What is Minoxidil and how does it work?

Minoxidil, originally developed as a hypertension medication under the brand name Rogaine, works primarily through vasodilation, which increases blood flow. This enhanced blood flow is critical for delivering nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles, thereby supporting the hair growth cycle. Specifically, Minoxidil extends the anagen phase of hair growth, which is the active growth phase of the hair follicles. Although it can slow hair loss and is somewhat effective for people who are just beginning to lose their hair, its overall impact varies and it's not a complete solution for reversing hair loss permanently 1.