If you’re one of the millions suffering from hair loss, Rogaine can seem like a perfect, easy solution; a topical treatment that regrows hair and, at first glance, is more affordable than, say, hair transplant surgery? It’s no wonder Rogaine has boomed in popularity.
However, in the quick haste to stop hair loss, many users have paid no attention to the fine print, like usage, side effects, results, and maintenance. If you’re interested in hair restoration and are thinking about giving Rogaine a try, this blog is for you.
We’ll cover all the need-to-know side effects you may experience, as well as usage and maintenance, so you can better determine if this is the best hair restoration route for you.
What is Rogaine?
Rogaine is the brand name for a topical, over-the-counter hair regrowth solution. Its active ingredient is minoxidil, which is used both as a hair regrowth agent and as a medication to treat high blood pressure. The precise way minoxidil works for hair growth is unknown, but it’s believed the way it relaxes blood vessels so that blood can more easily flow through them is a major part of it.
Minoxidil comes as an oral tablet when being used to treat high blood pressure, but when it comes to hair regrowth in the form of Rogaine, it’s either a liquid or a foam that is applied directly to the area that’s affected by hair loss. Rogaine is approved for both men and women; part of its popularity.
Potential Rogaine side effects
It’s important to note that while Rogaine is approved for use by both men and women, that doesn’t mean it will be effective for every user. Minoxidil treatment may not be the best solution for inherited pattern hair loss, and it’s not the best option available for those with hair loss at the hairline. It’s more effective at the top of the head and only for small bald spots.
If you’re looking to treat a small bald spot at the top of your head and choose to try Rogaine, here are some side effects you may experience:
- Scalp irritation, redness, sensitivity, flakiness
- Burning sensation at the application site
- Dizziness
- Chest pain/difficulty breathing
- Changes in hair color and/or texture
- Fainting
- Increased heart rate
- Swelling in hands and/or feet
- Tiredness
- Unusual weight gain
- Unwanted body/facial hair
As you can see, some side effects are more serious than others. If you have pre-existing medical conditions or don’t know the cause of your hair loss, it’s best to consult with a physician before beginning a Rogaine regime.
How often do you need to use Rogaine?
Touted as an easy way to restore hair, it’s quite the opposite. For full effectiveness, it’s recommended that Rogaine be used twice a day on scalp and hair that’s completely dry.
But it’s also recommended that you wash your hair every day to help prevent or mitigate some of the burning, itching, flaking scalp side effects that could occur. That makes getting the timing right tricky since you’ll need to use Rogaine twice a day on dry hair, but you’ll also need to wash your hair every day so that the product isn’t sitting long enough to irritate.
You’ll also need to be extremely careful if you live in a particularly rainy area, as the scalp and hair shouldn’t get wet directly after the Rogaine application.
Rogaine results and maintenance
So, are there lasting results that make using Rogaine worth it, especially considering some of the more risky side effects? We’ll let you decide!
Just know that experts say you’ll need to diligently use Rogaine for months before results will start to be visible. To keep those results, you’ll need to use Rogaine forever. That’s right; once you stop, you can expect your hair loss to come right back. What once looked like an affordable option will quickly become quite pricey, as you’ll need to continue using it.
Is there a better hair restoration alternative?
Absolutely! You can save money in the long run and get guaranteed results by opting for a hair transplant, like the ones offered here at the Advanced Medical Hair Institute by renowned Doctor Joseph Williams.
He and his team will assess your hair loss to determine the cause of the issue so that all appropriate hair transplant surgery or non-invasive laser options can be provided to you. The team will also go over any common issues that may be associated with recommended procedures, giving the full scope of what to expect – we pride ourselves on our transparency!
Instead of waiting months for hair that may or may not regrow and certainly won’t last once you stop using a product, you can book a consultation today and get on the road to hair restoration that lasts a lifetime.
Our Las Vegas hair restoration and hair transplant facility even has a Reno, Nevada location, and our virtual consultations mean you can get in touch from anywhere. Instead of risking side effects and disappointment, go with guaranteed results – contact the Advanced Medical Hair Institute today!
