Topical minoxidil is proven to be an effective hair loss treatment and is a great complementary therapy after hair transplantation. Minoxidil after a hair transplant promotes the fast regrowth of healthy hair by increasing the blood supply to the area, in addition to decreasing the chance of shock loss.
This article focuses on the use of minoxidil after a hair transplant and all the information in this regard. A quick recap of what you are going to read is as follows:
- MINOXIDIL IS AN ACTIVE AGENT IN THE FORM OF TABLETS, SOLUTIONS, AND FOAM USED TO TREAT HEREDITARY HAIR LOSS.
- MINOXIDIL IS NOT NECESSARY AFTER A HAIR TRANSPLANT, BUT IT CAN HELP BY CAUSING MORE BLOOD FLOW TO THE FOLLICLES.
- PATIENTS CAN START USING IT 1-2 WEEKS AFTER THE PROCEDURE. RESULTS ARE SEEN 4 MONTHS AFTER STARTING AND USUALLY LONG-TERM USE IS ADVISED.
- SIDE EFFECTS OF MINOXIDIL CAN INCLUDE SKIN RASH, IRRITATION, ITCHINESS, AND SWELLING.
- MINOXIDIL CAN BE COMBINED WITH FINASTERIDE FOR BETTER AND FASTER RESULTS.
- THE PRICE RANGE FOR MINOXIDIL IS FROM $7.87 TO $67.22 BASED ON THE PATIENT’S PREFERENCE AND THE BRAND.
Now it’s time to discuss everything we mentioned in detail. Without further ado, let’s begin.
Understanding Minoxidil and Its Effect on Hair Transplant
Minoxidil was first mentioned as a drug to treat high blood pressure. After a while, its effects in preventing and treating hair loss were discovered. Nowadays, the topical forms of minoxidil are used for hair loss treatment.
TOPICAL MINOXIDIL COMES IN TWO FORMS: LIQUID SOLUTION OR FOAM
Minoxidil prevents hair loss by increasing the blood supply to the balding area and causes resistance to hormones that make the hair fall.
This product has been a great help in hair regrowth after hair transplantation due to its mechanism of action.
Here, before undergoing hair transplant, our patient is being thoroughly briefed on each stage of the surgical process, including minoxidil use after hair transplant:
How Does Minoxidil Promote Hair Growth After Hair Transplant?
Minoxidil increases the blood flow to the follicles. Minoxidil increases blood flow by dilating and widening the vessels. The more blood flow to the follicles means more oxygen and nutrients. This stimulates hair growth and increases hair volume.
Does Minoxidil Stop Hair Loss?
Yes, minoxidil is an effective product in stopping hair loss, especially for female pattern hair loss and male pattern hair loss. Minoxidil 5% is an FDA-proven treatment for the mentioned types of hair loss. Regular use can also prevent future hair loss in the areas affected by hormones or genetic factors.
Is Minoxidil Always Required After The Transplantation?
The short answer is no, minoxidil is not a necessity after hair transplantation. Even though minoxidil is proven to be an effective help for hair growth following hair restoration procedures, it is not mandatory to use it.
Yet, due to its effects, it is highly recommended that the majority of patients use minoxidil after a hair operation.
Are You A Suitable Candidate for Minoxidil Treatment?
You are eligible to use minoxidil after hair restoration surgery if:
- YOU ARE 18 YEARS OLD OR OLDER
- YOU DON’T HAVE SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS
- YOUR INITIAL POST-OP WOUNDS ARE HEALED
Minoxidil also works well on all hair types, in regards to the patient’s ethnic background. Your doctor can decide if it’s a good option for you to use this product.
When Should You Start Using Minoxidil After Hair Transplant?
The best time to start applying minoxidil is 1-2 weeks after the hair transplant procedure. This is because we need to wait for the implanted follicles to settle in the recipient area before using minoxidil for growth stimulation.
What Considerations Should Be Made Before Using Minoxidil?
Your scalp and the site where you want to apply minoxidil should be dry. There’s no need to wash your head before applying. There must be no sunburning on the scalp.
Minoxidil can stain clothes. You might want to wear something simple that you don’t mind getting stained in case any solution spills on it.
Application Techniques for Minoxidil
The application technique depends on the type of minoxidil you use. As we mentioned earlier, there are two types of minoxidil, liquid and foam. Hair transplant patients choose what form of minoxidil to use based on personal preferences, scalp sensitivity, hair length, and the doctor’s suggestion.
Liquid solution minoxidil application
If you wish to use the solution, here is how to do it:
- MAKE SURE THE SCALP AND YOUR HAIR ARE COMPLETELY DRY.
- USE THE PIPET OR THE APPLICATOR THAT COMES WITH THE SOLUTION TO APPLY IT.
- APPLY THE PRESCRIBED AMOUNT TO YOUR SCALP, STARTING IN THE MIDDLE.
- USE THE TIP OF YOUR FINGERS TO GENTLY MASSAGE THE SOLUTION ALL OVER THE AREA.
- WASH YOUR HANDS IMMEDIATELY AFTER APPLYING MINOXIDIL.
- LET IT DRY NATURALLY. DO NOT USE A HAIR DRYER AS IT MAKES THE SOLUTION LESS EFFECTIVE.
- Important Notes
- Make sure the solution is completely dried before going to bed. Minoxidil can stain your pillowcase or bed linen if the scalp is still wet.
- Do not wash your hair for at least 4 hours after applying the solution. Some doctors suggest waiting for 8 hours for maximum absorption and optimal results.
- If you missed one application, do not try to make it up by doubling the next dose. Apply the next dose as it was prescribed.
- We highly recommend you not forget to apply regularly and not miss even once.
Topical foam minoxidil application
If you are using the foam form:
- HOLD THE CAN UPSIDE DOWN AND PUT SOME FOAM ON YOUR FINGERS. USUALLY, DISPENSING HALF A CAPFUL IS RECOMMENDED.
- PUT THE FOAM ON YOUR SCALP AND USE YOUR FINGERS TO GENTLY SPREAD IT ALL OVER THE TRANSPLANTED HAIR AND THE DONOR AREA.
- WASH YOUR HANDS IMMEDIATELY AFTER APPLYING THE FOAM VERSION.
- YOU NEED TO WAIT FOR 5 TO 10 MINUTES FOR THE FOAM TO COMPLETELY DRY.
- YOU NEED TO WAIT FOR 5 TO 10 MINUTES FOR THE FOAM TO COMPLETELY DRY
Where to Apply Minoxidil After Hair Transplant for the best results?
You should apply minoxidil to the transplanted areas to stimulate faster hair growth. Follow your doctor’s recommendation on where and how to apply minoxidil on the scalp. Remember gentle application is important to prevent damage to the newly implanted.
When to Stop Minoxidil After Hair Transplant?
There is no specific timeline for minoxidil use and when to stop. You can continue using minoxidil after your hair transplant for as long as you want. This is a customized decision based on your situation and your preference under your doctor’s guidance.
Some doctors suggest continuing to apply minoxidil for as long as possible because once you stop it, the hair may become weak.
If you wish to discontinue the use, you should do it slowly and with consulting your surgeon. Abrupt stop causes hair loss and weakening of hair.
How long does it take to see results?
It usually takes between 4 to 8 months to see the results of using minoxidil. Have patience to see the results. After 4 months of regular and persistent use, healthy hair growth begins and the hair grafts start to thicken. That’s when you start to see the outcome you long desired.
Are there any potential side effects of minoxidil after the surgery?
Even though the topical form is mostly considered safe, there can be side effects such as:
- SCALP IRRITATION
- RASH
- SWELLING AND INFLAMMATION
- ACNE AT THE SITE
- HEADACHE
If you experience any discomfort or any of the symptoms above, consult with your doctor.
Combining Minoxidil with Other Treatments: Good or bad thing?
Minoxidil can be combined with finasteride as a complementary therapy. This combination therapy helps hair regrowth by taking advantage of both medications’ mechanisms. Finasteride suppresses the underlying hormonal effects of hair loss, while minoxidil increases the scalp’s blood supply which provides the hair follicles with oxygen and nutrients.
This combination therapy can also be associated with side effects of both medications. The common side effects are explained in the table below:
Topical Finasteride side effects | Topical Minoxidil’s side effects |
Redness | Rash and itchiness |
Irritation | Skin irritation |
Itchiness | Inflammation |
Most of the time, these side effects overlap and patients might experience one, two, or more of these symptoms.
Minoxidil for Women
Minoxidil is a proven medication for treating female pattern hair loss and is approved by the FDA. female patients can greatly benefit from this hair loss medication as an adjunctive therapy after hair transplant surgery. Minoxidil reduces the risks of shock loss after the hair transplant procedure, especially in women.
The most effective form of minoxidil for women after the surgery are:
- 5% MINOXIDIL FOAM, ONCE DAILY
- 5% MINOXIDIL SOLUTION, TWICE A DAY
- 2% MINOXIDIL SOLUTION, TWICE A DAY
How much does minoxidil cost?
The range for minoxidil cost varies between $7.87 and $67.22. The determining factors for the price are:
- THE FORM OF MINOXIDIL
- THE BRAND
- THE NUMBER OF PRODUCTS YOU WISH TO PURCHASE FOR A SPECIFIC PERIOD
- YOUR DOCTOR’S RECOMMENDATION.
References:
(1) Patel P, Nessel TA, Kumar D D. Minoxidil. [Updated 2023 Aug 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482378/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482378/
(2) Gupta AK, Foley KA. 5% Minoxidil: treatment for female pattern hair loss. Skin Therapy Lett. 2014 Nov-Dec;19(6):5-7. PMID: 25807073.
(3) Suchonwanit P, Thammarucha S, Leerunyakul K. Minoxidil and its use in hair disorders: a review. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2019 Aug 9;13:2777-2786. doi: 10.2147/DDDT.S214907. Erratum in: Drug Des Devel Ther. 2020 Feb 10;14:575. PMID: 31496654; PMCID: PMC6691938.
(5) Kassimir JJ. Use of topical minoxidil as a possible adjunct to hair transplant surgery. A pilot study. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1987 Mar;16(3 Pt 2):685-7. doi: 10.1016/s0190-9622(87)70088-7. PMID: 3558912.
