Minoxidil is a medication that helps people who are losing their hair. It’s commonly used to treat a type of hair loss called hereditary hair loss (also known as male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness). When you apply minoxidil directly to your scalp, it improves blood flow to the hair follicles, which encourages hair growth. It won’t magically give you a full head of hair, but it can slow down hair loss and even help new hair sprout. Minoxidil can also be used on sparse eyebrows. Be careful though, there are a lot of fakes on the market and this post will show you how to know if you’ve bought the real deal.
Check for Liquid Crystallisation
Kirkland is a popular brand like Regaine/ Rogaine (US) however, there are fakes on marketplaces like eBay and sites like Temu. Here’s how to tell if you have a genuine product.
When an original minoxidil liquid dries up, it crystallises and has a coarse texture. A fake product, on the other hand, doesn’t exhibit this feature. Here’s how to run the test:
Step 1: Pour out a small amount onto a plate.
Step 2: Observe whether it crystallises as it dries up. Authentic Kirkland minoxidil will show grainy particles, while the fake one won’t. Real Minoxidil tends to crystalise around the cap area with use.
Check the Packaging
The label is another way to check the authenticity of your minoxidil. Pay attention to the font, spelling, and overall quality of the label and design. Counterfeit products often have subtle differences, for example, genuine Kirkland Minoxidil has a honeycomb design on the box whereas fake products don’t.
A box may be made to look like one of these brands but have a different name. Don’t be tempted to buy!
Check the Expiry Date
Always check the product’s expiry date. Genuine Kirkland minoxidil will have a clear and valid expiration date. If the date seems suspicious or is missing altogether, it could be a red flag.
Do a Bleach Test
When bleach and minoxidil are mixed, they create a yellow-like liquid. Although I don’t know the exact chemical reaction behind it, this test can help determine if your minoxidil is genuine.
Check the Fragrance
Genuine Kirkland Minoxidil should have a distinct alcohol scent, a bit like vodka. When you apply it, you might notice an initial strong alcohol scent, however, it will soon dissipate.
To Conclude
Minoxidil is a good option for hair loss, but there are a lot of fake products out there, so you’ve got to be careful when you buy it. Doing the checks above will help you make sure you’re getting the real deal.
