Lotions containing Minoxidil have been demonstrated scientifically to slow down hair loss, to strengthen existing hair and rarely to grow new hair. The “new hair” Minoxidil grows, is usually only light fuzz on the crown of the head. Within six to twelve months of stopping the use of Minoxidil, any benefits gained during the course of treatment will be lost and it will be as if Minoxidil were never used.
However, many hair transplant doctors believe that Minoxidil, when used post operatively after hair transplantation, speeds up the onset of transplanted hair re-growth.
Dr. McKenzie recognizes and applauds the use of such companion products. However, if you were to use Minoxidil by itself, a person should bear in mind that statistically, 90% of Minoxidil users discontinue self-treatment after less than one year, still remaining bald. It again comes down to the issue of personal resolve.
Dr. Ronald Trancik, Ph.D., Senior Director of Clinical Research at Pharmacia & Upjohn, presented data from several 5% Minoxidil Topical Solution studies at the A.A.D. (American Association of Dermatology) Convention in March, 1998. Minoxidil concentrations in the blood were shown to peak at 4-8 hours for Minoxidil 2%, and at 4-12 hours for Minoxidil 5%. In a 120 week study of 5% Minoxidil, continued growth was shown at the end of the study. In two other studies using hair count and photographic assessment, the following results were shown:
Moderate/Dense Results | Minimal | No Change | Loss Of Hair | Unable To Determine | |
5% Minoxidil | 30% | 24% | 29% | 6% | 11% |
2% Minoxidil | 15% | 23% | 47% | 1% | 13% |
Placebo | 7% | 22% | 61% | N/A | N/A |
Although the exact area on the scalp on which this study was done was not indicated, these are probably the results on the crown area (where Minoxidil has the best effect) and not on the front.
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