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I
have started treatment for pattern baldness using minoxidil. I used
to have fine, manageable hair before treatment. Why has my hair
become coarse and less easy to manage
Coarse hair comes from big hair follicles. Part of minoxidil's
actions is to enlarge the size of the hair - make it thicker. If
it does this to vellus hairs it is good - that is what you want.
However, when it works on the surviving terminal hairs it makes
them bigger and more coarse than they were before treatment.
Minoxidil's actions are not specific for the miniaturized vellus
hair follicles. It works on all hair follicles including the ones
that have been much less affected by androgenetic alopecia. It can
make these hair follicles bigger than normal. Thick hairs are less
manageable - they are less flexible and cannot be styled so easily.
In addition, most minoxidil products contain a high percentage
of alcohol. The minoxidil has to be dissolved in alcohol as it is
insoluble in water. The alcohol also helps improve skin penetration
of minoxidil. The alcohol has a "drying" effect on the
skin and it will also remove oils from hair. This may make hair
look dull and dry and may give hair a coarse appearance.
I
have started treatment for pattern baldness using minoxidil. I used
to have fine, manageable hair before treatment. Why has my hair
become coarse and less easy to manage
- Uno
H, Cappas A, Brigham P. Action of topical minoxidil in the bald
stump-tailed macaque. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1987 Mar;16(3 Pt 2):657-68.
- Mori
O, Uno H. The effect of topical minoxidil on hair follicular cycles
of rats. J Dermatol. 1990 May;17(5):276-81.
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