At first, minoxidil, as a vasodilator, was used to treat hypertension and was an effective drug for adrenal alopecia. Later, it was found that it was helpful to improve the function of hair follicles and stimulate hair growth.
Minoxidil is a potassium channel opener, which can cause hyperpolarization of cell membrane. It is believed that minoxidil can widen blood vessels and open potassium channels, so that more oxygen, blood and nutrients can be observed and reach hair follicles. This may cause hair follicles to fall off in their diapause period and then be replaced by thicker hair in the new collagen period.
Although minoxidil is effective in treating hair loss and helping hair regeneration, it is not so effective when the scalp loses a lot of hair. It is also known that it can treat alopecia, but it mainly affects the top of the head.
Hair grown with minoxidil is usually thinner and lighter than normal hair. It is rare for all hair to grow back, but it is usually enough to cover baldness or sparse hair. Minoxidil may be more effective in the early stage of hereditary alopecia. Minoxidil needs to be taken regularly and continuously. When it stops, new hair usually falls out within a few months.