A variety of treatments are available to help people with certain types of hair loss. One of the most popular is a topical treatment available under the brand names Rogaine and Spectral DNC, with the main active ingredient minoxidil. The product was originally developed for men to reduce male pattern balding, but a lower-strength version works well for many women, too.
Function
Shrinking hair follicles causes some types of hair loss, and Minoxidil spray helps to enlarge and revitalize hair follicles. It does not result in more hair, but it makes the hair thicker and keeps existing hair from falling out.
Identification
Minoxidil is in a class of medications called potassium channel openers, clinically shown to stimulate hair growth.
Types
Although the minoxidil spray is available in two types--a 2 percent solution for women and a 5 percent solution for men--women tend to see better results with the 5 percent product.
Considerations
The main problem for women with the stronger solution is it can stimulate hair growth on the forehead as well as on the scalp. It also causes more side effects of dryness, irritation and itching.
Differing Results
Minoxidil does not help everyone with hair growth issues, and researchers have not yet determined why. It also only works on certain parts of the scalp, and it does not work well in completely bald areas.
Success Rate
In surveys of both women and men, about half report at least moderate hair regrowth and about 36 percent minimal regrowth. The others saw no effects.
Tags: hair growth, hair follicles, hair loss, percent solution, stimulate hair