Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic You seem to have Androgenetic Alopecia, which is genetically programmed patterned hair loss. Minoxidil is a non-specific hair growth promoter. It induces the transition of hair from the resting phase (Telogen) to the growth phase (Anagen). Minoxidil 5% solution is the optimum strength, that should be used for hair loss in males. It is absolutely safe and US FDA approved for treatment of male pattern androgenetic alopecia. The aim of treatment is to arrest further progression of hair loss and if the hair loss has been for not very long, then you can expect new hair re-growth as well with this treatment. Therefore emphases is placed on starting the treatment as soon as possible. Apart from Minoxidil, Male pattern hair loss, is appropriately managed with an oral anti androgen e.g either Finasteride or Saw palmetto extract. Oral antiandrogens inhibit the enzyme 5 alpha reductase, which is present in hair follicle and is responsible for the conversion of testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone(DHT). DHT is the main culprit for miniaturization and hair fall. Thus an oral antiandrogen might be added in addition to minoxiidil 5% for optimum benefits. regards