Tips on Using Minoxidil

Men

Minoxidil solution comes in a generic formulation and can be purchased over the counter. The foam is available in brand only (Rogaine Foam).

Minoxidil only works where you apply it. Apply it to all areas that are thinning.

• Minoxidil can work anywhere there is miniaturized hair (where the area is not totally bald)
• Minoxidil will work in the front part of the scalp and temples if these areas are just starting to thin – so it is important to apply it to the front part of your scalp and hairline if you are thinning in these areas.

Minoxidil must be applied to the scalp to work – it doesn’t work on the hair per se.

• Minoxidil 5% solution is the most effective if you have some hair, as the solution will be easier to apply to the scalp.
• If the 5% solution is irritating to your scalp, try the 5% Foam which does not contain propylene glycol, the most common irritant.
• If the 5% solution is too greasy and you find you are not using it, switch to the foam.

Although the Minoxidil works best when used twice a day, using it once a day will also be effective (and better than not using it at all).

• Many patients find applying the medication once a day at bedtime to be the most convenient way to use it.
• When using minoxidil once a day, use at least double the recommended dose, so that it will be applied to the entire area of thinning.

Minoxidil can be applied to damp scalp when you first get out of the shower and this can make grooming easier.

For minoxidil to be effective it must be used continually and regularly. Do not stop and start it. You may experience shedding during the first 3-6 months of treatment. This generally is an indication that the medication is working, so unless you are having side effects, do not stop the medication. If you do stop the medication, you will lose all of its benefits (although you will not be any worse off than if you had never used it).

Minoxidil works best when used with finasteride (Propecia). Of the two medications, finasteride is more effective.

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Women

Minoxidil solution comes in a generic formulation and can be purchased over the counter. The foam is available in brand only.

There are a few side effects of minoxidil of which you should be aware:

• Increased Facial Hair
• Scalp Irritation
• Light Headedness/Dizziness

These side effects are reversible and occur in fewer than 5% of patients who use it. If you experience any of these side effects, please discontinue use and let us know.

Minoxidil only works where you apply it. Massage into all areas that are thinning.

• Minoxidil can work anywhere there is miniaturized hair (where the area is not totally bald).
• Minoxidil will work in the front part of the scalp and temples if these areas are just starting to thin.

Minoxidil must be applied to the scalp to work – it doesn’t work on the hair per se.

Many patients find applying the minoxidil once a day at bedtime to be the most convenient.

• When using minoxidil once a night, use at least double the recommended dose, so that it will be applied to the entire area of thinning.
• If the solution is too greasy to keep on the following the day, use the solution at bedtime and shower it out the next AM. Use the aerosol (foam) at night if you don’t plan to shampoo your hair the next day, as this product is less messy.
• If you shampoo in the evening, minoxidil can be applied to damp scalp when you first get out of the shower and this can make grooming easier.

For minoxidil to be effective it must be used continually and regularly. Do not stop and start it. You may experience shedding during the first 3-6 months of treatment. This generally is an indication that the medication is working, so unless you are having side effects, do not stop the medication. If you do stop the medication, you will lose all of its benefits (although you will not be any worse off than if you had never used it). You do not need to contact our office if you experience shedding from the medication.

Read more about Rogaine (minoxidil)

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