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Is minoxidil safe for hair growth?
Generally speaking, minoxidil is safe for all hair types, including natural hair, although those with color-treated hair may experience more irritation. In a small study, minoxidil was shown to be less effective on certain types of hair loss, such as forms of scarring alopecia that are more common among Black women.
Does minoxidil have bad side effects?
Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: unwanted facial/body hair, dizziness, fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting, chest pain, swelling of hands/feet, unusual weight gain, tiredness, difficulty breathing especially when lying down.
Can I use minoxidil everyday?
There’s no need to use minoxidil more than twice a day. Applying minoxidil more often than this will not improve your results, although it may increase your risk of experiencing skin irritation or other side effects. Stick to the recommended dosage and apply minoxidil two times per day.
Why is minoxidil bad?
As a vasodilator, minoxidil causes an increase in blood supply, which can also increase your heart rate. Healthcare providers may advise people with pre-existing heart conditions against using products containing minoxidil because it can increase heart rate and cause chest pains, signaling heart failure.
Does minoxidil have side effects?
Minoxidil is generally well tolerated, but common side effects include burning or irritation of the eye, itching, redness or irritation at the treated area, and unwanted hair growth elsewhere on the body. Exacerbation of hair loss/alopecia has been reported.
Why does minoxidil cause weight gain?
Weight Gain — People taking minoxidil can rapidly gain up to 10 pounds of weight. This normally happens because of an increase in water retention, but some of the extra weight may be due to increased fat as well.
How does minoxidil work to regrow hair?
Minoxidil appears to work by widening the hair follicle, causing a thicker strand of hair, and by prolonging the anagen stage of hair growth which results in longer and a higher number of hair strands. The exact physiological basis for these effects remains unknown, but it has been shown to be safe and effective when used properly.