minoxidil-faq

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minoxidil-faq [2017/11/15 01:50]
Cemmos 		minoxidil-faq [2019/08/08 11:13]
sbeckwith668
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 <WRAP center important> <WRAP center important>
-This FAQ is currently a work-in-progress. Please check back soon for updates. For now, see [[http://tmbsfaq.webs.com/|the current minox FAQ]] while we improve and update things.+Are you fluent in a language other than English? Help us translate! Join BeardWiki.com and send an email to contact@beardwiki.com and we'll get you set up as an editor.
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
  
-~~HIDEPAGE~~ 
 ====== Minoxidil Beard FAQ ====== ====== Minoxidil Beard FAQ ======
 //Proudly brought to you by the same people that created the original Minox FAQ document, located in a closed Facebook group called [[https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheMinoxBeardSpot/|The Minox Beard Spot]]. //Proudly brought to you by the same people that created the original Minox FAQ document, located in a closed Facebook group called [[https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheMinoxBeardSpot/|The Minox Beard Spot]].
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 If, however, you apply the product to the face, which has better blood circulation and absorption than the scalp, the likelihood increases that minoxidil will find its way into your bloodstream. We also call this systemic, despite the product being topical. The risk of side effect //may// increase, including body hair in places other than your face. If, however, you apply the product to the face, which has better blood circulation and absorption than the scalp, the likelihood increases that minoxidil will find its way into your bloodstream. We also call this systemic, despite the product being topical. The risk of side effect //may// increase, including body hair in places other than your face.
  
-**Summary:** No, because it has never been tested there and approved by the FDA. It has, however, been tested in Thailand((https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02275832)).+**Summary:** No, because it has never been tested there and approved by the FDA. It has, however, been tested in Thailand((https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02275832))((https://www.docdroid.net/PoZ5Iha/jde13312.pdf)).
  
 ===== How Does Minoxidil Promote Body Hair When You Apply it to Your Face? ===== ===== How Does Minoxidil Promote Body Hair When You Apply it to Your Face? =====
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 The listed side effects of topical minoxidil can be [[https://www.drugs.com/sfx/minoxidil-topical-side-effects.html|found here]]. Take note of oral side effects as well, and disregard those. You will not and do not want to take minoxidil orally during this process. The listed side effects of topical minoxidil can be [[https://www.drugs.com/sfx/minoxidil-topical-side-effects.html|found here]]. Take note of oral side effects as well, and disregard those. You will not and do not want to take minoxidil orally during this process.
 +
 +**Does minoxidil affect libido/sex drive?** No.
  
 **Summary:** Yes, minoxidil can cause some side effects. But so can Tylenol. **Summary:** Yes, minoxidil can cause some side effects. But so can Tylenol.
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 **Liquid**: there is a fill line on the dropper that comes with your supply. If you have a spray bottle, it may be 6 sprays. Read your packaging for directions. **Liquid**: there is a fill line on the dropper that comes with your supply. If you have a spray bottle, it may be 6 sprays. Read your packaging for directions.
  
-**Foam**: for most brands of foam, it is half a cap. Foligain is an exception, which is a single pump.+**Foam**: for most brands of foam, it is half a cap. Foligain and Qgain are exceptions, which is a single pump.
  
 If you are growing out a beard, more may be needed as it clings to the hair. This means you will potentially use up your supply faster. Wash or rinse your face prior to applying to ensure it and the and pores are clean, and apply the minoxidil either with your finger or dropper. If you are growing out a beard, more may be needed as it clings to the hair. This means you will potentially use up your supply faster. Wash or rinse your face prior to applying to ensure it and the and pores are clean, and apply the minoxidil either with your finger or dropper.
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 ===== How Long Should I Leave Minoxidil On? ===== ===== How Long Should I Leave Minoxidil On? =====
-Whether foam or liquid, it should stay on for 4 hours. <wrap hi>Tests have shown 50% is absorbed in the first hour, and 75% by hour four.</wrap>+Whether foam or liquid, it should stay on for //at least// 4 hours. <wrap hi>Tests have shown 50% is absorbed in the first hour, and 75% by hour four.</wrap>
  
-You should try to keep it on a //minimum// of an hour, or the application will be wasted. Bear in mind that this study was conducted on the scalp, which is less absorbent than the face. However, it is the most accurate information we have, so it should be treated as the standard amount of time.+Bear in mind that this study was conducted on the scalp, which is less absorbent than the face. However, it is the most accurate information we have, so it should be treated as the standard amount of time.
  
 **Study:** [[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2395092]] **Study:** [[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2395092]]
  
-**Summary:** Four hours. Then rinse or wash if you'd like and apply a moisturizer if need be. <wrap hi>You can leave it on for longer than four hours.</wrap>+**Summary:** <wrap hi>Four hours is the recommended //MINIMUM//.</wrap> Ideally, you should try to leave it on for 8-12 hours. But if you must rinse it off to moisturize then try to keep it on for at least 4 hours.
  
 ===== How Long Should the Minoxidil Journey Be? ===== ===== How Long Should the Minoxidil Journey Be? =====
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 ===== I See Thin White Hairs — What Are Those? ===== ===== I See Thin White Hairs — What Are Those? =====
-It is [[:vellus hair]]. Vellus hair is short, fine and soft hair that grows over most parts of the body, usually less than 2mm in length. Fully developed ([[:terminal hair|terminal]]) hair is generally longer, coarser, thicker, and darker. For more information about hair development, see [[:hair follicle]].+It is [[:vellus hair]]. Vellus hair is short, fine and soft hair that grows over most parts of the body, usually less than 2mm in length. Fully developed ([[:terminal hair|terminal]]) hair is generally longer, coarser, thicker, and darker. For more information about hair development, see [[:follicle|hair follicle]].
  
 ===== When Does Vellus Hair Become Dark, Terminal Hair? ===== ===== When Does Vellus Hair Become Dark, Terminal Hair? =====
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 ===== My Hair is Shedding! What Do I Do? ===== ===== My Hair is Shedding! What Do I Do? =====
-This is normal. The new hair is pushing out the old. Even if it occurs on your head, it will pass. This is part of the process and //must// happen. For more information, see [[:shedding]].+This is normal. The new hair is pushing out the old. Even if it occurs on your head, it will pass. This is part of the process and //must// happen. For more information, see [[:follicle#shedding|shedding]].
  
 {{ youtube>l3f3G-1ckGs?small}} {{ youtube>l3f3G-1ckGs?small}}
  
-===== Which Brand of Minoxidil Should I Use? ===== +===== Which Brand of Minoxidil is Best? ===== 
-{{youtube>WWLlM0XXrR0?small }} Many use Kirkland Signature as it is the cheapest, but any brand containing 5% minoxidil is fine. More than 5% may be a health issue, and less seems to yield less results. There is some efficacy to 10% being useful for those that are not responding well to minoxidil, but it needs to be a mixture without [[:dht#known-dht-blockers|DHT blockers]].+{{youtube>WWLlM0XXrR0?small }} There is no "best" brand. Most brands are exactly the same product, just packaged and sold by different companies. They almost all contain the exact same ingredients. As long as it contains 5% Minoxidil and does not contain any DHT inhibitors it's fine. More than 5% may be a health issue, and less seems to yield less results. There is some efficacy to 10% being useful for those that are not responding well to minoxidil, but it needs to be a mixture without [[:dht#known-dht-blockers|DHT blockers]].
  
 [[:minoxidil-faq#brands-of-minoxidil-from-around-the-world|Click here to jump down to a full list of minoxidil brands.]] [[:minoxidil-faq#brands-of-minoxidil-from-around-the-world|Click here to jump down to a full list of minoxidil brands.]]
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 ===== How Should I Stop Taking Minoxidil? ===== ===== How Should I Stop Taking Minoxidil? =====
-It is recommended that after the hair is terminal, which can take anywhere from six months to two years, you begin to taper off. It's not necessarily, and plenty of people just stop suddenly with no loss of gains, but it doesn't hurt. In a way, people tend to start tapering off without realizing it, as we get less motivated the closer we are to our end point.+It is recommended that after the hair is terminal, which can take anywhere from six months to two years, you begin to taper off. It's not necessary, and plenty of people just stop suddenly with no loss of gains, but it doesn't hurt. In a way, people tend to start tapering off without realizing it, as we get less motivated the closer we are to our end point.
  
 There's no standard way of tapering, simply do as you wish and start applying less weekly once you know you're ready to end the journey. There's no standard way of tapering, simply do as you wish and start applying less weekly once you know you're ready to end the journey.
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 A common side effect of minoxidil, especially the liquid minoxidil, is dry, flaky skin. If this happens to you, be sure to moisturize after you've rinsed or washed the minoxidil out, as stated in [[:minoxidil-faq#my-face-is-itchingdrying-out-what-can-i-do|a section above]]. A common side effect of minoxidil, especially the liquid minoxidil, is dry, flaky skin. If this happens to you, be sure to moisturize after you've rinsed or washed the minoxidil out, as stated in [[:minoxidil-faq#my-face-is-itchingdrying-out-what-can-i-do|a section above]].
  
-Once you wash off the minoxidil (foam or liquid) after 4 hours from applying it, many members apply a moisturizer to their skin to help create optimal conditions for new hair growth.+Once you wash off the minoxidil (foam or liquid) after //at least// 4 hours from applying it, many members apply a moisturizer to their skin to help create optimal conditions for new hair growth.
  
 ==== How Often Should You Apply Moisturizers? ==== ==== How Often Should You Apply Moisturizers? ====
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 === How often can I use the dermaroller? === === How often can I use the dermaroller? ===
-  * 0.2 or 0.25 mm long needles can be used every second day on the same skin area. ⠀+  * 0.2 or 0.25 mm long needles can be used every second day on the same skin area.*(not sufficient for beard growth)
   * <wrap hi>0.5 mm long needles can be used once or twice per week on the same skin area</wrap>. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀    * <wrap hi>0.5 mm long needles can be used once or twice per week on the same skin area</wrap>. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 
   * 1 mm can be used every two - four weeks on the same skin area.   * 1 mm can be used every two - four weeks on the same skin area.
 +
 +<wrap hi>Highlighted = recommended size</wrap>
 +<wrap lo>Derma rollers with a shorter length than 0.5mm will not be large enough to produce collagen*</wrap>
  
 === Do I have to shave or trim before using the dermaroller? === === Do I have to shave or trim before using the dermaroller? ===
 Shaving or trimming low is recommended because the needles need to be able to puncture the skin for dermarolling to work. If you have long growth and roll over it, you will only be damaging and pulling hair. Trimming is safer and carries less risk of causing irritation to the skin and hair follicles as opposed to shaving. Shaving or trimming low is recommended because the needles need to be able to puncture the skin for dermarolling to work. If you have long growth and roll over it, you will only be damaging and pulling hair. Trimming is safer and carries less risk of causing irritation to the skin and hair follicles as opposed to shaving.
 +
 +=== What to Do Before/After Using the dermaroller? ===
 +Before:
 +Before using a dermaroller, you must cleanse your face with soap and water (preferably something with antibacterial qualities). This is very important since there is loads of bacteria that are present on your face that could cause a multitude of infections if it gets into your skin.
 + 
 +After:
 +Because dermarolling creates hundreds of tiny micro cuts (to stimulate collagen production), it means that you're exposing your skin to outside germs and bacteria. Think of your face as one giant cut that needs to be protected against infection. That's why it's recommended to use an antibacterial ointment after you dermaroll to prevent this from happening.
  
 === How do I disinfect/clean my dermaroller? === === How do I disinfect/clean my dermaroller? ===
-Run it under hot water to get any dead skin/other materials off, then leave in an alcohol bath for about a minute. Let it completely dry before using. You can use any antiseptic; isopropyl alcohol is the cheapest and will get the job done.+Run it under hot water to get any dead skin/other materials off, then leave in an alcohol bath for about 5 minutes. Let it completely dry before using. You can use any antiseptic; isopropyl alcohol is the cheapest and will get the job done.
  
 === Derma rolling to increase minoxidil absorption? === === Derma rolling to increase minoxidil absorption? ===
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 {{ youtube>Kjegc9qlitI?small }} {{ youtube>Kjegc9qlitI?small }}
 +
 +==== L-Carnitine L-Tartrate (LCLT) ====
 +=== What is LCLT and what does it do? ===
 +L-Carnitine is an amino acid that is commonly found in the human body as it is able to synthesize it. The body utilizes L-Carnitine to break up long fatty acids for example. Uses of L-Carnitine as a supplement are highly debated, although some claim it to be a performance enhancer or supportive when trying to lose weight. 
 +
 +In the human body, there are two different versions of L-Carnitine to be found: L-Carnitine L-Tartrate and Acetyl-L-Carnitine. 
 +
 +<wrap hi>It is important to choose L-Carnitine (L-)Tartrate and NOT Acetyl-L-Carnitine, as it is the only version proven to have effect on hair growth in the studies discussed below. L-Carnitine L-Tartrate and L-Carnitine Tartrate (without the second L) are the same thing.</wrap>
 +
 +=== How can it help with your beard? ===
 +{{youtube>onUaJyTNiCE?small}} In 2007, two studies concluded by Foitzik et al. proved LCLT to have beneficial effects on hair growth. One investigated the benefits for hair growth //in vivo// ([[http://www.jdsjournal.com/article/S0923-1811(07)00248-4/abstract]]), the other //in vitro// ([[https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1600-0625.2007.00611.x]]). Both came to the conclusion that LCLT can have positive effects on scalp hair growth.
 +
 +So far, anecdotal evidence from TMBS suggests that similar effects can be achieved when applied to the face. It is notable that some members noticed that the usage of LCLT not just promoted new vellus hair growth but also sped up the maturation process of the beard to some extent.
 +
 +=== Which LCLT products can I use? ===
 +It is important to choose a product that contains 100% pure L-Carnitine L-Tartrate. This is usually the case with LCLT powder. Capsules (**and some powder brands!**) mostly contain extra ingredients like silicon dioxide or magnesium salts which are supposed to prevent the binding of LCLT to other substances. Since this is exactly what we're trying to achieve, it's best to avoid products that contain other ingredients than LCLT itself, even though they //might// work just as fine it'd be best to stay safe and choose pure LCLT.
 +
 +== Additives in LCLT products ==
 +There are three main additives that are usually found on most LCLT capsules' ingredient list:
 +
 +  - Magnesium stearate
 +  - Silicon dioxide
 +  - Titanium dioxide
 +
 +The last one, titanium dioxide, is generally unproblematic. It is used as a coloring additive to make the capsule itself look "whiter" and is ONLY used for the capsule itself, not for the powder inside of it. Although titanium dioxide is pretty unhealthy, you're not supposed to throw the capsule itself into the Minox bottle anyways. Just its contents.
 +
 +The other two, magnesium stearate and silicon dioxide, are so-called release agents. They are added to prevent the powder from bonding to other surfaces or substances like water. They will prevent the powder from drawing humidity or clotting to a certain degree. They both may significantly reduce the LCLT's ability to actually bind to other substances (after all, that's what they're made for). This INCLUDES Minoxidil solution AND Nivea Soft, so it would be best to avoid LCLT products that contain either magnesium stearate or silicon dioxide. 
 +
 +Using products that contain either of those might work, but it's heavily discouraged and we've had cases where Minox suddenly turned into a jelly-like consistency because LCLT with magnesium stearate was used.
 +
 +**Summary**: Titanium dioxide is okay, <wrap hi>magnesium stearate and silicon dioxide are best to avoid</wrap>.
 +
 +=== How do I use LCLT for beard growth? ===
 +So far, there are two different application forms that are known to the group. One is to mix it with Minoxidil Liquid, the other is to mix it with Nivea Soft cream. With both, you should take pure LCLT powder and take about 2% of your carrier substance's weight to mix it in. Keep in mind that LCLT has a pretty strong, fishy smell. You can put some PEO into your Minox or Nivea to fix this.
 +
 +<wrap hi>After mixing LCLT into Minox or Nivea, you can use either as you would normally. Minox twice a day, Nivea as needed, although it is recommended to use Nivea with LCLT at least once a day if you're not using Minox + LCLT.</wrap>
 +
 +== Using LCLT with Minoxidil liquid ==
 +{{youtube>4IEoWzak1KQ?small}}
 +
 +Just pour the powder into the liquid bottle and give it a good shake until the powder has completely solved in the liquid and you're good to go. 
 +
 +Mixing Minoxidil with LCLT is only possible with the liquid form as you can't access the contents of foam containers without breaking them.
 +
 +== Using LCLT with Nivea Soft ==
 +Using LCLT with Nivea Soft is a little more complicated but has some presumable benefits to it. For one, you can apply Nivea after Derma Rolling, and for all we know, it's very well probable that LCLT, contrary to Minoxidil, benefits from an increased absorption rate due to derma rolling.
 +
 +The mixing process itself isn't as straightforward as it is with Minoxidil: When you put the LCLT powder into the Nivea Cream, it will mostly liquify and have more of a lotion like consistency. To fix this, use an electric hand mixer to mix the whole solution. During this process, it will gain some volume so that part of it won't fit into the original container anymore but it will gain a foam-like consistency which is much more convenient to apply.
  
  
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 === France === === France ===
-  * Foligan P5 5% - €28.3 - Biovea+  * Foligain P5 5% - €28.3 - Biovea
  
 === Germany === === Germany ===
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