Effective Treatments for Male & Female Pattern Hair Loss

Tag Archives: minoxidil

Man and woman hair loss

Male and female pattern hair loss is a common genetic condition characterized by progressive thinning and follicle miniaturization. In men, it usually presents itself with a recession of the hairline and a well-defined area of baldness. In women, it is usually more diffuse and located centrally on the top of the scalp. Although this condition can have sufferers feeling hopeless, there are some treatments that can help.

  • Minoxidil. An over-the-counter topical treatment that is clinically proven to stimulate follicles and regrow hair. Twice-a-day use yields the best results with progress being seen in 3-6 months.
  • Finasteride (Propecia). FDA-approved for men only, this oral medication prevents testosterone from converting to the hair loss causing hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone). In doing this, hair loss is effectively slowed.
  • Hair Transplantation. A procedure where hair follicles are taken from an area that is unaffected by pattern loss and moved to the thin or bald areas. Although the results are permanent, it is important to pair with minoxidil and/or finasteride to maintain any hair that was there prior to the transplant.
  • Viviscal PRO. A 100% drug-free supplement that helps promote existing hair growth. Results of thicker, fuller hair can be seen in as little as 3-6 months.
  • Nutrafol. A dietary supplement that uses a whole-body approach to address hair thinning and growth. The proprietary blend of ingredients assists in lowering DHT and reducing stress.

For most dealing with pattern hair loss, it is important to complement each of the above options for the best results. To learn more about which are best to use for your situation, contact the hair loss experts at Lisa S. Ball, NP today.

Looking for the best gifts this holiday? We put together a list of some of our favorite products and treatments related to skincare.

The Holiday Gift Guide 2021

  1. SKINCEUTICALS C E FERULIC // One of the most popular skincare products out there. A perfect option for combatting the signs of aging and protecting against environmental damage.
  2. PCA SKIN HYALURONIC ACID BOOSTING SERUM // Patients love the way this product feels on their skin. Instantly hydrating. An essential for every skincare regimen.
  3. MICRO-NEEDLING // A great treatment for someone dealing with acne scars or fine lines. In just a few treatments, the skin will show noticeable improvement.
  4. HYDRAFACIAL // If you know someone who wants to freshen up their skin and wants to see the results immediately, then this is the perfect gift! This pampering treatment cleanses, extracts, and hydrates the skin in only three steps.
  5. VIVISCAL PRO DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS // A 100% drug-free supplement that helps with hair growth. Thicker, fuller hair can be seen in as little as three months.
  6. REGENEPURE 5% MINOXIDIL SPRAY // One of the best treatments available for hair loss. An easy-to-use spray helps to thicken and regrow hair in only a few months.
  7. SUBLATIVE RF SKIN TIGHTENING // A rejuvenation treatment that treats fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scarring. One of our favorite things about the treatment is the drastic results paired with minimal downtime.
  8. VELASHAPE III BODY CONTOURING // Simply put, this is the best non-invasive treatment for minimizing the appearance of cellulite. A great option for stubborn areas that diet and exercise won’t address.

Hopefully, this list will help simplify your search for the perfect gift and make the season a little less stressful!

With ‘stay at home’ orders in place for much of the country, many people have a lot of free time on their hands (no pun intended). This newfound free time offers the perfect opportunity for those struggling with hair loss to give minoxidil a try.

As discussed in a previous blog entry, minoxidil is a topical treatment that is used to address hair loss. There are three different formulations: solution, foam, and spray. With each of them, regular application (twice-daily) and continued use are necessary for the best results. If you do not apply it appropriately or discontinue use at any point, progress will be lost and the hair loss will begin again. Man Looking at hair

It is a common misconception that minoxidil can only be applied to the crown (back top part of the scalp). That is not true, as a number of our patients have used it on other areas of the scalp with great success (there have even been some men who have applied it to their beards). Some patients can see results as soon as 3-4 months after starting it, with full results being seen anywhere from 6 months to a year.

Again, regular twice-daily application of minoxidil is crucial to the progress and results. This is why now is the best time to start the treatment. Your extra free time will provide you with an ample opportunity to get into the routine of using it.

If you are interested in learning more about minoxidil and if it may be right for you, contact our office today. It is important to note, that if you are experiencing hair loss and do not know the cause, minoxidil may not help.

To the surprise of many, hair loss can be just as much of a concern for women as it is for men. Jennifer Lopez recently proved that point with a shocking revelation that she uses a hair loss treatment called minoxidil. In a post on her Instagram page, she wrote, “When I was coming up, I didn’t know how to take proper care of my hair when I first started working in television and film — I had to learn about minoxidil from my hairstylist! And I’ve been using it ever since.”

Instagram Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez applying minoxidil to her scalp.

Minoxidil is a vasodilator that is commonly used topically to treat thinning hair and hair loss. First introduced in 1979, it was initially used as an oral medication for high blood pressure. Shortly after introduction however, it was noticed that some individuals began growing hair everywhere. Therefore, the manufacturer of minoxidil came up with a topical version of it. In 1988, it was approved by the FDA for treating hair loss in men. Three years after that, it was approved for women. Then in 1996, it became available over the counter.

Although minoxidil is known to be a vasodilator, not all medications that dilate blood vessels can stimulate hair growth. Minoxidil is believed to work in part by partially enlarging miniaturized hair follicles and reversing the miniaturization process. This can prolong the growth phase of the hair cycle, allowing the hair to become thicker and longer.

Side effects associated with minoxidil are minimal. The most common is an itchy, irritation of the scalp. This side effect is not too prevalent however and will cease upon discontinuation. Well-controlled clinical studies have not been conducted in pregnant or nursing women. Therefore, it should not be used while pregnant or breastfeeding. Patients with heart disease should consult with our office before using minoxidil.

Best used in the early stages of hair loss, minoxidil is massaged into the scalp twice a day (morning and evening – spacing each application about 12 hours apart). A much easier to use “spray” form is available at our office.