Understanding Hair Loss

Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), commonly known as pattern hair loss, is a genetic and progressive scalp hair loss condition that affects both men and women. In men, it typically manifests as hair thinning in the temporal areas, forming an ‘M’ shape that progresses to the crown, while women often experience more diffuse thinning in the crown area.
Although AGA is generally associated with androgens, its exact causes in women are not well understood, with androgens playing a minor role for most. Family history can also be a factor. The condition’s prevalence varies by gender and race and tends to increase with age.²

Symptoms of Hair Loss

Receding hairline
or developing an
M-shaped hairline ²

Widening of the
centre-part, and loss
on the front or top
of the head ²

Hair Growth Cycle

Hair growth is a complex process influenced by various factors.
To understand it better, let’s explore the four crucial stages each
hair goes through: anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen.³

Anagen

Catagen

Telogen

Exogen

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New hair cells continue to grow in the hair
bulb and the hair continues to grow longer.
This growth phase is also called the anagen phase.⁴

Anagen

Catagen

Telogen

Exogen

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At the end of the growth phase, a transitional phase
called the catagen phase starts. In this phase – the root.
separates from the papilla (bottom of the hair bulb).⁴

Anagen

Catagen

Telogen

Exogen

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When the hair has separated from the papilla,the
supply of blood is cut off in the final resting phase.
This phase is also called the telogen phase.⁴

Anagen

Catagen

Telogen

Exogen

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THE HAIR SHEDDING PHASE²

The hair is gradually pushed out of the skin and eventually falls out in the hair
shedding phase. New hair cells then start to multiply at the base of the empty.
hair- follicle to form new hair and the hair growth cycle starts all over again.⁴

About Minoxidil

Topical minoxidil is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication for treating male and female pattern hair loss (also known as AGA or common baldness). Minoxidil is a prodrug that is converted into its active form, minoxidil sulfate, by the sulfotransferase enzyme expressed in the outer root sheath of hair follicles.

While some studies showed application of the 5% minoxidil solution led to better results than the 2% minoxidil solution, irritation of the skin was also found to be more common in patients treated with the 5% minoxidil solution, presumably due to its higher propylene glycol content.

The response of patients to minoxidil may vary widely, and some patients have better results than others. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see whether minoxidil is right for you.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.^5,6

It has been suggested that topical minoxidil may promote hair growth by improving blood flow to hair follicles, activating biological pathways linked to hair growth cycle, and reducing inflammation linked to hair loss. Therefore, topical minoxidil may provide benefits to patients with AGA or common baldness.¹

Application of
Minoxidil Extra Strength

Minoxidil is a topical medication that you apply directly to the bald area of your scalp. It’s designed for use two times a day. Most people who use minoxidil apply it once in the morning and once in the evening, typically a few hours before going to bed.

The good news is that the entire process only takes a few minutes, making it easy to work into your morning and evening routines. Follow these steps for effective hair re-growth.