Originally launched in 1986, Rogaine is the number one dermatologist recommended treatment for pattern baldness, or hereditary hair loss. The original treatment was a 2% wash in the form of a shampoo. The patent for Minoxidil ran out in 1996, so Rogaine foam was developed with a 5% solution.

How it Works

The active ingredient in Rogaine is Minoxidil. Hereditary hair loss, or more often called pattern hair loss, is the result of too much Dihydrotestosterone; the way that Rogaine works is to use Minoxidil to block the effects of Dihydrotestosterone, which is naturally occurring and has the effect of stemming existing hair follicle growth and holding back new follicle growth. Dihydrotestosterone or DHT occurs when the enzyme 5AR (alpha-reductase) connects with testosterone. This process creates what is commonly known as male pattern baldness. Rogaine also has a formula for women and offers a line of hair care support products including shampoo and conditioners sold under the name Progaine.

If the treatment is stopped then hair loss will normally return within 30 to 60 days. It is not effective on everyone, and its effects are quite varied on those it does work for. In order for it to work well the treatment must be applied at least once or the recommended twice a day. Once the hair follicles are dead, nothing can revive them, which means that it may stop thinning but will not revive dead follicles; therefore early treatment is better.

Company Information

Rogaine is owned and sold under license from McNEIL-PPC, Inc. Dr Robert McNeil founded the company in 1879 in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. McNeil’s son created and patented Tylenol.

The Johnson and Johnson Company acquired their company in 1959 and the head office and plant were relocated to Fort Washington, PA. In 1977 McNeil Pharmaceutical was created to handle prescription drug development, and McNeil Consumer Healthcare to handle the rest.

Benefits

Rogaine is the only FDA approved topical application to regrow hair and stem hair loss. It is only suitable for hereditary hair loss (HHL) often referred to as male pattern hair loss. It is non-invasive, and simple to apply.

Recommendation

For optimum results wash your hair daily. This helps to wash away any oils containing Dihydrotestosterone that may be on or around the affected areas. Keep well away from cats, as Minoxidil is extremely toxic to them. Any inadvertent contact on their skin should be immediately washed off and a veterinary exam sought as soon as possible. Since Rogaine does not use natural ingredients we are ranking it in the 6th slot in our 10-product list.

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