Pattern hair loss is a clinical condition that makes you lose hair on front and top of scalp. Among men, it can make your hair on front and on crown of scalp to recede. In women, it can trigger thinning of their hairline. Medications like minoxidil are used to treat this condition. But can you use minoxidil for eyebrows? Knowing more can be of health.
Research done on hair-loss suggests oxidative-stress to play a vital role. In clinical parlance, genetic factors and changes in hormonal imbalance contribute to loss of hair. Triggers behind hair loss in women are not fully evidenced. Ovarian conditions like Poly-Cystic Ovary Syndrome – PCOS – can enhance the risks. In general, aging is associated with hair-loss – in both men and women.
Signs of hair-loss in males start with loss at vertex and temples. In women, total loss of hair is rare; however, thinning of hair without receding hairline is common. Research is underway to establish likely causes. Findings reveal hair-on-scalp is more-sensitive to cholesterol, hormones like insulin, stress levels or anxieties.
What is minoxidil?
This is a drug prescribed for treating hair-loss. Owing to its vasodilating-properties, it is also administered as an antihypertensive. It is made in various forms, namely – an orally-taken version, a foam and as topical offering. For hair loss, minoxidil is applied topically at affected site. It is known to be of use for both women and men. This med is applied for long to nourish follicles and to promote re-growth of hair.
In lower doses, minoxidil is tolerated well and is also effective for both genders. Beware of a few adverse effects like itchiness of eyes, irritation of skin – at applied site, and growth of unwanted hair on body.
Minoxidil for eyebrows
How minoxidil boosts growth of hair is not completely evidenced. A few advanced studies underscore its ability to widen arteries and help open potassium-channels. These actions lead to supply of nutrients, blood and oxygen to hair-follicles. Minoxidil also activates COX-1 enzyme, leading to an added supply of prostaglandins. However, this med is not effective when hair-losses are sizable. Moreover, it is known to work better among younger-people; those witnessing recent loss of hair.
Does minoxidil work for eyebrows?
For treating thinning of eyebrows, studies indicate minoxidil is as effective as other established treatments like bimatoprost. After using this med for 4 months, > 47% of research study-participants reported re-growth of their eyebrows. Users did not develop adverse & undesired outcomes on using minoxidil. Often times, your caregiver will prescribe a lower strength of say, 2%. Your physician is likely to enhance the strength to 5% if results elude for long.
Your dermatologist will tell you to apply minoxidil daily. Using it irregularly or stopping it can halt possibilities of re-growth. Ask your pharmacist to know how to apply. It is safe to apply with a cotton swab. It is a good practice to wash your finger after use.
Minoxidil for eyebrows before and after
Aftereffects of minoxidil include scaling, reddening of skin, dryness and burning sensation. It is highly recommended to use a cotton-swab. If you accidently apply on other facial-parts, you may witness growth of hair at such areas. Ensure this med never gets into your eyes. If you have applied it inside eyes, flush it quickly. Upon sensing an inflammation or pain, seek help on an emergency mode.
There are also a few other options available for treating hair-loss; these include Platelet-Rich-Plasma therapy, intake of supplements – especially, Omega-3 and folic acid. In some cases, your dermatologist may recommend a transplant procedure or laser-treatment.
In sum, minoxidil is considered as an effective way to treat thinning eyebrows. You are advised to talk to your caregiver on – can you use minoxidil for women eyebrows. Lastly, this is not an over-the-counter med, and hence it is used under the guidance of a dermatologist.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Michigan. Experience: Over 8 years of experience writing for health and wellness websites, including WebMD and Healthline, specializing in women’s health and nutrition.