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Over 90% of users saw increased regrowth or reduced hair loss in clinical trials
You may have heard that minoxidil is one of the most popular hair loss treatments out there. What you might not know is how to apply minoxidil effectively — which is where we come in.
Also sold under brand names like Rogaine®, minoxidil is an over-the-counter, topical medication that slows down hair loss and speeds up hair regrowth. This makes it a great option for anybody who has noticed the early signs of balding, like increased hair fall or a receding hairline.
But to actually reap the benefits of minoxidil, you need to use it correctly. Below, we explain how to apply minoxidil foam and minoxidil liquid to treat hair loss. We’ll also share some tips for getting the most out of minoxidil.
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Minoxidil comes in two main formulations: minoxidil topical solution and minoxidil foam. We’ll cover what you need to know about minoxidil application in both forms.
Using minoxidil liquid solution is pretty easy. The entire process only takes a few minutes, making it easy to work into your hair care routine. Here’s how to apply it:
Make sure your hair is completely dry before use. If you’ve taken a shower or bath, dry your hair before applying minoxidil solution.
Fill the dropper provided with your medication with 1 milliliter (ml) of minoxidil. You should see a black line on the dropper indicating the 1 ml mark.
Using the dropper, apply the minoxidil to the areas of the scalp that are affected by hair loss. It may help to part your hair in several places so that the minoxidil can easily come into contact with your scalp.
Using your fingers, rub the minoxidil solution into your scalp.
After you’ve applied the minoxidil, put the cap back on the bottle, and wash your fingers thoroughly using soap and warm water to remove any remaining minoxidil from your skin.
Minoxidil solution is intended for use twice a day. Most people who use minoxidil apply it once in the morning and once in the evening, typically a few hours before going to bed.
Here’s how to minoxidil foam to your scalp:
Make sure your hair is completely dry before applying minoxidil. Before applying the foam, gently part your hair so that your scalp is easy to reach.
Hold the can upside down and press the nozzle to dispense half a capful of foam onto your fingers.
Using your fingers, gently apply the foam to the areas of the scalp that are affected by hair loss. Massage it into your scalp using your fingers.
After you’ve finished applying the minoxidil foam, wash your hands thoroughly to get rid of any remaining minoxidil.
If you’re using minoxidil foam, you’ll also apply it twice a day. Typically, you’ll use half a capful of foam for each application (so a total of one capful of foam a day).
Although minoxidil application is pretty straightforward, we’ve got some tips for getting the most out of either the solution or the foam:
After you’ve applied minoxidil, allow the medication to dry for four hours before you wear a hat, use a hair dryer, or wash your hair.
Don’t exceed the recommended minoxidil dosage for hair loss. Applying minoxidil more often will not improve your results, but it may increase your risk of side effects.
Rinse minoxidil off if it gets on other parts of the body. If it drips onto your forehead or face, for instance, use cool water to wash it away.
Avoid getting it on your clothing. Unfortunately, minoxidil can stain, so try to prevent it from getting on clothing or bedding. Wait for it to dry before lying on your pillow.
Lastly, if you’re experiencing any concerning side effects — like extreme skin irritation – it’s a good idea to pause using it and consult a healthcare practitioner. We’ll cover the side effects of minoxidil later.
If you forget to use minoxidil and remember shortly after the missed dose, try to apply it as soon as you can. On the other hand, if it’s already about time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and use the medication as normal.
Minoxidil works best when you use it consistently (ideally, every day). You should notice some new hair growth after about four months of consistent minoxidil use , so don’t give up if you aren’t noticing improvements after a few weeks.
If you often find you’ve forgotten to apply minoxidil, here are a couple suggestions for how to better remember:
Keep your minoxidil in an obvious, impossible-to-miss location. It’s helpful to store minoxidil in a place where it will be right in front of you when you use it — say, on your bedside table or near your toothbrush.
Place a sticky note, or set a calendar reminder. A sticky note on your bathroom mirror can be a great way to remember. More of a digital person? Try setting an alarm on your phone for a few minutes after you wake up. Hit the snooze button a lot? Create a recurring event in your phone’s calendar app.
Rest assured, the longer and more consistently you use minoxidil, the easier it will become to remember to apply it. That’s because the more you do it, the more likely it is to become a habit (especially once you start seeing results).
Excess heat and moisture could affect the product, so when you’re not using minoxidil, keep it stored in a convenient location away from spots like your radiator or shower.
And if you have young children or pets in your home, you don’t want them getting into your minoxidil. Try to store minoxidil (and other medications) in a location that’s out of their sight and reach.
For the most part, minoxidil is a safe and effective medication. Minoxidil is an FDA-approved medication, which means it has to meet specific criteria for safety and effectiveness.
That said, all medications have side effects, and minoxidil is no exception. The most common minoxidil side effects include:
Skin irritation
Dryness
Scaling
Burning
Flaking
Itching
Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience any of these side effects while using this medication.
It’s also important to note that you might experience temporary hair shedding when you first start using minoxidil. So if you notice a little extra hair fall, don’t panic — your hair will grow back soon, as long as you’re using the treatment consistently.
If minoxidil isn’t right for you, or if you’d like to pair it with another hair regrowth treatment for maximum effect, you’ve got other options:
Finasteride: An FDA-approved, prescription hair loss treatment, finasteride is effective at slowing down androgenetic alopecia (aka male pattern baldness).
Combining minoxidil and finasteride: Using a combination of finasteride and minoxidil can be super effective for treating male pattern hair loss. You can try our topical finasteride and minoxidil spray, or take finasteride pills along with topically applying minoxidil.
Hair growth supplements: One possible cause of hair loss is nutritional deficiencies. Along with eating a varied, balanced diet, you can use supplements like our biotin gummies to support healthy hair growth.
Hair care products: Some products actually promote hair regrowth, like our thickening shampoo with saw palmetto. A dermatologist or hair stylist can also point you in the right direction on your options.
In addition, it’s a good idea to stick to gentle hair care techniques when you’re trying to address hair loss. Styling your hair too roughly can cause breakage, which can make your hair appear thinner and less healthy.
Whatever has you investigating minoxidil — thinning hair, bald patches, or the realization that your hairline is starting to look like your dad’s — you’re in the right place.
Losing hair can be frustrating, but there are solutions.
Luckily, minoxidil is a science-backed medication that’s supported by decades of comprehensive, large-scale scientific research. Keep this key information in mind when it comes to how to use minoxidil:
Using minoxidil is a simple process. Follow the instructions outlined above for how to apply minoxidil solution or foam to your scalp. Make sure to be consistent with minoxidil application to achieve the best results.
Minoxidil works — but it doesn’t work overnight. It may take a few months before you notice any hair regrowth. So as long as you’ve read up on how to apply minoxidil properly, don’t sweat that you’re doing something wrong.
Be aware of the side effects. While minoxidil is generally safe, it doesn’t agree with everyone. Mild side effects might go away after a few weeks of use, but if the side effects are bothering you, speak with a healthcare professional.
Minoxidil can be paired with other hair regrowth treatments. You might benefit from using minoxidil alongside finasteride, hair growth supplements, and quality hair care products.
Got more questions? We can help you book a hair consultation with a healthcare professional. They can give you personalized medical advice and help you explore your hair loss treatment options.
Hims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references. See a mistake? Let us know at [email protected]!
Dr. Knox Beasley is a board certified dermatologist specializing in hair loss. He completed his undergraduate studies at the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, and subsequently attended medical school at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, LA.
Dr. Beasley first began doing telemedicine during his dermatology residency in 2013 with the military, helping to diagnose dermatologic conditions in soldiers all over the world.
Dr. Beasley is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Originally from Nashville, TN, Dr. Beasley currently lives in North Carolina and enjoys spending time outdoors (with sunscreen of course) with his wife and two children in his spare time.
Bachelor of Science, Life Sciences. United States Military Academy.
Doctor of Medicine. Tulane University School of Medicine
Dermatology Residency. San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium
Board Certified. American Board of Dermatology
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