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A lot of people all over the world are dealing with the problem of hair loss or baldness. Everyone wants to get that one elixir which can help them reduce hair loss and reverse the condition.
It is when the role of certain ingredients comes into play. Out of multiple hair ingredients, minoxidil is one of the highly effective remedies for hair loss. Often, people who are using it question, can I apply minoxidil and hair oil together?
Since hair oil is equally important for hair health, the question becomes relevant. In this article we will learn how minoxidil works and ways to use it with hair oil for maximum benefits.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil (1) is a common medication used for hair loss. It is an FDA-approved topical drug, easily available as over-the-counter in the form of spray, topical solution, foam, and serum.
Minoxidil is recommended by doctors to help restore hair growth. It is a vasodilator medication that dilates the blood vessels and helps to enlarge the small blood vessels in the body. It ensures that the blood flows through them effortlessly.
Minoxidil is available in different forms. The dosage has been adjusted, considering the seriousness of the problem or hair loss. Usually, it comes in concentrations of 2%, 5% and 10%.
Benefits of Minoxidil
Minoxidil helps in delivering the nutrients that are necessary for the hair follicles (2). It can be in the form of a topical solution or a spray. Using minoxidil treatment regularly for about 3-4 months shows incredible hair growth in people.
Initially, it slows down hair loss, and as the treatment works further, it stimulates hair growth.
The other benefits of minoxidil include:
- Stimulate hair growth
- Slows down baldness
- Prevent shedding of hair
- Improve hair thickness and density
- Safe and convenient to use
How to Apply Minoxidil?
The method of using minoxidil should be mentioned on the packaging label of the product that you are using. Or, if it is a medication prescribed by your doctor, use precisely how it is directed to apply in the exact amount for safe and effective application.
Here’s how you can use minoxidil solution on hair-
- Dry out your hair and scalp properly.
- Comb your hair and divide it into multiple sections.
- Apply a few drops of minoxidil and massage it into your scalp.
- Let it sit for 4 hours.
You can apply minoxidil twice daily, in the morning and before bedtime. Remember to wash your hands after using minoxidil.
Can Minoxidil Be Applied with Hair Oil?
Generally, it is recommended that minoxidil be applied by itself. To get an effective result for hair growth and reduce hair loss, minoxidil should be directly massaged onto the scalp. Any carrier oil mixed with minoxidil can lessen the potency of this solution.
Hair oil is used for hair health. It helps condition and nourish the hair. At the same time, minoxidil is used mainly for treating hair conditions and enhancing the growth of hair.
How Do You Apply Minoxidil and Hair Oil Together?
Still, if you want to apply minoxidil along with hair oil, you can do that. If you wish to use the hair oil as well, you can apply it just to the hair strands.
Although it is not recommended, you can also apply hair oil to the scalp. First, apply minoxidil to your scalp and massage with your fingers. Allow the scalp to absorb the minoxidil and let it dry. Let it sit for one hour before applying the hair oil to the scalp.
Combining minoxidil and any hair oil can hamper the benefits offered by both products separately.
Which Oil Can Be Used with Minoxidil?
Below are the oils that you can use with minoxidil solution-
- Castor Oil: Castor oil (3) is known to have a beneficial effect on hair growth. Minoxidil, when mixed with castor oil, is said to have a positive impact on the health of both scalp and hair.
- Coconut Oil: When applied to hair, coconut oil helps moisturize and hydrate the hair. Combining minoxidil with coconut oil will help in hair growth and moisturize the strands, making them look solid and lustrous.
- Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil helps prevent dead skin on the scalp, which causes dandruff. Mixing tea tree oil along with minoxidil helps increase the density of the hair while preventing build-up.
- Argan Oil: Argan oil (4) is naturally loaded with antioxidants and vitamin E. The antioxidants help the hair to create a barrier against the oxidative stress, caused by free radicals.
Conclusion
Minoxidil topical solution is made differently for both men and women. Women are not supposed to use the topical solution created specifically for men. It is better to speak to a dermatologist before using the minoxidil solution for hair loss or any other condition. Do not use minoxidil if your scalp shows signs of side effects like redness, irritation, or infection.
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