As a start point in this article, we’re going to assume that you already know what classic ‘Pattern Baldness’ is and that you understand the difference between it and other forms of hair loss.
If you start losing hair rapidly and in large quantities, this would not be typically symptomatic of ‘normal’ pattern baldness. In such circumstances, you should consult a physician without delay.
Pattern baldness and society
Pattern baldness remains, to a large extent, something of a medical mystery.
Affecting very large numbers of men and many women also (the progression is often different between the sexes as may be the cause), it can be very distressing.
For centuries people have attempted to find products and treatments that can stop and reverse the effects of this condition – often without success.
However, one treatment that is generally (though not necessarily universally) accepted as having the capability to help some people is called Regaine.
Regaine
This is a sales and branding name covering a solution prepared from the drug Minoxidil.
The branding name of Regaine is used in Europe and Asia-Pacific whereas in the USA and Canada the product is marketed as Rogaine.
It typically comprises a foam solution that is applied to the hair and scalp.
In some legal jurisdictions, it is available as an over-the-counter product but only in the presence of a qualified pharmacist who must advise on its use. The regulations on this may vary by country.
The origins
Minoxidil is a vasodilator and potassium channel opener. This means essentially that it increases blood, nutrient and ion flow and can act as a muscle relaxant.
Originally it was developed to help the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and prescribed in oral form under the brand name of Loniten.
Medical professionals were extremely surprised to see that some patients taking the drug started to experience significant additional hair growth including in areas regarded as either very thin or even bald.
Given the vast social and commercial pressures to find a solution to pattern badness, it didn’t take too long for people to seek to apply this side effect therapeutically to pattern hair loss.
Regaine was born.
Method.
The foam preparation is applied to the hair on a regular basis once or twice per day.
Effectiveness
As is so often the case with treatments for pattern baldness, this is a complex and far from conclusive story.
Not all sources are in agreement so, to some extent, this must be a synthesis and summary of conflicting views.
• It may have little effect on bald-spots where the follicles are truly ‘dead’;
• Areas of thinning can be significantly improved and ‘new’ hair growth achieved although this is probably by stimulation of dormant rather than dead follicles;
• Improvements may be lost within a relatively short period of time if the treatment is discontinued;
• Approximately 1/3 of people see little effect at all. Around another third will see some generation of fluffy or downy hair only. Only 1/3 will experience significant hair regeneration;
• The treatment appears to be effective in predominantly younger sufferers (say under 40). The effects appear to be much diminished in older people where perhaps a higher percentage of follicles are truly ‘dead’.
The mechanisms
The exact mechanisms behind Minoxidil’s effect are not understood.
There remains speculation that increasingly blood-flow to the follicles may ‘somehow’ result in the benefits seen in some cases.
The preparation is typically offered in 5% Minoxidil dilutions for males and 2% for females although some suppliers may vary that.
Undesired effects
It should be remembered that Minoxidil was initially developed as an oral drug to combat hypertension and as with all such medications, a variety of side effects are possible.
In the case of Regaine application, side effects, if experienced, are typically minor including perhaps eye irritation, some burning sensation etc. These are regarded as mild allergic reactions although undesired hair growth in other parts of the body can also sometimes arise.
More rarely, severe reactions may be experienced including a wide variety of things such as severe irritation, dizziness, palpitations, chest pain and so on.
In some countries the use of such products is normally recommended only under the supervision of a pharmacist or other medically qualified personnel.
If you do experience any unusual symptoms after using Regaine, you should immediately discontinue use and consult a physician.
Summary
Regaine is comparatively unusual as a treatment for hair thinning and pattern baldness in that there is generally accepted evidence that hair growth improvement may be obtained for a number of users.
However, it would be advisable to be cautious about building unrealistic expectations if you are planning to commence treatment. It should be remembered that (arguably) perhaps 60-70% report either no effect or an effect that is restricted to downy growth.
Comments on this entry are closed.