Before undergoing any sort of treatment for hair loss, it is important to first consult your GP. Hair loss may have any number of different causes and it is vital that you are properly diagnosed as this will give you the best chance of getting the right treatment. Consultant dermatologists are experts in this field and you are likely to be referred to one by your GP.
Minoxidil is a form of medication that is often used to treat hair loss. Originally produced as a a treatment for those with high blood pressure, it was found that it also promoted hair growth.
Minoxidil is not effective in all patients and hair regrowth is only seen in a small percentage of those whose hair has already been lost. However, it does significantly slow the rate of hair loss and this is true in around 80 per cent of cases, with many even reporting that it stopped hair loss altogether.
Application
Supplied in lotion form, Minoxidil should be applied to the scalp twice a day. Very few side effects have been observed beyond occasional skin reactions in those who are allergic. A five per cent solution is recommended for men and a two per cent one for women.