Minoxidil originally developed as an oral medication for the treatment of hypertension, it is a vasodilator. As such, it widens the walls of the blood vessels and allows blood to circulate more freely throughout the body.

A side effect noticed by scientists, however, was that minoxidil also promoted hair growth, leading those taking it to have thicker heads of hair. And thus, minoxidil as a hair loss treatment was born! In August 1988, the FDA finally approved the drug for treating baldness in men It is not known exactly how Minoxidil works to stimulate hair growth, but it may be that the dilation of blood vessels in the scalp caused by application of the solution improves the function of hair follicles and promote the growth of new hair.

The studies were conducted in Germany. Men in this studies applied the Minoxidil 5% solution one year-long, study of 984 men with hereditary hair loss found the product to be very effective in 15.9% and effective in 47.8% of patients for stimulating hair growth. Minoxidil is usually used for at least four months before hair regrowth can be seen, so results aren’t immediate. This is because hair takes a while to grow back. Everyone has their own rate of hair growth and the treatment must be used consistently for the best chance of seeing results. The first hair regrowth will probably feel fine and soft, but should gain the same appearance and thickness of the rest of your hair as treatment continues. If no hair regrowth is seen after using the product for six months, you should stop using it.

Minoxidil can be used by men with male pattern baldness. It is suitable for men over the age of 18 who are experiencing hair loss and may stop hair loss and/or stimulate the growth of new hairs.