Would Increased Minoxidil Absorption from a Scalproller Be Safe?
I’m considering purchasing the Scalproller but i’m concerned as to the safety of the increased absorption of minoxidil. In your opinion do you think it is safe if the increased absorption is so much greater? And would using the Scalproller lead to a shed similiar to the shed when switching from 2% to 5% minoxidil?
The following response is by UK-based physician Dr. Bessam Farjo:
![]() Response by: ![]() Dr Bessam Farjo United Kingdom |
5% minoxidil is the safe limit. More may cause systemic side effects such as dangerously low blood pressure. It is speculated that the absorption of minoxidil in a lot of people is not as efficient as it could be. This is most likely due to method of application which can be influenced by the amount of hair present. I have prescribed 6% in the past without side effects and I know of a clinic in the UK that gives a 12.5% preparation! I don’t have any data with regards to their side effects. One possible side effect of too much minoxidil is a lowering of blood pressure and resultant light-headedness.
I don’t know if the scalproller will cause any shedding, but it will be one of the observations I will make when I start a clinical trial. I emphasise that at this point I see the scientific basis of such a device but cannot actually endorse the scalproller itself or support any claims that it will help with hair loss.
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Learn more about the author of this article, Dr. Bessam Farjo, on his BaldingBlog profile or at his website.
Thanks to Dr Rassman for first bringing this topic up in the blog. I use a Scalproller and love it. Yes, one or two specialist clinics in the UK use a 12.5% minoxidil solution and even boost that with penetration enhancers so the effective concentration could be even higher. I had been using a topical solution from the US called Xandrox but customs duty and shipping was becoming expensive. Now using 5% Regaine with a Scalproller means i save money and can get pharmacy quality instant supply at cheap prices.What is also good is that i can target the increased concentrations of Minoxidil by using the Scalproller more or less often and only on certain areas.