Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss or the thinning of the hair on the scalp. This condition can be an embarrassing problem for both men and women and cause many to lose confidence and self-esteem. People react to hair loss in different ways. Some people change their lifestyle by concealing hair loss, while others end up purchasing supplements or other products that promote hair growth. Among those products are Lipogaine and Rogaine. Let’s take a look at the two and make some comparisons.
What Is Minoxidil?
Both Lipogaine and Rogaine are formulated with a 5% solution of Minoxidil. This drug was developed back in the 1950s by the Upjohn company, which later became part of Pfizer. After multiple trials, Minoxidil was approved by the FDA as an oral tablet for treating high blood pressure in 1979. By the 1980s, physicians had already recognized the benefits of Minoxidil against Alopecia. They have begun to prescribe it off-label to their balding patients. The FDA approved the drug for treating baldness in men, under the trade name “Rogaine” from Upjohn. They made the product available for women in 1991. As of 2014, Minoxidil was the only product approved by the FDA for androgenic hair loss. The drug is available over the counter from many different countries, including the UK, US, Sweden, and Germany.
Product Usage/Application
Lipogaine can be used once not more than once a day as part of your daily bathing routine. You will have to make sure your hair is thoroughly wet before you apply the shampoo. Make sure you get a generous lather then rinse off thoroughly. After that, you use the shampoo again, and you will need to gently massage it into your hair and scalp for one minute. Then you leave the shampoo on for hair for 2-4 minutes before rinsing it off. For Rogaine, you will need to make sure that you dry your scalp with a towel. Part your hair to help increase scalp exposure. You will need to apply a half cap of Rogaine to the affected scalp area at least twice a day. Massage the foam into your scalp thoroughly with your fingers, then wash your hands off. Rogaine cautions that using the product more often than directed will not improve results. If you want something that you can easily integrate into your bathing routine, you may consider using Lipogaine.
Efficiency
The big question… Do Lipogaine and/or Rogaine actually work? The short answer, in most instances, is yes. Many people who have used Lipogaine and Rogaine have reported an increase in hair volume and lesser hair fall. It may take a few weeks or months for results to be visible. One noteworthy fact is that you may need to continuously use your chosen product to make sure that you retain the hair regrowth effects. Unfortunately, you may end up losing the benefits if you don’t consistently use your chosen Minoxidil-based product.
Possible Side-Effects
Along with its intended effects, any medicine may end up causing some unwanted effects. Some or all of these side-effects may not occur. If they do occur, however, you may need medical attention. There are some side-effects associated with Minoxidil. Fortunately, most of them aren’t common:
- Acne at the site of application
- Burning sensation on the scalp
- Growth of facial hair
- Increased hair loss (as opposed to growing your hair)
- Inflammation/soreness at the root of your hair
- Skin turning red
- Face swelling
- Headache
- Lightheadedness
- Rapid weight gain
Combating Hair Loss – What Do The Experts Say?
According to the American Dermatology Association, there are quite a few steps you can take to alleviate your hair loss. Let’s take a look at some of them. Avoid traumatizing your hair as you wash and condition it. Hair that’s thinning and falling out can easily be damaged. Use a shampoo that doesn’t strip moisture from your hair. You can apply a moisturizing as this helps prevent split-ends and hair breakage. Wrapping your hair in a microfiber towel will help it dry quickly, which reduces the need for blow-drying. Avoid hot-oil treatments as these further damage your hair. Limit your use of flat irons or hot combs. Use them only during special occasions such as a wedding or a job interview. Avoid stressing your hair by wearing it in a tightly-pulled manner as in braids, ponytails, cornrows, and pigtails. Make sure you’re gentle with brushing or combing your hair.
Final Thoughts
So do we go for Rogaine or Lipogaine? The answer is that it depends. It can be difficult to choose the right product to help alleviate your hair loss. Hair loss can have many different causes. Buying any hair regrowth product without first speaking with a board-certified dermatologist can cause more problems than it solves. You may end up not addressing a deeper health-related problem. Make sure you speak with a dermatologist to help ensure that all the relevant health concerns are addressed. They will recommend a product for you that fits your specific needs.
