what does minoxidil do

Minoxidil is a medication used to stimulate hair growth and slow balding. It is most effective for people under 40 years of age whose hair loss is recent. Minoxidil belongs to a class of drugs known as vasodilators, and it is not known exactly how it causes hair growth. Minoxidil solution and foam are used to help hair growth in the treatment of male pattern baldness, but it is not used for baldness at the front of the scalp or receding hairline in men. The foam and 2 percent minoxidil solution are also used to help hair growth in women with thinning hair. Minoxidil helps to promote hair regrowth in four ways: it reverses the miniaturization of follicles, increases blood flow around follicles, stimulates follicle movement to growth phase, and extends each follicle growth phase. It is important to note that minoxidil does not cure baldness, and most new hair is lost within a few months after the drug is stopped. Minoxidil is available over-the-counter, and it usually takes at least four months, and possibly up to one year, of consistent use before any effect is seen. The risks of taking minoxidil must be weighed against the good it will do, and it is important to follow the directions on the package or prescription label carefully.