Minoxidil Response Test

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

TrichoGene Minoxidil Response Test is a pharmacogenetic test, developed by TrichoGene, to support healthcare professionals in personalising treatment for hair loss. It suggests individualised treatment options by analyzing SULT1A1 enzyme activity which is essential for Minoxidil efficacy.

The Minoxidil Response Test identifies if you have adequate levels of the SULT1A1 enzyme on your scalp necessary to activate Minoxidil to stimulate hair growth. Receive your personalized report in 7 - 14 days to learn if you require an enzyme boost to improve your growth response to Minoxidil. Based on the positive or negative SULT1A1 enzyme activity in your hair follicles, your Doctor will recommend treatment plans to start your personalized hair growth system.

SULT1A1 Gene is analysed in TrichoGene-Minoxidil Response Test.

The association of the analysed gene with Minoxidil treatment response is clinically proven based on more than 50 scientific publications and evidence.

Each kit contains:

2x buccal swabs+ Container with stabilization buffer

1x informed consent forms;

1x instructions of use leaflet.

Every TrichoGene Minoxidil Response Test test kit is identified by a unique ID number. A label with the ID number is placed on each swab tube, on the informed consent forms and in the outer part of the box.

An informed consent form is a legal document signed by a patient that provides TrichoGene permission to analyse their DNA sample. Moreover, it should also be signed by the clinician, acting therefore as a legal document for the pre and post-genetic analysis consultation. No sample will be processed by the laboratory without the respective signed informed consent form.

The quantity of DNA required for the analysis is obtained with an oral swab. The procedure to obtain the sample is simple, and painless and can be carried out in the clinician’s office or consultation room.

The sampling process is simple and is also explained in detail in the instructions of the use leaflet present in the kit.

Before sampling: Patients should avoid eating, smoking, alcohol, drinking (water is the exception) or brushing their teeth at least 1h before scraping.

Patients are advised to rinse their mouths with water before scraping.

Informed consent must be filled out and signed by the clinician and the patient.

During sampling: Removal of the swab from the swab tube.

The inside part of one of the cheeks must be scraped energetically with the scraping end of the swab for 1 minute while rotating the swab. The scraping end of the swab should only be in contact with the inside of the cheek.

The swab should be stored back in the tube and closed.

Minoxidil Response Test provides clinicians with complete information about their patients’ hair loss genetic profiles. The genetic characteristics evaluated can influence the effect of minoxidil treatments used for hair loss. To support the clinician, an Minoxidil Response Test report is created for each patient, providing suggested personalised treatments for hair loss.

The suggested formulations generated in the Minoxidil Response Test report are supported by peer-reviewed literature.

The process of analysing DNA is complex. The results are expected to be sent approximately 14 working days after the sample has been received at our laboratory. This includes the time needed to process the sample and generate a personalised report.

The results report will be delivered to the clinician directly through the TrichoGene online platform.

The technology used to analyse the DNA is widely validated as a platform for genetic studies, with reproducibility and specificity rates of around 99%. Minoxidil Response Test technicians are particularly trained for this type of analysis and, have extensive experience in this process.

Although the methodology used is the best currently available, sometimes it can happen that the sample does not contain enough DNA and it is not possible to provide a reliable result. This may be due to many factors, such as the sampling process was not performed correctly or the sample was not kept in proper temperature conditions before or during shipment.

No, in this case, a new batch of swabs will be sent without the kit box, to perform a new sampling of the patient. If the online registration was already performed previously, it will not be required again. One repeat test will be offered for free.

Results will tell how well the patient responds to the Minoxidil drug for hair loss treatment.

The results obtained with Minoxidil Response Test? provide an indication of the potential efficacy of hair loss treatment types. The treatment is based on the gene expression of the patient. Patient treatment is then optimised by using the most efficient ingredient, treatment procedure and application.

Personalised treatments are supplied via a hair loss clinic or trichologist, there are two types of treatment, one that requires a prescription and one that does not. The hair loss consultant, trichologist or advisor will be able to provide information on how to obtain treatment.

The test is based on global research and is 99.9% accurate. The test determines the cause of your hair loss and recommends treatment options most likely to work for you. We cannot guarantee that each treatment option will succeed as there are many variables to consider. You should discuss this with your clinician or hair loss treatment expert.

The cost of your hair loss treatment will depend on your type of treatment. You should discuss treatment possibilities and pricing with your clinician or hair loss treatment expert.

Yes, TrichoGene Minoxidil Response Test can be used by everyone regardless of age, gender or race.

Frequently Asked Questions For Women

In many cases, yes, but it’s important to identify the root cause of your hair loss and adhere to a targeted hair regrowth treatment plan (along with implementing standard hair care best practices). This can help restore your mane to its former glory. Permanent hair loss does happen in cases of alopecia totalis, or when the root of the hair follicle is severely damaged due to constant pulling (traction alopecia), certain medical conditions, or letting your strands remain damaged for long periods of time without treatment.

However, if you identify the problem early enough and work to rectify it with a good hair care routine and the right treatments, you have a much higher chance of re-growing your hair. The sooner you start taking steps to improve your hair health, the better. You can optimize hair regrowth by taking FDA-approved drugs for hair loss such as Minoxidil.

There are a lot of things that can stimulate women's hair regrowth, including daily scalp massages, taking vitamins you're deficient in, and using FDA-approved products.

Minoxidil is an FDA-approved topical cream proven to stimulate hair regrowth for women—but only 30-40% of women. Even though this treatment is often touted as the "miracle hair loss cure," new research from Daniel Alain has found that Minoxidil is only effective in women who have adequate levels of the SULT1A1 enzyme on their scalp. This enzyme activity is necessary for the activation of minoxidil, which means that if you don't have enough of it, the treatment will be ineffective.

Minoxidil is an FDA-approved topical cream proven to stimulate hair regrowth for women—but only 30-40% of women. Even though this treatment is often touted as the "miracle hair loss cure," new research from Daniel Alain has found that Minoxidil is only effective in women who have adequate levels of the SULT1A1 enzyme on their scalp. This enzyme activity is necessary for the activation of minoxidil, which means that if you don't have enough of it, the treatment will be ineffective.

But that doesn't mean all hope is lost! Adding a SULT1A1 Enzyme Booster to your Minoxidil treatment can significantly improve how your body responds to the medication.

The best route for regrowth is individualistic and highly dependent on what's causing your hair to fall out in the first place. Once you've identified that, you can begin to look into which treatments will work best for you. Some options include FDA drugs for women’s hair regrowth, such as Minoxidil.

That said, implementing healthy hair care practices is a great place to start. Switch to a sulfate-free shampoo, add hair-friendly foods to your plate, get bloodwork done to determine if you have any nutritional deficiencies, and give yourself a nice scalp massage twice a day. And while you're working to figure out what's going on with your strands, avoid heat styling, chemical treatments, coloring, and tight hairstyles, as these can all exacerbate hair loss.

Most hair loss is temporary, and the right hair regrowth treatment for women can restore your strands. Addressing issues like hormonal imbalances, autoimmune diseases, nutritional deficiencies, and poor hair care is key to re-growing your tresses. You can help to preserve your existing strands and delay hair shedding by using an anti-shedding treatment such as INTACT. If you’re losing hair rapidly and want to stimulate regrowth, consider trying Minoxidil or Finasteride.

It helps to take a two-pronged approach, using a targeted treatment and implementing standard hair care practices. By doing so, you'll give your strands the best chance possible to bounce back.

The most common causes of women’s hair loss include are age, hormonal imbalances (like during pregnancy, menopause, or after stopping birth control), autoimmune diseases (such as lupus or Hashimoto's thyroiditis), nutritional deficiencies (including iron, zinc, and vitamin D deficiency), scalp infections, certain medications, chemotherapy and stress.

On top of that, hair loss is often multifactorial, meaning there are usually several contributing factors. That's why it's so important to focus not only on finding effective hair regrowth products for women but also on addressing the underlying causes of hair loss. If you're not sure where to start, talk to your doctor about the next steps to take.

Women differ from men in terms of how their hair loss manifests. Unlike the receding hairlines and patchy bald spots you'll see on your dad or your hubby, hair loss in women tends to be diffuse, meaning it's more evenly distributed throughout the scalp. You might notice thinning hair all over your head or that your part is widening.

You might also experience hair shedding, which is when hair falls out in clumps rather than gradually thinning over time. This can be a sign of an underlying health condition, so it's important to see a doctor if you're experiencing hair shedding. If your ponytail is thinner than it used to be or you're waking up to tons of hair all over your pillow, those could also be signs of hair loss.

Thanks to advances in modern medicine, there are tons of hair regrowth products for women on the market today. On the chemical side, you can opt for low-level light therapy, hair transplants, or an FDA-approved treatment like Minoxidil.

You can also go the natural route and try hair-stimulating essential oils, scalp massages, hair-friendly vitamins and minerals, and microneedling. A combination of both natural and medical treatments—along with following a consistent healthy hair care routine—is often the most effective approach.

Daniel Alain's Minoxidil Response Test is clinically proven to determine if you have the right amount of SULT1A1 enzyme activity in your hair follicles to activate Minoxidil and regrow your strands. You must have this enzyme activity for Minoxidil to work and regrow your hair. Otherwise, the drug won’t work.

The test is simple: First, you order and register your Minoxidil Response Test. Then collect a hair sample from the hair loss area on your scalp and return it to us in the included prepaid mailer. We'll test your sample and send you your results within seven to 14 business days.

Once you've received your results, you'll then be recommended one of two Minoxidil hair growth systems based on how much SULT1A1 enzyme activity you have. So no matter what, you'll get a hair loss solution that's tailored specifically for you.

Yes—Minoxidil is the best hair regrowth treatment for women. While there are other options on the market, Minoxidil has the most scientific evidence to back up its hair-growing claims.

However, Minoxidil will only be effective in women who have enough SULT1A1 enzyme activity in their hair follicles to stimulate hair growth. That's why it's so important to take the Minoxidil Response Test before starting any hair loss treatment regimen—and use Daniel Alain's customized Hair Growth System for the best results.

Corticosteroid injections are by far the most immediate way to stop hair loss—but they're also the most temporary. These injections are typically given every four to six weeks and can be quite costly over time. Using an anti-shedding serum like INTACT is a more budget-friendly and natural way to reduce hair loss during high-shed activities like brushing, washing and styling.

Unfortunately, stopping hair loss in its tracks takes time. Even the most effective solutions can take up to three to six months for new hairs to start sprouting. So be patient, follow your hair loss treatment plan and don't forget to give your hair a little extra TLC in the meantime.