If you have experienced any hair loss, you know that feeling of trying to find a solution as quickly as possible.
Losing your hair in places like your crown is a terrifying feeling. Unfortunately, you might have to live without your hair for the rest of your life.
One such solution for someone with hair loss that wants to regrow their hair is Minoxidil.
Minoxidil does work on your crown for balding and we want to tell you all about it.
Keep reading along for everything you need to know about this amazing hair loss medication.
Why Is Your Crown Balding?
According to dermatologists there is something called miniaturization happening at the follicular level when your hair is falling out. Miniaturization is the shrinking of hair follicles and the hair shaft inside. When this happens, your hair will shrink until the hair follicle no longer exists.
The cause of miniaturization is due to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT clings to the follicles and then slowly shrinks it down.
DHT affects the crown, hairline, and other areas on top of your head. Your side and back scalp is genetically resistant to DHT.
How Minoxidil Works To Regrow Hair
Minoxidil is the generic form of Rogaine. It is a vasodilator. This means it expands your blood vessels to improve blood flow to certain areas of your body.
Minoxidil is typically applied as a topical hair loss treatment.
The medication will shorten your hair’s telogen phase (resting) and push your hair to the anagen phase (growing). It also works to extend your growth phase making your hair grow thicker and longer.
Unlike Finasteride, Minoxidil helps stimulate hair growth and prevents shrinking of your hair follicle cells. Minoxidil has no effect on the DHT enzyme. However, it is still a great option for those experiencing male pattern hair loss or female pattern hair loss.
Can Minoxidil Regrow Hair On Crown?
Yes, Minoxidil can regrow lost hair from your crown or vertex. However, minoxidil is also effective at growing hair back on other areas of your scalp. Minoxidil works on your crown, hairline, and temples.
This is possible due to Minoxidil being a vasodilator. The hair loss medication increases blood flow to your scalp so that your hair follicles can grow longer and thicker.
Is Rogaine Only For The Crown?
No, Rogaine (Minoxidil) can work anywhere there is miniaturized hair. This means Rogaine can work either the front, top, or crown of your scalp. However, it will not work in areas that are completely bald with no hair follicles.
It is a common misconception that Rogaine (Minoxidil) can only work on your vertex.
The original Minoxidil study performed in the 1980’s only studied the effectiveness on the crown area. Therefore, the labeling for Rogaine was limited.
In practice, Rogaine can also work on your receding hairline or frontal baldness. However, it seems to be more effective on the crown due to a longer window of time the hair loss medication can act on thinning hairs.
Why Is Rogaine Not For Receding Hairlines?
Everyone seems to be confused about the effectiveness of Rogaine (Minoxidil) on frontal hair loss.
It is a common misconception.
Rogaine is still able to work on your hairline because the hair follicles are not significantly different from follicles in other areas. This means you can still benefit from using Rogaine.
For guys, Rogaine can work on your crown as well as other areas of your scalp, including the hairline area.
There are many cases of people that improve hair growth and increase thickness of the hairline by using Rogaine.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Minoxidil?
Minoxidil or its branded form Rogaine can be used by men or women to regrow their hair. It is best for hair loss from male or female pattern baldness.
Minoxidil works the best for people with balding at the crown of their scalp. However, it can also help regrow hair in other areas of your scalp like your hairline.
In terms of age, Minoxidil is effective for people under 40 who just started losing some hair. If you are already completely bald, this may not be the best option for you.
Who Should Not Use Minoxidil
Do Not Use Minoxidil if:
- You don’t have hereditary hair loss
- Hair loss is sudden and patchy
- Under 18 years old
- Hair loss is due to harmful hair products
- You have medical conditions like thyroid disease or alopecia areata
What Can I Use Instead Of Minoxidil?
Finasteride
In cases of androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness, Finasteride is a proven hair loss treatment. Finasteride is the generic version of Propecia.
This medication works by stopping the DHT enzyme that leads to hair loss. In many trials, patients gained or maintained their hair.
You can be prescribed Finasteride by your dermatologist or via online subscription through Roman, Hims, or Keeps.
Herbal Supplements
Saw palmetto is an over the counter herb that has been used for men’s prostate problems, but it is also popular among men who don’t want to take finasteride. Saw palmetto has proven to block receptor activity on the hair follicles affected by male pattern baldness.
Other supplements that are good for you are vitamins. Ones that are good for crown balding are iron, zinc, and biotin.
Lastly, a new herb botanical supplement that has hit the market a few years ago is Nutrafol for Men. Nutrafol is a multivitamin blend that helps with regrowth, thicker hair, and a healthier scalp after using. It also has ingredients that fight causes of hair loss such as inflammation, stress, and hormone imbalance.
See Also: Best DHT Blocker Supplements To Stop Hair Loss
Low Level Laser Therapy
Low level laser therapy is a form of hair loss treatment that applies light diodes to your scalp. It is proven that this laser therapy stimulates cell regeneration and blood flow.
This stimulation from devices like laser hats helps your scalp fight off hair loss and gives you a thicker and fuller appearance of hair.
Try this laser hair growth device: Kiierr 272 Premier MD Laser Cap
See More:
Platelet Rich Plasma Injections
A promising solution for treating hair loss and hair regrowth is platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections.
The process involves blood being drawn from you, the blood being spun to separate growth factors, and then injected back into your scalp. This will help your hair follicles get nutrients directly from your blood.
Is Using Minoxidil Safe?
Based on your health conditions and status your doctor should be able to tell you Minoxidil is safe for you.
However, Minoxidil is FDA approved and is considered safe for most men and women.
Side Effects
With any hair loss medication, there are potential side effects. A small portion of Minoxidil users can expect the following.
- Shedding
- Skin Irritation
- Scaly Scalp
- Contact Dermatitis
Where Can I Get Minoxidil?
Today, you can find Minoxidil or Rogaine in many places. You can get it at your local pharmacy or from an online shop. Minoxidil can be bought as well from online services such as Hims, Roman, and Keeps.
Read More:
Fact Checked by our Director of Dermatology – We know that understanding how your skin and hair work can seem scary, so my team and I devote our time to thoroughly researching every single topic and product we write about. We hope you find our reviews helpful and informative.
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