Minoxidil has been heavily tested and is now widely used for treating certain forms of hair loss for both men and women. Originally produced as a treatment for high blood pressure, one of the side effects was the promotion of hair growth.
The mechanism causing this is still not yet known, but there is around an 80 per cent chance that the rate of hair loss will slow or even stop in both men and women. Studies are currently taking place at Bradford University looking at how the drug acts on the body.
Minoxidil is applied as a lotion. It is used twice a day on a dry head. A small percentage of people develop an allergic reaction, but generally it is free of side effects. Minoxidil foam is also available for men and is known as Rogaine.
Minoxidil is used in dilute form with different strengths recommended for men and women. An extra strength five per cent solution is what is advised for men, while a two per cent solution is advised for women. The effects of Minoxidil are lost if its use is discontinued.