Question 1

is this a lifelong commitment when you stop using it it do you loose the hair that has grown?

Accepted Answer

Yes that is correct. 
It doesn't have to cost a fortune though.
I searched for minoxidil and found a generic version at 5% (for men) I got 12 months supply for £60 give or take. I then diluted this down to half using distilled water and got double at 2.5% which is what the top Trichology institute treats women with.

I used this everyday for a month maybe 2, along with caffeine shampoo (from the £1 shop type places. Higher caffeine concentration than the Green Bottle 39 stuff advertised for women! And no sulphate so healthier😊)

I leave the caffeine shampoo and conditioner on my hair for 3 minutes each to allow the caffeine to be absorbed and block the DHT that causes hair loss.

I then used the generic Minoxidil 2 sometimes 3 times a week now. Sometimes I forget because I'm not stressing about my thinning hair because a year later and my hair has filled out again and my regrowth is strong and healthy too.

This has worked for me.
Using the caffeine is really important because it's a DHT blocker. The Minoxidil stimulates hair growth. Win win.
It doesn't hurt to take Biotin supplements. Side effect is strong healthy nails too 😊

None if this has to be expensive. You just have to commit. For life. But it's worth it and the way I do It, it doesn't matter if I skip a day or two of the Minoxidil once I had established a routine for the first month or so.

Losing my hair and seeing it thinning broke my heart. 
I'm proud of my hair again.

Also ask your doctor about using Spironalactone. It works as a mild anti androgen at 100-200 mg a day. It's a diuretic for heart patience and raises potassium levels (on a normal diet this isn't a problem). 
I was prescribed this by my GP for adult acne. My GP hadn't a clue it could be used as an anti androgen (I had to do all the research because the acne was making me self conscious) My acne is clear after years of failed medication (antibiotics and peroxide skin preparations) and it's helped my hair too.

I hope you find something that works for you.

Have patience. And good luck.

P.s the Generic Minoxidil is by "Kirkland Signature" Minoxidil 5% I bought mine from a leading auction based website 😉

Question 2

I used tis some years ago after advice from a consultant and it worked.  I am now over 65; will it still work?

Accepted Answer

Use it with caution. They're just protecting themselves. If it worked use it again.
But stopping the routine after a few months hair will start thinning  again. Use caffeine on your scalp for 3 minutes. If you have dark hair pour coffee (cooled) onto your hair for a few minutes and then shampoo and rinse as normal. Caffeine blocks the DHT (Dihydratestosterone which causes hair to fall out).
No need to spend loads on top brand products.
The best caffeine shampoo and conditioner I found is from the £1 type shops.

It needs to be left on for 3 minutes or more to allow the scalp to absorb the caffeine and block the DHT.

Using caffeine shampoo and conditioner (if you use a conditioner) with Minoxidil works a treat.

Biotin supplements too strengthen hair from the inside.

Good luck. 😊

Question 3

Does regains work?

Accepted Answer

If you have hormonal (androgenic) hair loss, yes. Minoxidil is a mainstay of treatment. Use the 5%, however (yes, it is safe for women). 
Use 2% ketoconazole shampoo (lather and leave for 3 min then rinse) twice weekly for added benefit. 
It is important to understand that there is no evidence for minoxidil in the treatment of telogen effluvium, which is hair loss triggered by stress, illness, medication, etc. TE is generally self-limiting and will resolve on its own once the trigger is removed.

Question 4

How long are you meant to use it before a difference in your hair is noticed? Tia

Accepted Answer

About 6 months in my case but although I was extremely sceptical I can confirm that it does work. I switched from the weak Regaine for women to the 5% Regaine for men foam which you apply once at night which is less fuss and much cheaper if you buy it from Amazon. In my opinion there is no difference whatsoever (apart from packaging) between Regaine for women 5% minoxidil and Regaine for men 5% minoxidil. I emailed the manufacturer to this effect but they wouldn't give me a straight answer just waffle. Hope it works for you, you do have to be consistent and apply it every day but it's been worth it for me, people have commented on hair looks thicker.

Volume	60 Millilitres
Units	60.0 millilitre
Manufacturer contact	PL holder: McNeil Products Ltd, High Wycombe, HP12 4EG, UK.
Country of origin	India
Brand	Regaine
Format	Liquid
Age Range Description	Adult

Regainefor Women 2% Minoxidil Regular Strength Scalp Solution for Hair Regrowth (1x 60 ml), Scientifically Proven to Help Stop and Reverse Hereditary Female Hair Loss, Revitalise Hair Follicles

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