A method was created in 2005 to identify minoxidil, a hair growth ingredient, in products using two types of capillary zone electrophoresis, and it found that most products had about 2% minoxidil.
The user stopped using minoxidil due to headaches, which returned upon resuming the treatment, leading to hair shedding concerns. Alternatives like finasteride and dilutedminoxidil were suggested by others experiencing similar side effects.
Counterfeit minoxidil can be identified by inconsistencies in bottle fill levels, label details, and smell compared to genuine products. Genuine minoxidil has a specific alcohol-based smell and consistency, while counterfeit versions may smell musky and feel greasy.
The user is frustrated with ongoing hair loss despite using treatments like dutasteride, finasteride, and minoxidil, and is considering shaving their head. They are advised to maintain consistency with medication, consider oral minoxidil, and explore hair transplant options.
A user in Egypt is seeking alternatives to oral minoxidil, which is banned there, after stopping topical minoxidil due to concerns for their cat's safety. Suggestions include drinking diluted topical minoxidil or making homemade minoxidil tablets, but these methods carry significant risks and are not recommended.
At this point.
In this conversation, users discussed the risks of drinking topical minoxidil and suggested alternative treatments such as obtaining a prescription for oral minoxidil or finasteride.