minoxidil-faq

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minoxidil-faq [2019/08/26 13:02]
sbeckwith668 [How Do I Apply Foam Minoxidil?]
minoxidil-faq [2020/08/19 23:34] (current)
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-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.+Are you fluent in a language other than English? Help us translate! [[https://articles.beardwiki.com/login|Join BeardWiki.com]] and [[https://forum.beardwiki.com/g/wikieditor|send a group request here]] and we'll get you set up as an editor.
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
  
 ====== 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 [[https://www.facebook.com/groups/BeardPub/|Beard Pub]].//
-Group founded and administered by [[https://www.youtube.com/user/basikoe|Basik Ali]].//+
  
 ===== What is Minoxidil? ===== ===== What is Minoxidil? =====
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 {{ :scalp-vertex-hair-regrowth.jpg |}} {{ :scalp-vertex-hair-regrowth.jpg |}}
- 
-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))((https://www.docdroid.net/PoZ5Iha/jde13312.pdf)). **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)).
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 See the previous answer. See the previous answer.
  
-Additionally, when minoxidil enters your system, it can (and likely will) promote hair growth on the whole body. Various members of TMBS have reported new [[:vellus hair]] growth on places such as the:+Additionally, when minoxidil enters your system, it can (and likely will) promote hair growth on the whole body. Various people have reported new [[:vellus hair]] growth on places such as the:
   * forehead   * forehead
   * ears   * ears
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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.+**Does minoxidil affect libido/sex drive?** [[https://articles.beardwiki.com/minox-erectile-dysfunction-lower-libido|No]]. 
 + 
 +For more in-depth reading on side effects and what to do if you encounter them: [[https://articles.beardwiki.com/minoxidil-side-effects|Side Effects of Minoxidil Usage for Beards]]
  
 **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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 Since the human body can only metabolize a certain amount of minoxidil within a 24-hour period, more frequent applications than two per day is unnecessary. Although twice per day is recommended, //it is not obligatory//. Since the human body can only metabolize a certain amount of minoxidil within a 24-hour period, more frequent applications than two per day is unnecessary. Although twice per day is recommended, //it is not obligatory//.
  
-Some TMBS members report increased sensitivity to minoxidil and can only take one application a day. Other members can only take one application per day due to their work schedules. While results can be expected sooner when applying twice daily, many TMBS members are reporting steady results with only one daily application. Many have completed their minoxidil journey with a single application per day.+Some people report increased sensitivity to minoxidil and can only take one application a day. Others can only take one application per day due to their work schedules. While results can be expected sooner when applying twice daily, many people have reported steady results with only one daily application. Many have completed their minoxidil journey with a single application per day.
  
 **Summary:** Twice per day, keeping applications 8-12 hours apart. More than that will not make it work any better, and may cause side effects. **Summary:** Twice per day, keeping applications 8-12 hours apart. More than that will not make it work any better, and may cause side effects.
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 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> 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>
  
-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. However, the scalp has less barrier function((https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/2/4/384/htm)) and theoretically this could mean the face can take //longer// to fully absorb.
  
 **Study:** [[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2395092]] **Study:** [[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2395092]]
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 [[: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.]]
  
 +===== Should I Use 5% Minoxidil or a Higher One Like 10%? =====
 +5% is cheaper and possibly even //better// than higher percentages. If you have been seeing progress with 5%, stick with it and don't chase more. A study has shown that 5% was more effective. So, along with effectiveness, price, and potentially less side effects, it is recommended that you use 5%.
 +
 +For more information about this, read this article on Beard Profile: [[https://www.beardprofile.com/articles/article/42/should-you-use-5-or-10-minoxidil-when-improving-your-beard| Should You Use 5% or 10% Minoxidil When Improving Your Beard?]]
 +
 +As stated in the section above, and the article, some people may have better progress with 10% //if they are resistant to minoxidil//. Being resistant means that you see very little or no progress at all after several months of use. If you are seeing progress, however, you are not resistant and 10% would likely not help any more than 5%.
  
 ===== Liquid or Foam Minoxidil — Which is Better? ===== ===== Liquid or Foam Minoxidil — Which is Better? =====
 Liquid is cheaper and takes about 1 hour to dry once applied. The foam tends to be twice the price (depending on location), but dries in about 15 minutes or less. Either is fine for getting beard gains. Foam will have your skin considerably less dry and itchy, however. Liquid is cheaper and takes about 1 hour to dry once applied. The foam tends to be twice the price (depending on location), but dries in about 15 minutes or less. Either is fine for getting beard gains. Foam will have your skin considerably less dry and itchy, however.
  
-If you ask users, they tend to contradict each other. Liquid is known to be absorbed easier due to its propylene glycol content, but foam has been shown to work just as well. Your mileage may vary.+If you ask users, they tend to contradict each other. Liquid is known to be absorbed easier due to its propylene glycol content, but foam has been shown to work just as well with many people. Your mileage may vary. 
 + 
 +**Important read:** [[https://articles.beardwiki.com/foam-vs-liquid-minoxidil|Foam or Liquid Minoxidil; Which is Better?]]
  
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 <blockquote>Your facial hair will grow like any other guy's so long as you've gotten it to the terminal stage. It should really not be referred to as a "minoxidil beard," as that creates misconceptions. <cite>Cemmos</cite></blockquote> <blockquote>Your facial hair will grow like any other guy's so long as you've gotten it to the terminal stage. It should really not be referred to as a "minoxidil beard," as that creates misconceptions. <cite>Cemmos</cite></blockquote>
  
 +For more information, see: [[https://articles.beardwiki.com/permanent-minox-beard|What Happens After You’re Done Using Minoxidil; Is Your Beard Permanent?]]
 ===== Does Minoxidil Have Drug Interactions with X Prescription? ===== ===== Does Minoxidil Have Drug Interactions with X Prescription? =====
 While it may be okay to use certain medications while on minoxidil, there are certain drugs that may interact negatively with topical minoxidil. While it may be okay to use certain medications while on minoxidil, there are certain drugs that may interact negatively with topical minoxidil.
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 {{youtube>HhAtwFYdxBA?small }} There are other methods of exfoliation that can be more effective and are less risky. Using a boar bristle brush, or even a toothbrush or damp cotton rag, can be an effective method of exfoliation that doesn't run the risk of ingrown hair, and doesn't require you to shave off your beard. {{youtube>HhAtwFYdxBA?small }} There are other methods of exfoliation that can be more effective and are less risky. Using a boar bristle brush, or even a toothbrush or damp cotton rag, can be an effective method of exfoliation that doesn't run the risk of ingrown hair, and doesn't require you to shave off your beard.
  
-Trimming will give you the psychological aspect of still being able to grow your beard without impeding application or absorption to any meaningful degree. Since vellus hair grow slower than terminal, shaving may make you feel that you have regressed (you haven't it just takes longer for vellus to grow back!)+Trimming will give you the psychological aspect of still being able to grow your beard without impeding application or absorption to any meaningful degree. Since vellus hair grow slower than terminal, shaving may make you feel that you have regressed (you haven'tit simply takes longer for vellus hair to grow back).
  
 <blockquote>NOTE: SHAVING WILL NOT "KILL YOUR GAINS" <cite>Adam</cite></blockquote> <blockquote>NOTE: SHAVING WILL NOT "KILL YOUR GAINS" <cite>Adam</cite></blockquote>
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 ==== DHT Blockers ==== ==== DHT Blockers ====
-When choosing a multi-ingredient moisturizer such as beard oil, beard balm, or other moisturizer, you'll find that many products on the market from beard companies contain [[:dht#dht-blocker|DHT blockers]]. DHT is the androgen hormone that is responsible for both the growth and development of facial hair. While these products containing DHT inhibitors will probably not effect vellus gains and may not completely stop your facial hair from developing, it is possible that they could slow your progress.+When choosing a multi-ingredient moisturizer such as beard oil, beard balm, or other moisturizer, you'll find that many products on the market from beard companies contain [[:dht#dht-blocker|DHT blockers]]. DHT is the androgen hormone that is responsible for both the growth and development of facial hair. While these products containing anti-androgens will likely not effect vellus hair count, and may not completely stop your facial hair from developing, it is possible that they could slow your progress. 
  
-=== I Heard DHT Causes Baldness === +Men in beard-related Facebook groups have commonly mentioned that their beards did not progress while they were using finasteride for hair loss. When stopping finasteride, the progress of their facial hair began.
-While it is true that DHT is one of the leading causes of hair loss. This is only true for men who are predisposed to male pattern baldness. Men suffering from MPB are sensitive to even **normal** levels of DHT((http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajpa.1330880106/abstract)). This is why most hair restoration products contain DHT blockers.+
  
-<wrap hi>Increasing your DHT levels will not cause you to go bald unless you are already predisposed to losing your hair from MPB</wrap>. In which case, you're going to lose your hair eventually anyway.+<wrap lo>Here is an article from Beard Profile explaining why you should stay away or be careful with most beard products on the market: [[https://www.beardprofile.com/articles/article/28/psa-stay-away-from-most-beard-oil-products|PSA - Stay Away From Most Beard Oils]].\\ 
 +Don't believe DHT blockers make a difference, or want to learn why they do? Read **[[https://articles.beardwiki.com/hirsutism-dht-blockers-threat-to-beards|What is Hirsutism? A Look at Why DHT Blockers Are a Real Threat to Beards]]**.</wrap>
  
-Here is an article from Beard Profile explaining why you should stay away or be careful with most beard products on the market: [[https://www.beardprofile.com/articles/article/28/psa-stay-away-from-most-beard-oil-products|PSA - Stay Away From Most Beard Oils]]+=== I Heard DHT Causes Baldness === 
 +While it is true that DHT is one of the leading causes of hair loss. This is only true for men who are predisposed to male pattern baldness. Men suffering from MPB are sensitive to even **normal** levels of DHT((http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajpa.1330880106/abstract)). This is why most hair restoration products contain DHT blockers.
  
 +Increasing your DHT levels will not cause you to go bald unless you are already predisposed to losing your hair from MPB. In which case, you're going to lose your hair eventually either way. Whether or not increasing your DHT levels will //accelerate// hair loss remains to be seen and cannot be answered at this time.
 ==== Derma Rolling ====  ==== Derma Rolling ==== 
 <wrap lo>CAUTION: If you decide to use a derma roller, please be advised that it can increase the side effects of minoxidil if used incorrectly.</wrap> <wrap lo>CAUTION: If you decide to use a derma roller, please be advised that it can increase the side effects of minoxidil if used incorrectly.</wrap>
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 === What to Do Before/After Using the dermaroller? === === What to Do Before/After Using the dermaroller? ===
-Before: +**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.+Before using a dermaroller, you clean your face with soap and water — preferably something with antibacterial qualities. A clean face is important, as you'll be rolling needles through your skin, puncturing it, which allows foreign objects like bacteria to more easily enter.
    
-After: +**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 bacteriaThink of your face as one giant cut that needs to be protected against infectionThat's why it'recommended to use an antibacterial ointment after you dermaroll to prevent this from happening.+Using an antimicrobial ointment or isn't necessary, but recommended. As said above, keeping bacteria and microorganisms from entering your skin is importantface product with antimicrobial properties will help to combat that and keep your skin free healthy and safe. 
 + 
 +=== Can I apply a moisturizer after derma rolling? === 
 +It is best to only use products that are safe and recommended to use after derma rolling. While not inherently unsafe to use a typical moisturizer, products may enter the skin more than intended. The safest route would be to not use any product for several hours after derma rolling (and certainly not minoxidil for a minimum of 24 hours). We have not seen any adverse effects of using moisturizers immediately after derma rolling, however.
  
 === How do I disinfect/clean my dermaroller? === === How do I disinfect/clean my dermaroller? ===
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   * Thursday: AM minox | PM minox then wait 4 hours, roll and just repeat   * Thursday: AM minox | PM minox then wait 4 hours, roll and just repeat
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- 
-Here is some more info on why we are utilizing the derma roller (must be part of TMBS on Facebook to see): 
- 
-https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheMinoxBeardSpot/permalink/1531727133791384/ 
  
 === How do you use the derma roller? === === How do you use the derma roller? ===
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 {{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. {{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.+So far, anecdotal evidence from various Facebook groups and online forums suggest 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? === === Which LCLT products can I use? ===
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