How Minoxidil Works for Hair Loss | Dermapolis

  • Home
  • Derma
  • How Minoxidil Works for Hair Loss | Dermapolis
How Minoxidil Works for Hair Loss

Understanding Hair Loss and Minoxidil

Hair loss (alopecia) affects millions worldwide — men and women alike. One of the most commonly used treatments for pattern hair loss is Minoxidil, a topical medication available in different strengths and formulations. This guide explains how Minoxidil works, its effects, how to use it, and introduces products including ones similar to the Mynxel family in the market.

What Is Hair Loss ?

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss and involves the progressive shrinking (miniaturization) of hair follicles due to genetic and hormonal factors. Over time, affected hair follicles produce thinner, shorter hair until they eventually stop growing hair altogether.

Hair grows in cycles — a growth phase (anagen), a transitional phase (catagen), and a resting phase (telogen). In pattern hair loss, the anagen phase shortens and follicles shrink, producing weaker hair. Restoring normal cycles is essential for regrowth.

What Is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is a topical medication originally used to treat high blood pressure. It was discovered that a notable side effect in some patients was increased hair growth. This led to its use as a hair loss treatment, and today Minoxidil is one of the few scientifically validated topical treatments for androgenetic alopecia.

Common topical forms come as 2%, 5%, or sometimes higher concentrations (e.g., 10%) in solutions or foam.

How Minoxidil Works 

Though widely used, the exact molecular mechanism of Minoxidil isn’t fully understood, but research points to several key ways it supports hair regrowth:

🔹 1. Vasodilation (Blood Flow Increase)

Minoxidil widens blood vessels around hair follicles. This increased blood flow brings more oxygen, nutrients, and energy to hair roots — essential for healthy follicles and stronger hair growth.

🔹 2. Potassium Channel Opening

Minoxidil is a potassium channel opener. This change in cell membrane behavior may help stimulate follicles that have become dormant or weak over time.

🔹 3. Hair Cycle Modulation

Minoxidil may shorten the telogen (resting) phase and push follicles into the anagen (growth) phase earlier. It also seems to prolong the anagen phase, allowing hair to grow longer and thicker before shedding.

🔹 4. Cellular Effects on Follicles

Some research suggests Minoxidil may promote certain enzymes and cellular processes that help follicles remain active and resist shrinkage.

Key takeaway: By enhancing blood supply, improving follicle stimulation, and modulating growth phases, Minoxidil creates a more favorable environment for hair regrowth.

What to Expect When You Start Minoxidil

Minoxidil doesn’t work overnight — hair regrowth takes time:

  • Initial shedding: Many users notice increased hair fall in the first few weeks; this is often old hairs shedding as new anagen hairs start to grow.

  • Regrowth timeline: Visible improvement can take 2–4 months or more, with optimal results often seen by 6–12 months of consistent use.

  • Maintenance: Continued use is usually required — stopping Minoxidil often leads to hair returning to its previous thinning state over several months.

How to Use Minoxidil Safely

✔ Application Best Practices

  • Apply to clean, dry scalp

  • Use the recommended dose once or twice daily

  • Avoid washing scalp immediately after application (often wait a few hours)

✔ General Safety Tips

  • Only for scalp use

  • Avoid contact with eyes, nose, or mouth

  • Consistency is key: skipping applications reduces effectiveness

  • Stop and consult a dermatologist if irritation persists

Minoxidil is not typically recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women without medical advice.

Side Effects and Considerations

Minoxidil is generally safe, but some users may experience:

  • Scalp itching or irritation

  • Dryness or redness

  • Temporary increased shedding at the start

  • Unwanted hair growth in non-scalp areas if the product drips

These effects are usually mild, but if symptoms worsen, consult a medical professional.

Dermapolis Company Overview

Dermapolis is a dermatology-focused pharmaceutical company based in India that manufactures a variety of skin and hair products. It is known for:

  • Offering dermatology-led formulations across skin and hair concerns

  • Providing products to clinics, pharmacies, and distributors

  • Using quality standards to develop solutions for common dermatological issues

Their product range spans moisturizers, anti-acne creams, lotions, and more.

While Dermapolis does not prominently list a product named “Mynxel” on their public catalogue, companies in this space often develop or market hair regrowth solutions based on Minoxidil and related actives under various names — sometimes including similar products to MnX, MnX-3 etc. If you have a specific Mynxel formulation in mind, additional details would help tailor product-specific insights.

Example Minoxidil Products Similar to “Mynxel”

Although not necessarily branded Mynxel from Dermapolis, there are several Minoxidil products in the Indian market with similar purposes:

🔹 MnX-3 Topical Solution (from Dermatics)

This product contains 3% Minoxidil with added supportive ingredients (like D-Panthenol) that help enhance absorption, nourish follicles, and support hair regrowth. Regular application has benefits for stimulating dormant follicles and slowing hair thinning.

Key points:

  • Stimulates hair follicle activity

  • Helps reduce thinning

  • Designed for daily use

Conclusion:

Minoxidil remains one of the most scientifically studied and widely used topical treatments for pattern hair loss. Its success depends on:

  • Consistent and long-term use

  • Starting treatment early in the thinning process

  • Realistic expectations about timelines

For best outcomes, consult a dermatologist for personalized guidance, especially if combining with other treatments (like finasteride or hair growth supplements).

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked*