Content
Regrow hair in as few as 3-6 months
Topical minoxidil (the generic version of Rogaine Ⓡ ) is an effective, research-backed, FDA-approved medication proven to help people with hair loss due to androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness. But what’s the best way to use it? Minoxidil foam or liquid?
Topical minoxidil is available in two forms: minoxidil foam and minoxidil liquid. They both work in the same way to stimulate the hair growth cycle. But there are a few key differences between them.
Below, we outline what the research says about Rogaine foam vs solution, and what you should consider when deciding between the two.
Content
Minoxidil, the generic version of the brand-name product Rogaine, is a topical treatment that helps slow hair loss and stimulate hair growth.
Researchers originally developed minoxidil as a treatment for high blood pressure, then discovered that it caused hypertrichosis (AKA excessive hair growth).
The hair loss treatment hit the market in the 1980s, with higher strength options hitting the shelves in the early 90s.
Today, both the 2% and 5% versions of minoxidil are available over the counter in the United States in liquid (dropper application) or foam (spray application) formulas. In other countries, you may need a prescription.
Even though it’s been around for over 30 years, researchers still don’t know exactly how minoxidil improves hair growth.
Some research suggests that topical application improves blood flow, increasing nutrient supply to hair follicles and stimulating hair regrowth.
Bottom line? Minoxidil is an effective hair loss treatment that research shows consistently improves hair growth in men with male pattern baldness and other forms of hair loss.
Is minoxidil foam or liquid better for hair loss?
Research shows that both forms of minoxidil work well for stimulating hair growth and treating hair loss.
One 2016 clinical trial published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology compared these two formulations head-on. Researchers concluded that they had almost identical effects on hair growth.
It’s worth noting that this study involved female participants with female pattern hair loss, not males. But, since minoxidil has similar effects on both sexes, we can assume the results would be similar in a study of males with male pattern baldness.
It’s also not the only study that has shown that both liquid and foam versions of minoxidil are similar in effectiveness. And there’s not really any evidence that suggests one works better than the other.
So how can you decide between the two? Here’s a handy comparison at a glance.
Below, you’ll find a side-by-side comparison of minoxidil foam and minoxidil liquid, with expert insight from one of our medical reviewers, board-certified dermatologist Knox Beasley, MD.
Ease of Application | Convenience | Absorption | Effectiveness (after 24 weeks of treatment) | Side Effects | |
Minoxidil Foam | Foam is easier to use if you have short hair or severe thinning | Tends to score higher in ease of use | Foam absorbs more quickly | Increase of 23.9 hairs per square centimeter | Unlikely to cause skin irritation |
Minoxidil Liquid | Minoxidil solution (liquid) might be easier to apply to long or very thick hair | It may be messier to apply | It may take longer for the skin to absorb | Increase of 24.2 hairs per square centimeter | [Propylene glycol](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11807448/) in liquid minoxidil can cause irritation, including red, itchy, or sensitive skin |
Our Expert’s Verdict | “Both formulations are easy to apply, but hair length and thickness may impact your choice,” says Dr. Knox Beasley. | “Deciding to use the foam vs the liquid comes down to personal preference. Some people like the foam and others prefer the liquid. The foam is typically easier to apply to larger areas of the scalp than the liquid.” | “The foam absorbs faster than liquid.” | “Both the foam and the liquid are equally effective.” | “The foam is less likely than liquid to cause skin irritation.” |
4.5 average rating
Minoxidil is a highly effective hair loss treatment, but it won’t do much good if you don’t use it correctly.
Follow these tips and techniques for optimal results:
Apply it correctly. Using minoxidil is easy, but preparing your hair and scalp before application is essential — our guide lists step-by-step instructions for properly applying minoxidil solution vs foam.
Be consistent. You’ll get the best results when using minoxidil twice a day. Need help sticking to your hair care routine? Try setting a notification on your phone or keeping the product in a prominent spot.
Use it with finasteride. Minoxidil works well on its own, but research shows it’s more effective when combined with finasteride. Minoxidil stimulates hair growth, and finasteride blocks the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes male pattern hair loss. Unlike minoxidil, finasteride requires a prescription. We offer both medications as part of our Hair Power Pack and a topical finasteride & minoxidil spray power duo.
FYI: Be prepared to wait three to six months for results. Minoxidil works, but it can take time to see its effects. In fact, it’s common to experience hair shedding in the first few months of minoxidil use, so don’t panic if you notice this symptom.
Both foam and liquid versions of minoxidil effectively treat hair loss and stimulate hair growth and work in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
Because the foam version of minoxidil doesn’t contain propylene glycol, it may be a better choice if you often experience irritation, redness, or other side effects from the liquid version.
Beyond this, it all comes down to personal preference.
If you use minoxidil regularly, consider trying both versions of the medication to see which one works best for you. You may also want to talk to a healthcare professional like a dermatologist to discover the right dosage for your needs.
You might also consider oral minoxidil or other products like biotin supplements — Hims offers several.
Not sure whether minoxidil is right for you? Take our free hair quiz to learn more about 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]!
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.
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
Wilson, L. M., Beasley, K. J., Sorrells, T. C., & Johnson, V. V. (2017). Congenital neurocristic cutaneous hamartoma with poliosis: A case report. Journal of cutaneous pathology, 44(11), 974–977. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cup.13027
Banta, J., Beasley, K., Kobayashi, T., & Rohena, L. (2016). Encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis (Haberland syndrome): A mild case with bilateral cutaneous and ocular involvement. JAAD case reports, 2(2), 150–152. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4867906/
Patterson, A. T., Beasley, K. J., & Kobayashi, T. T. (2016). Fibroelastolytic papulosis: histopathologic confirmation of disease spectrum variants in a single case. Journal of cutaneous pathology, 43(2), 142–147. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cup.12569
Beasley, K., Panach, K., & Dominguez, A. R. (2016). Disseminated Candida tropicalis presenting with Ecthyma-Gangrenosum-like Lesions. Dermatology online journal, 22(1), 13030/qt7vg4n68j. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26990472/
Kimes, K., Beasley, K., & Dalton, S. R. (2015). Eruptive milia and comedones during treatment with dovitinib. Dermatology online journal, 21(9), 13030/qt8kw141mb. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26437285/
Miladi, A., Thomas, B. C., Beasley, K., & Meyerle, J. (2015). Angioimmunoblastic t-cell lymphoma presenting as purpura fulminans. Cutis, 95(2), 113–115. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25750965/
Beasley K, Dai JM, Brown P, Lenz B, Hivnor CM. (2013). Ablative Fractional Versus Nonablative Fractional Lasers – Where Are We and How Do We Compare Differing Products?. Curr Dermatol Rep, 2, 135–143. https://idp.springer.com/authorize?response_type=cookie&client_id=springerlink&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Flink.springer.com%2Farticle%2F10.1007%2Fs13671-013-0043-0
Siami P, Beasley K, Woolen S, Zahn J. (2012). A retrospective study evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of intra-abdominal once-yearly histrelin acetate subcutaneous implant in patients with advanced prostate cancer. UroToday Int J, June 5(3), art 26. https://www.urotoday.com/volume-5-2012/vol-5-issue-3/51132-a-retrospective-study-evaluating-the-efficacy-and-tolerability-of-intra-abdominal-once-yearly-histrelin-acetate-subcutaneous-implants-in-patients-with-advanced-prostate-cancer.html
Siami P, Beasley K. (2012). Dutasteride with As-Needed Tamsulosin in Men at Risk of Benign Prostate Hypertrophy Progression. UroToday Int J, Feb 5(1), art 93. https://www.urotoday.com/volume-5-2012/vol-5-issue-1/48691-dutasteride-with-as-needed-tamsulosin-in-men-at-risk-of-benign-prostatic-hypertrophy-progression.html