What is Minoxidil and how it's used to treat hair loss?

Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a vasodilator; It can treat high blood pressure in its oral form, meaning it widens the blood vessels to let more blood flow. It can treat certain baldness types when applied topically since it can flow blood to the hair follicles, leading to more hair growth. This topical over-the-counter (OTC) medication can improve hair loss in some people but might not work for everyone.

Minoxidil solution and foam help hair growth in treating male pattern baldness. It is not used for baldness at the front of the scalp or receding hairline in men. It is 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 does not affect receding hairlines. It does not cure baldness; most new hair is lost within a few months after the drug is stopped.