What does minoxidil do?
Today minoxidil is generally sold over the counter in 2%-5% foam or growth spray solutions and applied topically on the hair follicles. It is widely used to promote hair growth or reverse the causes of hair loss. Although back in the 1970's it was used as a treatment for hypertension… We'll go more into the side effects of this later.
In some studies, it is effective in helping promote hair growth for people suffering from androgenic alopecia. Minoxidil in some cases may stimulate hair growth by increasing the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle, although the exact mechanisms behind it differ from individuals.
So what does this all mean? When used as a vasodilator it acts to increase the blood flow to the hair follicles, by opening adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle cells.
What are some of the reported side effects?
- Unexpected weight gain due to water retention
- Severe site itchiness or irritation, eczema
- Chest pains and increased heart palpitations - in some cases risk of stroke
- Random growth of facial hair, hairy underarms or legs
- Excess fluid retention and an increase in swelling in your hands or feet
- Lightheadedness, dizziness, and headaches
- Dry flaky or redness of the skin
- Anxiety and depression
- Low blood pressure
- Potential respiratory infections
- Loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, or sexual impotence
Is minoxidil safe for postpartum hair loss?
Postpartum hair loss occurs because, during pregnancy, your biological system is funneling the nutrients to support two humans. It's working overtime to deliver vital vitamins and minerals to build the brain, liver, kidneys, and lungs.
In turn, depriving some parts of your body of nutrients. One of these is the hair follicles being stripped of the right nourishment for an extended period, causing hair loss in many cases.
Many mothers suffer from hair loss from six to eight months after delivery or even later for those mothers who continue to breastfeed.
A study done by the US Trichology Research Institution on the effects of minoxidil and finasteride versus the use of plant-based hair loss treatments showed that plant-based products were just as effective, if not more in some cases.
Conclusion
To research and plow through the misinformation on the internet can prove to be quite difficult. Finding hair loss treatments or products that are safe can be hard, especially if they are plant-based.
However, we've done the research to help fight and prevent postpartum hair loss for you - without the risk of nasty side effects.
We'd recommend checking out the Hair Folli Growth System, which is derived from plant-based active ingredients and contains no toxic chemicals.
The Growth System includes the Growth Spray along with the Vegan Growth Shampoo and Growth Conditioner. They work as a well-balanced system to give you the right proteins and vital nutrients to promote hair growth and help keep your hair hydrated.
In addition to this, all of Folli's products are completely vegan and come with ingredients from Australia. The products help to clean the scalp and provide the extra nourishment your hair needs after pregnancy.
If you're looking for a safer alternative without the side effects, it's about that time you give your head the best hair day it deserves. It's only good hair days from here!