How Rogaine works.
Rogaine works by revitalizing shrunken hair follicles, thus increasing
their size. When you use Rogaine every day, your follicles may increase
in size, and the growing phase may become longer. This may then produce
longer, thicker hairs.
Rogaine is a clear alcohol-based solution and should be applied to a person’s
thinning area with its supplied dropper or spray twice a day.
The solution is approved and available in two strengths -- Regular (2%)
and Extra Strength (5%). Individual users of regular strength Rogaine have
claimed success rates of 30-40%. Meanwhile, users of Extra Strength Rogaine
have claimed success rates of 50-60%. Currently, the average price for a
2oz. bottle of Rogaine is about $20-30 per month. Minoxidil is also available
as a generic and can be purchased over the counter without prescription.
It’s important to note that Rogaine (minoxidil) does not cure baldness
and scientists have been unable to determine just how it works. What is
known is that Rogaine increases the blood flow to the areas of the scalp
that surround these balding areas. Currently some researchers believe that
Rogaine (minoxidil) works by opening the follicle’s potassium channels
located in the cells. It’s theorized that these channels, when opened,
may regulate hair growth.
Rogaine can’t grow hair on completely bald scalps or in the frontal
hairline areas. It has been found to be somewhat effective in maintaining
or growing hair in the crown area (the top back of the head). However, Rogaine
is only effective at delaying hair loss. It is also more effective in women
than in men. And again, the reasons for this are not understood.