User:Cunninla/Menthogen

Menthogen is a prescription grade topically applied scalp stimulant that stops & prevents itchiness and irritation of the scalp as well as combating certain types of alopecia. Menthogen has been developed by the same trichological team responsible for Hairsense, The Scalp Prescription Range, Eau de Lid though the latter is no longer in production.

Menthogen has a cooling effect when applied to the scalp due to the presence of menthol and alcohol within the formula. Following application these effects are felt by a user within a couple of minutes. Daily use of Menthogen counteracts the effects of androgens which contribute to both male and female hair loss, therefore Menthogen encourages the production of a better quality, thicker hair strand.

History
Menthogen was originally developed by F.J. Cunningham at his dispensary in Castleton, Rochdale, Lancashire as early as 2002 and was used within private patient's trichology clinic treatment sessions. A year long private double-blind study was also undertaken. More recently Menthogen has been marketed as a product aimed at itchiness, irritation and hair loss caused specifically by wearing tightly fitted helmets, hats and headwear. Given its origins in the hair loss industry, it seems that this move is an attempt by the manufacturers at commercial 'crossover' into new markets.

Users and markets
Menthogen was created within an industry where people are looking for solutions to problems such as alopecia (hair loss) and general itchiness or irritation of the scalp, the product has therefore seen wide usage by sufferers of such conditions. The product is sometimes marketed as a combined scalp stimulant and hair loss stabiliser.

Its discovery and subsequent promotion of its ant-irritant properties by an North American snowboarding magazine has led to the product developers realizing new markets; those who wear tightly fitting headwear. Although Menthogen continues to be used in the hair loss arena the formula for the latter markets remains unaltered and in its original strength.

There has been an embracing of Menthogen by consumers from colder climates and this is linked not so much with any particular hair and/or scalp malady but rather with itchiness caused by wooly headgear that users from such climates frequently wear; bacteria which feeds off sweat and dead skin cells left behind in hats and headgear is often repeatedly placed in direct contact with the skin again. This may ultimately cause itchiness and rash which is exacerbated by scratching. Repeated scratching may remove hair that was not ready for its telogen stage and therefore be categorised as traction allopecia.

The science
Menthogen contains stimulators which act upon blood capillaries and hair bulbs (roots) which have the effect of increasing the supply of nourishment to the hair and scalp. Phytohormones are natural plant substances that, at low concentration, influence hair growth are also present in sufficient quantities to enhance Menthogen's properties towards stimulating growth of healthy hair.

Usage
Users are advised to apply once daily, preferably in the evening before retiring. The reason for this is that naturally the body relaxes when you sleep and this includes the dermis of the scalp. This gives better penetration of the product.

Menthogen is supplied with a micro diffusing atomiser spray which distributes the solution evenly across the scalp. A user makes a parting in their hair and sprays the soultion directly onto thier scalp from a distance of around three inches. They then briefly massage the product into their scalp with their fingertips. This action is then repeated in a series of partings an inch or so apart until the top area of the scalp has been covered. The only stipulation is that Menthogen is applied onto a clean scalp.

It is recommended that users tilt their head back when applying the product to the front of their scalp to prevent contact of the solution with their eyes.

Side effects
Users of Menthogen may experience a slight 'tingling' of the scalp along with the aforementioned cooling sensation. This wears off after 5-10 minutes. Some users may describe this sensation, combined with the cooling effects, as mildly pleasant.

Users may also notice a very slight reddening of the skin may appear where the product is applied. Such reddening has no associated 'feeling'. It does not last long and is a result of the blood capillary and hair bulb stimulators at work.