Is Minoxidil Safe

Minoxidil is a medication that was initially used to treat high blood pressure, but today, many use it to treat hair loss.

Topical minoxidil is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for the treatment of male pattern baldness.[2] According to research, it can be up to 60% effective in preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth.[3]

Further research is needed to understand how exactly minoxidil stimulates hair growth, but it’s said to help reverse the hair loss process by increasing the size of the hair follicles, improving blood flow around the follicles, encouraging follicle movement into the growth phase, and prolonging the growth phase of the hair follicles.[2]

Minoxidil may interact with other medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements you're taking. An interaction occurs when one substance alters how another works. This can be harmful or stop the medicine from working properly. To help avoid interactions, your GP should carefully manage all your medications.

Make sure you tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements you're taking. To find out how Minoxidil might interact with any medication you're taking, have a chat with a Mosh health practitioner.

When considering topical minoxidil as a hair regrowth treatment, it’s crucial to be fully aware of the potential side effects. You may experience scalp itching, dryness, flaking, irritation, or burning. Let your doctor know if you experience any of these symptoms while using any minoxidil treatment. 
More severe side effects include weight gain, swelling of the face, difficulty breathing while lying down, rapid heart rate, chest pain, and lightheadedness.[3] You must contact your doctor immediately if any of these symptoms occur. But the truth is that the general answer to the question ‘Is minoxidil safe?’ is ‘Yes!’, provided that you consult with a registered doctor beforehand.

As someone who’s been keen on learning more about their loss of hair, you’d be pleased to know that there are heaps of safe minoxidil options available. This type of topical solution is typically intended for daily use,[3] with some of the best nourishment coming from a regular dosage routine.

There are only a few medically approved drugs for hair loss in Australia, one of them being a topical solution of minoxidil.[6] What’s more, research has shown that it safely helps with male pattern baldness[5] and other forms of hair loss – giving confidence back to those who are affected by all kinds of hair loss.

Now that you know more about questions like ‘How safe is minoxidil?’ or ‘Is minoxidil foam safe?’ and even ‘Is minoxidil safe to use on scalp?’, you must now take into account what formulas would work well for your body.

Talk to a Mosh doctor to know what’s best for your unique scenario. You can even ask our Mosh doctors about complementary hair loss products such as a hair growth spray, hair growth vitamins, or more.

Whether you’re looking to use minoxidil for its preventive or regenerative hair loss aspects, it would be better if you could dose continuously and avoid taking breaks. Hair loss will occur again after you stop using the product.[3] 

However, even if you know the answer to both the questions ‘Is minoxidil safe short term?’ and ‘Is minoxidil long term?’ is a ‘Yes!’ there are still a few do’s and don’ts you have to keep in mind. 

• Follow the recommended dosage. Minoxidil is a medication for hair loss and not just another DIY formula. With this, you should only spray as much as indicated by your hair loss doctor, whether you are instructed to use it once or twice a day.
• Do not make up for missed days. More isn’t always better when it comes to hair care. Adding extra doses to compensate for missed ones can potentially cause side effects like scalp irritation.[4] If you miss a day, just proceed with the rest of your doses as scheduled. 
• Apply the topical solution on dry surfaces only. Water may get in the way of epithelial penetration. Ensuring that the affected area is dry will make it so that the minoxidil can adequately be absorbed by the external scalp layer and hair follicles. 
• Refrain from washing your hair after application. Like water, solutions like shampoo may not mix well with minoxidil. To follow the proper procedure, only wash your hair at least four hours after using topical minoxidil.[5] 

Are you looking for more specific instructions and guidance? Not to worry, you can consult with a Mosh doctor through our online telehealth platform. 

The process is easy; all you have to do is answer our short online questionnaire and get the advice you need through whatever medium you’re comfortable with. This way, you can ask questions like ‘Is minoxidil safe for beard hair?’ or ‘Is minoxidil safe for eyelashes?’ and have feedback given through video calls, phone calls, or even text message threads. 

It is suggested only men and women within the age range of eighteen to sixty-five should use topical minoxidil. This is because there is still a lack of studies on how the substance affects those in their developing or elderly stages.

If you do not fit into these age parameters but still want to look for possible steps you can follow, you can go ahead and speak to one of our Mosh doctors. They can provide you with other alternatives like over-the-counter products or natural treatments before you get comfortable with their medical counterparts.

We’ll analyse your unique situation to see what you can do with your hair loss condition. A treatment plan can even be prescribed if needed, and the best part is that these packages can be delivered straight to your door for free and discreetly.

Take advantage of our Australia-wide service today, and allow us at Mosh to help you with all your men’s health concerns.