Minoxidil For Hair Loss

Minoxidil was initially used to treat hypertension because it reduces blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels to facilitate blood flow. It became popular to use minoxidil for hair loss when a number of patients reported experiencing hair growth.[1]

Minoxidil promotes hair growth by influencing the hair follicles to enter the growth phase of the hair growth cycle. Evidence also suggests that minoxidil has resulted in larger hair follicles and longer growth periods, resulting in thicker and healthier hair.[2]

When applied topically on the scalp, minoxidil can improve blood flow, which may nourish the hair follicles and lead to thicker and fuller hair.[3]

It’s important that you have an estimate of how much you’ll probably spend per month if you decide to use topical minoxidil to know if you can sustain it. If you are wanting a pharmacy grade treatment, the price of a 180 mL 5% minoxidil solution can be around $79, worth three months of use. If however you would like a doctor prescribed treatment, personalised to your hair loss situation, this can cost from $29 a month.

It’s important to note that topical minoxidil must be applied continuously to encourage regrowth; otherwise, hair loss will occur again.[4] 

Possible side effects of topical minoxidil include dryness, scaling, redness or irritation, and hair growth in non-treated areas.[5] If you experience any adverse reactions, contact your doctor immediately.

Minoxidil is just one of several treatments your doctor can recommend when necessary. There are other over-the-counter products and natural treatment options that may be used instead of or in combination with minoxidil, depending on your doctor’s advice.

In most cases, people begin to notice their hair starting to grow back after three to six months of using topical minoxidil.[6] Using minoxidil for hair loss can make it more manageable by slowing down the processes that cause it, but it cannot stop those processes completely. Even though topical minoxidil can help with the early stages of hair loss, it will not be able to regrow an entire head of hair once it has been lost.

At Mosh, you can consult with AHPRA-registered Australian doctors who can outline the different hair treatment options that may be appropriate for you and help you get to the root of your hair situation.

The standard recommended dosage is 1 mL, or five sprays, of a 2% or  5% minoxidil solution on your dry scalp in the hair loss area twice a day - once in the morning and once at night. Reactions to the medicine differ from person to person, so this may not be for everybody, and it is best to consult with a doctor who can take into account your unique needs.

Topical minoxidil is available in hair growth spray or foam form. The liquid version contains propylene glycol, water, and alcohol, while the foam version is propylene glycol-free. Since side effects like itching and contact dermatitis have been attributed to propylene glycol hypersensitivity, the foam version was created to reduce the chances of inducing these reactions.[7]

If you plan on using minoxidil for hair loss, remember that the best hair regrowth treatment is a long-term one. Changes can only happen incrementally, so don’t get frustrated when you don’t notice any changes overnight. Everyone’s bodies are different, so what might take three months for someone else could take six to twelve months for you and vice versa.

It is also important to keep in mind that hair health is a part of your overall health. Hair loss can be influenced by many things, from your genes, hormones, or surroundings, which are mostly out of your control. 

However, you can help yourself by improving the things you can control, like maintaining a healthy lifestyle. As helpful as treatments and supplements like minoxidil for hair loss can be, they cannot replace the benefits of adequate sleep, a good diet, and regular exercise.

Keep in mind that minoxidil is best used under a doctor's supervision. If you decide to use minoxidil on your own, there’s a higher chance of unwanted side effects.

This is why we recommend our services here at Mosh, where, if necessary for your situation, you can get minoxidil for hair loss in Australia if necessary for your situation. Receiving proper guidance can give you the best chance of achieving your desired results.

Hair loss is different for every individual. The most effective treatment is one that is tailored according to the patient's physiological requirements. You don’t need to keep looking online for a hair loss doctor; with our doctor’s ongoing support, they can help you understand what is actually causing your hair loss. Stop endlessly looking up questions like ‘Why is my hair falling out?’ or ‘How to stop hair loss?’ online and talk to a doctor who can discuss your next best steps.

You don’t have to worry about any of that awkwardness or stigma. We hold our consultations online, and we offer discreet deliveries of prescription medication straight to your doorstep. 

Aside from dealing with hair loss, we also provide services for skin care, mental health, and sexual health. Our AHPRA-registered doctors keep your overall health and well-being as their primary concern and are ready to help you with advice on how to promote hair growth. 

Stop worrying and get smart solutions to keep those locks on your head. Talk to us at Mosh.