Regaine

Regaine

Regaine is a hair loss treatment which is used to treat male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia. Regaine for Men is available as a solution or foam. The treatment is massaged directly onto the scalp.

Regaine for Men is available as a 5% solution or 5% foam and is applied twice daily to treat hair loss.

Regaine for Women is available as a 2% solution, which is applied twice daily, and a 5% foam, which is applied once a day.

Before you buy Regaine online, it’s important to speak to your doctor about hair loss treatments. They will be able to assess your scalp and determine the most suitable treatment for you, depending on the kind of hair loss you are experiencing and the cause of your hair loss.

A brief history of Regaine for hair loss

The active ingredient, minoxidil, was found to be a strong vasodilator when it was developed in the 50’s by the Upjohn Company (now a subsidiary of Pfizer).

In a similar vein to how Viagra came to be, Minoxidil was originally used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), but was found to cause a side effect which helped a common problem afflicting men. Rather than causing erections, however, Minoxidil was found to cause excessive hair growth.

The side effect became well-known, and some doctors started prescribing minoxidil off-label to treat male pattern baldness in the 80s. Meanwhile, two parties – Kahn & Grant, and Upjohn & Chidsey – fought for patents to use Minoxidil as a treatment for hair loss.

Since it’s approval for hair loss in 1988, minoxidil is sold around the world as a hair loss treatment under a variety of different brand names, including Regaine in the UK.

How does Regaine (minoxidil) work to treat hair loss?

The active ingredient of Regaine is a vasodilator called minoxidil.

Minoxidil helps to widen blood vessels, allowing oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to travel more efficiently around the body.

While the exact mechanism isn’t understood, it is believed that the increase of nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles in the scalp stimulates hair growth. By applying it directly to the scalp, it is thought that it dilates localised blood vessels. This isolates the effects to the scalp and hair follicles.

By supplying the hair follicles with nutrients and oxygen, it is believed to affect the hair growth cycle.

Hair grows and sheds in cycle which has 4 phases.

During the Anagen phase (growth phase), the hair follicle is provided with a blood supply. This blood supply delivers nutrients and oxygen, which are needed for the hair to grow. The Anagen phase can last between 2 and 6 years.

The second phase is called the Catagen phase (transition phase), during which the base of the hair detaches from the blood vessel within the hair follicle. This stage lasts for 2 to 4 weeks.

Once detached, the hair follicle enters the 3rd stage known as the Telogen phase (resting phase). The hair follicle shrinks and a new hair begins growing underneath. The Telogen phase can last for 3 to 5 months.

Finally, the hair reaches the Exogen phase (shedding phase). Strands of hair die and falls out, allowing a new hair strand to grow and replace it. The cycle begins again as the new hair enters the Anagen phase.

While Regaine can promote hair growth, resulting in a thicker head of hair, it doesn’t stop hair loss.

During your first few weeks of using Regaine, you may notice an exponential loss of hair. This is because Regaine causes hairs in the Telogen phase to shed, forcing hair follicles to enter the Anagen phase once more. Additionally, Regaine prolongs the Anagen phase, allowing hairs to grow for a longer time.

How do I apply Regaine for hair loss?

Regaine is applied directly to the scalp (top of the head) twice daily. You should apply it once in the morning and once in the evening.

Make sure your hair is completely dry before applying Regaine.

Do not use Regaine more than stated in the accompanying leaflet. If you or someone else uses too much of this medicine, seek immediate medical attention.