I have used minoxidil before and it did not work?Updated 9 months ago
What to Do If Minoxidil Did Not Work for You
If you’ve used minoxidil in the past and found that it did not work for you, there are several reasons this might be the case, as well as multiple alternative strategies and treatments you can consider. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding why minoxidil might not have worked and what you can do next:
Possible Reasons Minoxidil Didn’t Work
Insufficient Time:
Minoxidil typically takes 3-6 months of consistent use to show noticeable results. If you did not use it consistently for at least this duration, you might not have given it enough time to work.
Inconsistent Use:
Regular Application: Skipping doses or not applying the medication as prescribed can significantly reduce its effectiveness. Minoxidil needs to be applied twice daily to maintain its efficacy.
Advanced Hair Loss:
Stage of Hair Loss: Minoxidil is more effective in the early stages of hair loss. It may not be as effective if the hair follicles have already miniaturised significantly or if there is extensive baldness.
Individual Variation:
Genetic and Biological Differences: People respond differently to medications due to genetic and biological factors. Minoxidil may not be effective for everyone.
Minoxidil Does Not Block DHT:
DHT and Hair Loss: Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone that binds to hair follicles, causing them to miniaturise and eventually stop producing hair. DHT is a primary factor in androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern and female-pattern baldness).
Limitation: Minoxidil does not address the underlying cause of androgenetic alopecia, which is the presence of DHT. Therefore, while it can stimulate hair growth, it cannot prevent DHT from affecting the hair follicles.
Combining Minoxidil with a DHT Blocker
To enhance the effectiveness of minoxidil, it can be beneficial to combine it with a DHT blocker. Here’s how this combination works:
Topical DHT Blocker (finasteride/ Dutasteride):
Mechanism of Action: Topical dht blockers inhibits the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which converts testosterone to DHT, thereby reducing DHT levels in the scalp.
Benefits: By reducing DHT levels dht blockers can prevent the miniaturisation of hair follicles and work synergistically with minoxidil to promote hair regrowth and prevent further hair loss.
Dense Bespoke Treatment Spray:
Customised Formulation: Dense offers a bespoke treatment spray that can include both minoxidil and topical dht blockers. This personalised approach ensures optimal effectiveness for your specific hair type and condition.
Enhanced Results: The combination of minoxidil and a DHT blocker like topical finasteride can provide a more comprehensive treatment, addressing both the stimulation of hair growth and the reduction of DHT levels.
Additional Strategies to Enhance Effectiveness
Microneedling:
How It Works: Microneedling creates micro-injuries in the scalp, stimulating the body's natural healing process and enhancing the absorption of topical treatments.
Combination Therapy: Using Dense’s bespoke topical sprays with the Dense Derma Roller can optimise the efficacy of both minoxidil and topical finasteride.
Lifestyle and Dietary Changes:
Nutrition: Ensure you have a diet rich in hair-healthy nutrients like vitamins A, C, D, E, zinc, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. Dense's Daily Densify vitamins can help supplement your diet with essential nutrients.
Stress Management: High stress can contribute to hair loss, so managing stress through activities like yoga, meditation, and exercise can be beneficial.
Conclusion
While minoxidil is effective in stimulating hair growth, it does not address the root cause of androgenetic alopecia, which is DHT. Combining minoxidil with a DHT blocker, such as topical finasteride, can provide a more comprehensive approach to treating hair loss. Dense’s bespoke treatment sprays offer a personalised solution, combining the benefits of minoxidil with DHT blockers to optimise hair growth and scalp health. If you have any further questions or need personalised advice, feel free to ask!