Health and Fitness

Minoxidil for Hair Loss: 7 Proven Facts You Need

Minoxidil for hair loss: dermatologists explain how it works, who it helps, side effects, and how to use it for real results. Get the facts now.

Published

1 day ago

October 18, 2026

Admin

Minoxidil for Hair Loss: 7 Proven Facts You Need

Minoxidil for hair loss is the one treatment dermatologists keep coming back to, and for good reason: it has decades of research behind it. But does it actually work for you? Two board-certified dermatologists, Supriya Rastogi and Mona Gohara, recently settled the debate in a Prevention interview. Their verdict is clear, with caveats you need to hear.

Table of Contents

What Minoxidil Does and How It Works

Minoxidil was originally a blood pressure medication. Researchers noticed patients taking it grew more hair, and the rest is history. Today it is the active ingredient in Rogaine and the only FDA-approved topical treatment for pattern hair loss.

It works by prolonging the growth phase of the hair cycle and increasing blood flow around the follicle. As Dr. Gohara puts it, minoxidil gives follicles more time on the job. It shifts resting hairs into their growing phase and keeps them growing longer. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but the results are well documented.

Two Forms: Topical and Oral

Topical minoxidil comes as a foam or solution you apply directly to the scalp. It is FDA-approved for certain types of pattern hair loss. The advantage is less systemic exposure, but some people find it inconvenient or develop scalp irritation.

Oral minoxidil is prescribed off-label, meaning it is not FDA-approved for hair loss. It works throughout the body and can be easier to stick with, but it carries more potential for whole-body side effects. Neither form is inherently better; the choice depends on your type of hair loss, medical history, and preferences.

Does Minoxidil for Hair Loss Really Work?

Yes, for the right kind of hair loss. Both dermatologists agree minoxidil is one of the best treatments for androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern hair loss. It can slow hair loss and encourage thicker, fuller hair.

But it is not a cure. You need to use it lifelong, and you can lose the benefits if you stop. Results vary: some people see plenty of new growth, while others only stabilize their hair loss. Patience is key, since it typically takes around six months of consistent use to see real results. Dr. Gohara compares it to building muscle: consistency matters, results take months, and continued use maintains your gains.

Side Effects and Who Should Avoid It

Topical minoxidil is generally well tolerated but can cause scalp dryness, redness, and scaling. Some people develop unwanted facial hair if the medication touches their face. Ironically, you may experience more shedding initially, but that tapers off after three months and can be a sign the medication is working.

One critical warning: topical minoxidil is toxic to pets, especially cats. Even indirect contact, like a cat licking your pillowcase, can cause serious or fatal illness.

Oral minoxidil can cause lightheadedness, dizziness, headaches, swelling of the ankles, increased heart rate, and increased body or facial hair. These side effects are rare at the low doses prescribed for hair loss, but you should discuss them with your doctor.

Minoxidil is not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. People with certain cardiovascular conditions or low blood pressure should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of oral minoxidil with their doctor.

What Else Can You Do?

Hair loss is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Dr. Gohara stresses that correcting the underlying problem does the heavy lifting. Autoimmune disease, thyroid problems, menopause-related changes, iron or vitamin deficiencies, medications, and genetics are just a few possibilities, each calling for a different approach.

If you have a nutrient deficiency, fixing it through diet or supplements can help. But do not take supplements without confirming a deficiency first, as that can be harmful. Other options include spironolactone for women, finasteride, prescription anti-inflammatory treatments, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), low-level light therapy, and hair transplantation for selected patients.

Natural remedies like rosemary water have some evidence for early thinning, but research is still ongoing and mostly focuses on rosemary oil, not water. According to Byrdie, experts agree minoxidil 5% is generally more effective. Similarly, collagen and biotin supplements have limited evidence for hair growth, as Vogue reports.

A Simple Way to Add Minoxidil to Your Nigerian Routine

If you suspect pattern hair loss, see a dermatologist first. In Nigeria, check with a teaching hospital or a private dermatology clinic. Once prescribed, topical minoxidil is applied twice daily to a dry scalp. Part your hair in rows, apply a few drops or a capful of foam, and massage gently. Wash your hands afterward and keep your pillowcases away from cats.

Consistency is everything. Set a phone reminder for morning and night. Six months of steady use is your first real checkpoint. Take photos at the start so you can track progress objectively.

Minoxidil for hair loss is not magic, but it is the most proven topical option you can buy. The debate is settled: it works for pattern hair loss, it takes time, and it requires commitment. Start with a proper diagnosis, then give it the months it needs. Your follicles are counting on you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does minoxidil take to work for hair loss?

It typically takes around six months of consistent use to see real results. Some people notice reduced shedding earlier, but visible regrowth requires patience.

Can I stop using minoxidil once my hair grows back?

No. Minoxidil is not a cure. You need to continue using it lifelong to maintain benefits. If you stop, you can lose the hair you gained.

Is minoxidil safe for everyone?

No. It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. People with certain cardiovascular conditions or low blood pressure should consult a doctor before using oral minoxidil.

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Health and Fitness

US-Nigeria Health Deal: What It Means for Your Care

The US-Nigeria health deal commits $5.1bn to health. Here’s what it means for your clinic, medicines and data—and what to watch.

Published

7 hours ago

October 19, 2026

Admin

US-Nigeria Health Deal: What It Means for Your Care

The US-Nigeria health deal is a five-year Memorandum of Understanding signed on 19 December 2025. It runs from April 2026 to December 2030. The United States commits nearly $2.1 billion in grant funding. Nigeria commits to allocating at least six per cent of executed annual federal and state budgets to health, projected to mobilise nearly $3 billion. Both governments call it a step toward a more self-reliant health system. Critics call it a risk to data sovereignty and long-term independence.

Here is what the deal actually says, what it does not say, and what you can do today.

Warm-Up: Know What Is Actually in the Deal

The agreement covers disease surveillance, outbreak response, laboratory systems, support for frontline health workers, health information systems and access to essential medical commodities. Focus areas include HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, polio, and maternal and child health.

The US State Department says the deal places strong emphasis on Christian faith-based healthcare providers, with about $200 million in dedicated support. It says Nigeria’s more than 900 Christian faith-based health facilities serve over 30 per cent of the population, often where public facilities are limited. The government of Nigeria says the partnership supports early detection and control of infectious diseases and aligns with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.

Main Routine: What It Means for Your Care

First, expect more attention to primary healthcare and frontline workers. If the commitments are honoured, the deal could expand access to affordable preventive and curative services, especially in underserved areas.

Second, watch the medicines. The US is expected to provide vaccines and medicines valued at approximately $3 billion to support malaria and other life-threatening diseases, while Nigeria contributes a counterpart fund of approximately $2.1 billion. NOSCEF has asked the government to clarify whether NAFDAC retains full authority to test, evaluate, approve and monitor products supplied under the arrangement. If reports of restrictions on NAFDAC are accurate, that is a red flag. If they are not, the government should say so with documents.

Third, your data. Professor Oyewale Tomori, a virologist and former vice-chancellor of Redeemer’s University, warned that sharing health data and pathogen samples without guarantees of equitable benefit sharing could undermine Nigeria’s health security. He said Nigeria could provide valuable health information and biological resources, then later have to buy medicines and reagents developed from them. Human Rights Watch has raised concerns about data access and specimen provisions in several US bilateral agreements. Nigeria’s arrangement requires approval by a data and specimen governance committee on a case-by-case basis, according to that analysis.

Fourth, the money. Tomori questioned whether Nigeria can sustain roughly $600 million annually, citing figures attributed to Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate showing only N36 million released from the N218 billion health capital budget for 2025. An MoU is a statement of intent, not a legally binding treaty. In the US, funding still requires Congressional appropriation. In Nigeria, co-financing must pass future budgets.

Cool-Down: What to Do This Week

Ask your local government health authority what the deal means for your nearest primary healthcare centre. Ask whether new commodities, laboratory support or worker training are expected in your state.

If you take medicines for HIV, TB or malaria, do not stop or change them because of this news. Continue your treatment and get refills from your usual provider.

Check any product you receive. NAFDAC registration should be visible. If you are offered a medicine or vaccine under any programme and you are unsure, ask the health worker for the product name and approval status. Report suspected substandard products to NAFDAC.

Ignore claims that the vaccines or medicines are designed to harm or reduce the population. NOSCEF itself urged the public not to accept such claims without credible scientific evidence. Demand transparency instead.

Frequency: How Often to Check In

Review developments quarterly. The deal runs until December 2030. Key milestones: the April 2026 start, the first full budget cycle showing the six per cent allocation, and any publication of the full MoU text.

Tips for Holding the Deal Accountable

Demand the full text. NOSCEF, the African Democratic Congress, and Nigeria Health Watch’s Vivianne Ihekweazu have all called for the signed MoU to be published. You can add your voice through professional associations, religious bodies and civil society groups.

Follow the budget. The six per cent commitment is the part Nigeria controls. Track whether state and federal health allocations are actually released, not just approved.

Support local capacity. Tomori urged investment in local research, laboratory infrastructure and Nigerian scientists’ capacity to analyse health data and process pathogen samples within the country. That is the path to retaining value.

Learn from neighbours. Ghana rejected a proposed $109 million deal over data and regulatory concerns. Zimbabwe withdrew from a proposed $367 million agreement. Zambia finalised its deal in October 2026 after contentious data and specimen provisions were removed. Kenya’s High Court froze implementation of its MoU after challenges over patient data privacy and bypassing Parliament.

How to Know It Is Working

By 2028, you should see measurable signs. Fewer stockouts of essential medicines at your local clinic. More health workers trained and posted. Functioning laboratory equipment. Published data on maternal deaths and malaria cases moving in the right direction. And a government that can show Nigerians the full agreement and the receipts.

If none of that happens, the concerns raised by Tomori, NOSCEF and others will have been proven right. The US-Nigeria health deal is not a cure. It is a test of whether Nigeria can take external support without surrendering control of its health data, its medicines and its future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the US-Nigeria health deal a legally binding agreement?

No. It is a Memorandum of Understanding, a formal statement of intent. In the US, funding still requires Congressional appropriation. In Nigeria, co-financing commitments must be approved through future budget cycles.

Will NAFDAC still test and approve vaccines and medicines under the deal?

NOSCEF has asked the government to clarify this. Reports allege the agreement restricts NAFDAC from independently reviewing or testing supplied products. The government has not published the full text. If the reports are inaccurate, the government should provide documentary evidence.

How much is Nigeria contributing?

Nigeria has committed to allocating at least six per cent of executed annual federal and state budgets to health, projected to mobilise nearly $3 billion. Professor Oyewale Tomori described this as approximately $600 million annually and questioned whether the government can sustain it.

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Health and Fitness

Nigeria’s Health Partnership With the US: 5 Key Facts

Nigeria’s health partnership with the US shifts to domestic financing. Learn what the 2025 MoU means for HIV, malaria, vaccines and your care.

Published

18 hours ago

October 18, 2026

Admin

Nigeria's Health Partnership With the US: 5 Key Facts

You wake up with a fever and a headache. In the past, you might have waited to see if it passed. Now, with Nigeria’s health partnership with the US entering a new phase, the question of where you get tested and treated is shifting. The partnership is not ending. It is changing shape, and that change will touch your clinic, your pharmacy and your local hospital.

For more than two decades, Nigeria and the United States have worked together on major public-health challenges. Through PEPFAR, the President’s Malaria Initiative, polio eradication, laboratory development and disease surveillance, that cooperation has saved lives and strengthened institutions millions of Nigerians depend on. The next phase, according to Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, must serve a clear national purpose: building a system financed increasingly by Nigeria itself.

What Changed In 2025

Nigeria's health partnership with the US — Nigeria’s health partnership with the US

The health MoU signed by Nigeria and the United States on 19 December 2025 covers April 2026 to December 2030. It provides a managed transition from externally financed implementation toward stronger use of Nigerian institutions, government systems and domestic resources. The MoU is broader than medicines or vaccines. It covers outbreak surveillance and response, laboratory capacity and biosafety, frontline health workers, health commodities, data systems and strategic investments in service delivery. It also supports procurement reform and increased local manufacturing.

Planned US support is nearly $2 billion over five years and declines over the period. Nigeria plans nearly $3 billion in additional domestic health financing. That money does not leave Nigeria. It stays here and is applied to priorities Nigeria sets, including HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, laboratories, health workers, surveillance, commodities, primary healthcare and health information systems.

Why The Shift Matters For Your Care

The performance framework under Nigeria’s health partnership with the US tracks viral suppression among people living with HIV, tuberculosis outcomes, malaria deaths, maternal and child survival, immunisation rates and the speed with which public-health threats are detected, reported and controlled. These are not abstract numbers. They are the measures that determine whether your neighbour’s child gets vaccinated on time and whether your aunt’s HIV treatment continues without interruption.

Nigeria’s co-investment is measured by actual expenditure: at least 6 per cent of executed annual federal and state budgets for health, not by budget announcements alone. The 2025 federal health budget rose by nearly 60 per cent, increasing health’s share of the national budget to 5.2 per cent from just over 3 per cent. In presenting the 2026 Appropriation Bill, President Tinubu proposed ₦2.48 trillion for health and described health investment as 6 per cent of the budget net of liabilities. The 2026 Appropriation Act was signed with an aggregate expenditure of ₦68.32 trillion.

What The MoU Does Not Do

The MoU is legally non-binding. It recognises the application of Nigerian law and permits either participant to discontinue cooperation under its terms. The Attorney-General of the Federation reviewed and cleared it, confirming it did not undermine Nigeria’s national interest. Any citizen, journalist, researcher or civil-society organisation wishing to examine the instrument can request a copy under the Freedom of Information Act.

NAFDAC continues to exercise its statutory responsibility for medicines, vaccines and diagnostics. The MoU refers to NAFDAC’s existing regulatory-reliance framework, under which the agency may consider assessments by recognised stringent regulatory authorities while retaining responsibility for Nigeria’s own decision. Regulatory reliance reduces unnecessary duplication and accelerates access to quality-assured products. It does not remove NAFDAC’s authority to evaluate applications, inspect products and facilities, undertake risk-based testing, release vaccine lots and conduct post-market surveillance where required.

Approximately ten per cent of planned US support is intended for eligible faith-based health providers. The provision does not designate or confer preference on any religion or denomination. At the signing, the United States Ambassador acknowledged Nigeria’s Christian and Muslim traditions, making clear that eligible providers from both could receive support.

What This Means For Patients

If you are living with HIV, your treatment should continue. The framework explicitly aims to protect continuity of treatment and prevent reversals in HIV, tuberculosis, malaria and other essential services. If you notice any interruption at your clinic, ask your provider which implementing partner is responsible and report the gap to the state health ministry.

If you have a fever, get tested for malaria before you treat it. The partnership’s performance framework includes malaria deaths as a tracked outcome, which means testing and prompt treatment remain central. For children, keep to the immunisation schedule. Immunisation is one of the measures the MoU follows, and gaps in coverage show up quickly in the data.

For anyone considering medical treatment abroad, the picture is also changing. A separate US-Nigeria healthcare partnership, Atunse Healthcare Limited, launched in Lagos with a focus on regenerative medicine and advanced treatment. It aims to reduce Nigeria’s heavy dependence on overseas medical care. Nigeria lost an estimated $2.39 billion in 2024 to citizens seeking healthcare overseas. As BusinessDay reported, the greater cost is borne by those who cannot travel and for whom advanced treatment has never been an option.

Where The Money Goes

Much previous assistance was implemented through non-governmental channels that delivered important results but sometimes limited government’s direct visibility over expenditure. To the maximum extent permitted by United States law, the new arrangement moves financing toward government-to-government and on-budget mechanisms, with audits, performance reviews and tracking of co-investment. This strengthens national oversight and reduces fragmentation.

Nigeria’s health partnership with the US also covers cooperation on health data and pathogens. Nigeria must be able to detect an emerging pathogen, sequence it rapidly and share scientifically useful information when that serves public health. Requests for access remain subject to Nigerian law, data-protection requirements, scientific and ethical review and agreement on benefits arising from collaboration. Building domestic genomic-sequencing capacity, secure data systems and a national genomics repository strengthens sovereignty by enabling Nigeria to participate in global science from a position of competence.

When To See A Doctor

Do not wait for policy to change before you act on a symptom. See a doctor promptly if you have a fever that lasts more than two days, especially with chills or body pain. Seek care if a child has difficulty breathing, cannot drink, or has a convulsion. If you are on HIV treatment and your drugs run out, go to your clinic the same day and ask for a bridging supply; do not stop and restart on your own. Pregnant women should attend antenatal visits even when they feel well, because many complications are silent until late.

For non-emergency questions about the MoU or about specific programmes, ask your local primary healthcare centre which partner supports the service. The Vanguard report on the 250th independence celebration noted that the US remains committed to expanding bilateral trade and cooperation, including in health, through its partnership with Nigeria’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

The Road To 2030

By 2030, the proper measure of success will not be how much external assistance Nigeria received, but how much more capable and self-reliant the health system became while that assistance declined. That is the stated goal of Nigeria’s health partnership with the US. For you, it means watching your local clinic, not just the news. Ask whether the drugs are in stock. Ask whether the vaccine fridge is working. Ask whether the laboratory can run the test you need. The answers will tell you more about the partnership than any communiqué.

The next time you collect a prescription, look at the label. If it carries a NAFDAC number, the regulatory chain held. If it does not, the system has a gap that no bilateral agreement can close from Abuja alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nigeria’s health partnership with the US ending?

No. The partnership is transitioning. The MoU signed on 19 December 2025 covers April 2026 to December 2030 and shifts toward stronger use of Nigerian institutions and domestic financing while preserving essential services.

Will HIV treatment still be free or available?

The framework explicitly aims to protect continuity of treatment and prevent reversals in HIV services. If you experience an interruption, ask your clinic which implementing partner is responsible and report the gap to the state health ministry.

Does the MoU give the US control over Nigerian health data?

The MoU is legally non-binding and recognises Nigerian law. Requests for access to health data and pathogens remain subject to Nigerian law, data-protection requirements, scientific and ethical review, and agreement on benefits. A data and specimen governance committee reviews requests case by case.

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Health and Fitness

Becky G World Mental Health Day: 5 Powerful Lessons

Becky G World Mental Health Day festival close: 5 practical mental health lessons from her talk on identity, therapy, and being a real model.

Published

21 hours ago

October 18, 2026

Admin

Becky G World Mental Health Day: 5 Powerful Lessons

Becky G World Mental Health Day festival closed with a conversation that felt less like a celebrity appearance and more like a friend talking straight. On Saturday, Oct. 10, at Spring Studios in New York, the Mexican American singer sat down with NBC News correspondent Morgan Radford for Project Healthy Minds’ fifth annual event. What she said about identity, therapy, and the pressure to be perfect applies far beyond the stage.

Here are five practical takeaways from that talk, plus how to use them in your own life starting today.

1. Drop The Perfect Role Model Act

“The whole concept of being a role model is to model this idea of perfection, and I don’t think that is real at all,” Becky G said. She prefers being a “real model” — someone who admits she won’t get it right every time.

That shift matters for anyone carrying impossible standards. You do not have to be flawless to be worthy of respect. You just have to be honest about where you are. Try this: pick one area where you have been faking it — at work, at church, in a group chat — and tell one trusted person the truth this week. Research on self-compassion suggests that cutting yourself some slack reduces anxiety and improves resilience, though studies continue.

2. Therapy Is Part Of The Work, Not A Weakness

Becky G spoke candidly about therapy, family, and her healing journey. She described becoming “the person that I needed most” — and said that is when Becky G came to be.

In Nigeria, stigma still keeps many people from asking for help. But mental health is health. If you have been struggling with low mood, constant worry, or sleep problems for more than two weeks, book an appointment with a doctor or a clinical psychologist. You can start with your general practitioner, who can refer you. The National Institute of Mental Health has free, plain-language guidance on when to seek help.

3. Protect Your Peace Like It Is Your Salary

Becky G talked about growing up in the public eye and learning to protect her peace. You may not have paparazzi, but you have group chats, family expectations, and a phone that never stops buzzing.

Protecting your peace is a skill, not a personality trait. Start with one boundary: a time after which you do not answer work messages, or one conversation you will no longer participate in. Write it down. Tell the people affected. Boundaries feel uncomfortable at first because they are new, not because they are wrong.

4. Tell Your Story On Your Own Terms

One of the most striking parts of the conversation was Becky G’s insistence on telling her story her own way. That is harder than it sounds when family, culture, or social media want a tidier version.

You do not owe anyone the full story of your pain. You can share what you are ready to share, when you are ready. If writing helps, keep a private journal for a month — even five minutes a day. Expressive writing has been linked to better mood in some studies, though results vary.

5. Community Heals, But It Has To Be The Right Community

The event itself — a festival bringing people together around mental health — is a reminder that healing rarely happens alone. Project Healthy Minds runs free resources and events; you can find them at Project Healthy Minds.

In Nigeria, look for a trusted pastor, imam, community health worker, or a licensed therapist. Avoid anyone who promises a cure for depression through prayer alone or herbal mixtures without medical supervision. Faith and medicine can work together; they are not enemies.

What Becky G World Mental Health Day Really Taught Us

The Becky G World Mental Health Day conversation did not offer magic fixes. It offered something more useful: a famous person saying out loud that she does not have all the answers, that she needed therapy, and that she had to become the person she needed. That is a model you can copy without a stage or a spotlight.

If you take one thing from the festival, take this: your mental health is not a performance. It is a practice. Start with one honest conversation this week — with a friend, a doctor, or yourself in a notebook. The rest can follow.

For more on the event and Becky G’s upcoming appearance at Billboard’s Latin Music Week, see the Billboard report.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Becky G say at the World Mental Health Day festival?

She spoke about identity, creativity, and mental health, saying she prefers being a ‘real model’ over a perfect role model, and discussed therapy and her healing journey.

When and where was the Project Healthy Minds World Mental Health Day Festival?

It took place on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at Spring Studios in New York City.

How can I apply Becky G’s mental health advice in Nigeria?

Start by being honest about where you are, consider talking to a doctor or licensed therapist if you have persistent symptoms, set one clear boundary, and lean on trusted community members who respect medical care.