Minoxidil is the generic name for products originally developed by UpJohn and called Rogaine in the USA or Regaine in Europe and elsewhere.
Topical Minoxidil is used for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss). Regaine and Rogaine are the trademarks of UpJohn Inc., USA. Regaine and Rogaine are exactly the same product but are marketed differently (i.e. different packaging). Regaine has been helping men since it was first prescribed by doctors in 1988, women since 1991. It is now available without prescription, and is medically proven to regrow hair.

How Regaine (Rogaine) Works

Scientists believe that 95% of hair loss is caused by a progressive condition called androgenetic alopecia, or common hereditary hair loss. Regaine works in part by partially enlarging shrinking follicles and reversing the shrinking process. Regaine prolongs the growth phase of the hair cycle, allowing hair to become longer and thicker. With more hair follicles in the growth phase at the same time, it is possible to see improved coverage of the scalp.

Will Regaine Work for You?

While clinical trials have proven Regaine can assist in hair regrowth for both men and women, thicken existing hair, reduce hair loss, and stimulate new hair growth, individual results can be affected by several factors. These include the length of time the person has suffered from hair loss or baldness, the specific type of baldness on the scalp, whether on the front of the scalp or on the crown and the person's age and physical health. Regaine has been proven significantly more effective than placebo (a similar solution without minoxidil which is the active ingredient in Regaine) in regrowing nonvellus hair in women and men.

General Information

* Regaine must be rubbed in the scalp twice a day, at least one hour after shampooing.

* Added applications of Regaine will not make hair grow faster.

* Optimum absorption takes place after two hours.

* Regaine will thicken hair and give it more body, allow initially grows as vellus (downy) hair, pigmented healthy hair follows shortly.

* Regaine uses should be patient for hair growth usually occurs four to six months after treatment.

* Continuous use of Regaine is needed to maintain hair regrowth.

* If you stop using Rogaine, the normal hair loss process will start again. You will probably lose your newly regrown hair in three to four months.

* Optimum results were achieved after a year of application.

* Discontinue use if irritation of the scalp (itching and dryness) occurs.

Application:

The recommended dosage is 1 ml applied twice daily to thinning areas of the scalp. The use of topical tretinoin in conjunction with minoxidil appears to increase the beneficial effects of minoxidil.