How much does the thick, shiny, glossy, and healthy hair cost? The answer is very simple and incontestable: less than a dollar a day. That is how much the first FDA- approved (Food and Drug Administration) remedy for treating baldness and the problem of thin and fragile hair Rogaine costs.

Rogaine (its generic name is minoxidil) was originally developed and produced as an oral medication to lower the high blood pressure. However, clinical trials showed that the most serious and, perhaps, weird side effect of minoxidil treatment was the excessive hair growth.

Manufacturers (Pfizer), however, did not panic and chose the best way possible in this situation. They developed topical minoxidil – liquid to be applied to the scalp skin to restore the beauty of the thin hair and to renew the hair growth on the spots of male pattern baldness.

These days Rogaine is used on the bald spots of the back of the head in men and in the forehead areas in women. It is available in a single pack and in a triple pack. Rogaine for Men Regular Strength and Rogaine for Women contain 2% concentration of the active ingredient. Rogaine for Men Extra Strength is a 5% solution, which differs from the first two by working faster. The results of its action can be seen in 8 weeks of treatment, while Regular Strength ensures the hair improvement not sooner than in 4 months. By the way, women can use Extra Strength as well, if they are satisfied with the results.

A peculiar feature of this medication is that it stimulates hair growth if it is used permanently. If a person started to apply Rogaine to the scalp skin (not to the hair shaft) he/she must do it twice a day for the rest of the life. If the treatment is stopped, hair shedding or its thinning starts again. That is explained by the fact that Rogaine does not affect the formation of DHT hormone (Di-Hydro-Testosterone), which makes a hair follicle shrink (this makes a hair thinner) or die (this causes baldness). Scientists acknowledge that they do not actually understand exactly how minoxidil works, but it does not let a follicle shrink.

The side effects of the active ingredient are drop in blood pressure, an increased heart rate, and weight gain. Nevertheless, Rogaine is not known to cause such problems, since the amount of minoxidil absorbed into the blood stream is miniscule. The only possible side effect of Rogaine is skin irritation, because the topical solution contains alcohol. To avoid this condition a person should use gentle shampoo.

Still, many doctors recommend avoiding Rogaine to the persons with heart failure, significant coronary disease, and during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Do not use Rogaine alongside with the other topical medications and be sure to consult a doctor whether you can be treated with Rogaine if you have high blood pressure.

No doubt, it is better to have beautiful and healthy hair without any medications, even if they are the best. Still, if the state of your hair makes you suffer psychologically and you think of starting the treatment with Rogaine, be sure to get the rich supplies of patience, since the way to success may seem too long and boring. But cheer up, they say your efforts and patience will be rewarded.

Ivanna