth.
It is an ineffective treatment for areas of the scalp that are completely bald. Studies indicate that the greatest benefit from minoxidil use is seen from 5 months to 2 years after the first application, with a gradual decrease in effectiveness seen after that.
Men who use minoxidil (Rogaine) in tandem with finasteride (Propecia) have reported the most positive results. Women are not allowed to seek finasteride prescriptions for hair loss and minoxidil (Rogaine) remains one of the best FDA approved non-surgical treatment options for the treatment of female hair loss.
