Every day the average person loses 50 to 100 strands of hair throughout the day, but each hair follicle that falls gets replaced by a new follicle, which will then continue to grow for another three years before falling out and continuing the cycle. When you find this pattern changing and you find yourself losing more than the average, with new hair growing only one inch every four to eight weeks, it a good time to take preventative action before you start balding.

Male pattern baldness, which is a genetic condition, tends to get more attention, both from the medical field and from advertisements for treatments. But women develop a similar type of hereditary hair loss, commonly after menopause, due to their hair follicles gradually becoming smaller than normal.

With all the hair loss treatments in the market now, it's only fair to warn you that not all solutions are effective in stemming hair loss or in re-growing new hair. The best way to deal with heredity baldness, or whatever condition it is, is to seek medical advice or do some research to see what options are available for you to try.

Treatment with a minoxidil rubbed into the scalp is a commonly used solution that is recommended to prevent further hair loss. This type of solution can be found in products such as Regaine or Rogaine, which is known to promote new hair growth, even though the scientific reasons for its success is still largely unknown. Minoxidil is not effective for everyone though. Let's examine the use and application of Regaine, which may have been recommended to you by your doctor or pharmacist, so you can evaluate the process and see if this treatment is right for you.

When Regaine should not be used:

Pregnant, breast-feeding, or trying for a baby? Wait until your care is done before considering treatment.
If you have not seen a healthcare provider to determine the cause of hair-loss, do that first.

Any skin conditions or a sore on your scalp is a reason to avoid using minoxidil.

Heart conditions such as angina (chest pain), high blood pressure, or an abnormal heartbeat make using minoxidil a high risk.
You will need to check for allergic reactions to your skin or to any other medicine.

Precautions and advice when using Regaine:

Do not use minoxidil on any other areas of your body or if your scalp is inflamed or sore.

Absorption into the body can cause side effects such as feeling faint, chest pain, or a rapid heartbeat.

The solution contains an alcohol which may irritate the skin.Dont get it in your eyes or mouth, or cuts and broken skin. If this happens, wash well with water.

Do not apply plasters or bandages over any treated areas.
Keep the solution away from open flames or sparks.

How to use the Regaine treatment:

After consulting a professional on whether to use Regaine or not, read the printed leaflet inside the box for more information about minoxidil and a full list of side-effects.

Your hair and scalp should be dry before you apply minoxidil. Wait at least an hour after washing your hair before applying the preparation.
Choose from one of three applicators in the box. Follow the instructions on the leaflet inside the box for the type of applicator you have chosen. Each applicator releases a 1 ml dose which is then applied to the scalp and rubbed in with the fingers.

The application should be administered twice a day, at the morning and evening.
If you forget one of the treatment times, dont worry, just wait till the next application time and carry on with a normal dose.
Wash your hands thoroughly after applying the treatment to avoid contact with other areas of your skin.

Hair growth should begin within 2-3 months of using Regaine Hair Strength, and after a year of regular use you should see a noticeable difference. The new hair growth may feel fine and downy in the beginning of growth, but this improves with time. Re-growth of your hair will disappear over 3-4 months after discontinuation of the treatment.