Minoxidil and Itchy Scalp: Causes, Treatments, and Solutions

When you start noticing an itchy scalp, you might initially fear that it’s lice or a skin condition like seborrheic dermatitis (eczema) or dandruff. But sometimes, an itchy scalp can be a side effect of medication. And if you’re using minoxidil for thinning hair, it turns out that one of the most common side effects of minoxidil is an itchy scalp.

Here, we’ll discuss why minoxidil may cause an itchy scalp, what you can do about it, and alternative treatment options if all that itchy discomfort becomes too much.

Minoxidil is a popular hair loss treatment. It’s the active ingredient in the brand name drug  Rogaine®. Topical minoxidil is also one of two medications with approval from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) specifically for treating male pattern baldness.

Minoxidil is a vasodilator, meaning it widens blood vessels. This helps to bring blood, nutrients, and oxygen to the scalp, where it can encourage healthy hair growth. It also prolongs the anagen (or growth phase) of the hair growth cycle, allowing hair to grow for longer.

Minoxidil is available both topically and orally. Oral minoxidil isn’t currently FDA-approved for hair loss (it does have approval for treating high blood pressure), but it’s sometimes prescribed off-label for androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Following a consultation with one of our healthcare providers, oral minoxidil may be available. You don’t need a consult to buy topical minoxidil since it’s over-the-counter.

Now for the question that (probably) brought you here: Does minoxidil cause an itchy scalp? We’ll cut to the chase — yes, sometimes minoxidil can cause an itchy scalp. You’ll sometimes see itching called “pruritus” in the scientific literature on minoxidil.

The most common topical minoxidil side effect is dermatitis at the site of application, which causes itchiness. According to a retrospective study, 13.8 percent of minoxidil users experience scalp itching, which was the most common side effect.

If you experience itchiness after using minoxidil, it’s possible that you’re experiencing an allergic reaction. These tend to be benign, but some research suggests doing a patch test before using the product again.

If you experience an itchy scalp from taking minoxidil, you don’t have to scratch your head (sorry, we’ll stop) wondering what to do about it. There are several ways to treat an itchy scalp from minoxidil.

Try the Foam

Here’s where things get interesting. Propylene glycol is an ingredient in most minoxidil solutions. Some researchers think most contact dermatitis is actually caused by this ingredient, not minoxidil itself. Some types of minoxidil, including our minoxidil foam, do not contain propylene glycol.

So, if you’re experiencing an itchy scalp while using minoxidil, switching the foam may be all it takes.

Use a Lower Dose

If you’re experiencing an itchy scalp while using topical minoxidil, you may want to consider using a lower dose, especially if you’re taking extra-strength minoxidil, which typically comes in 10% strength. Studies have found that  5% minoxidil is actually more effective than 10% minoxidil, especially around the hairline and crown.

2% minoxidil is typically recommended for female-pattern hair loss. In men with male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), 5% minoxidil is superior to 2%.

Hydrate Your Scalp

In some cases, topical minoxidil may also cause a dry, scaly scalp, leading to itching. It helps to keep the scalp hydrated. Plus, some research suggests that scalp care benefits healthy hair growth.

There are several ways you can keep your scalp moisturized. Here are some ideas:

• Drink more water.

• Avoid shampoos and hair care products with sulfates, which can be drying.

• Limit heat styling, which can strip hair of natural moisture.

• Wear a hat in cold, dry weather.

• Massage a moisturizer or natural oil (like coconut) into your scalp, then rinse.

• Exfoliate the scalp regularly to get rid of dead, flaky skin.

Use an Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Some research suggests that minoxidil can also increase dandruff, which contributes to itching. Shampoos with anti-dandruff ingredients like pyrithione zinc or ketoconazole can help keep flaking at bay and minimize itching.

Our dandruff detox shampoo contains pyrithione zinc 1% & salicylic acid to help fight flakes and itchiness.

Talk to a Healthcare Provider About Switching To Oral Minoxidil

As we mentioned earlier, itching is not commonly associated with oral minoxidil. If an itchy scalp is causing you not to take your minoxidil regularly, it won’t work as well as it should. Non-compliance (i.e., not using minoxidil as prescribed) is one of the most common reasons people don’t see results.

If that’s the case, you may consider asking your healthcare provider if oral minoxidil is a better solution for your condition. Like all medications, it’s not without side effects (excessive hair growth, aka hypertrichosis, lightheadedness, and fluid retention are the most common), but it shouldn’t cause an itchy scalp.

Does an Itchy Scalp Mean Minoxidil Is Working?

Some people wonder if an itchy scalp is a sign that minoxidil’s working. Well, sorry to burst your bubble —  itchiness is not a sign that your hair is growing. But it’s also not a sign that your hair isn’t growing.

Keep in mind that it can take several months to see results from minoxidil.

If minoxidil is causing a severely itching scalp, you may want to consider alternative hair loss treatments, including:

Finasteride: Finasteride inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a male hormone linked to hair loss. Finasteride is very effective for treating male pattern baldness but won’t be helpful for types of hair loss that don’t have a hormonal component, like telogen effluvium.

Saw Palmetto: Saw palmetto is a plant-based extract that some research suggests may block 5-alpha-reductase (similar to finasteride) and reduce DHT levels. Our thickening shampoo contains saw palmetto.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Platelet-rich plasma therapy uses a patient’s own blood, which is concentrated into platelets and then injected into the scalp.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): LLLT involves devices like laser combs, helmets, or caps programmed with specific light waves. It’s thought to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth.

Biotin Supplements: For people with a true deficiency in biotin (which is rare), supplementing with the B vitamin can be helpful. Our biotin gummies contain other ingredients to support hair health, like folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and vitamin D.

You can learn more about your options in our guide to natural minoxidil alternatives.

Here’s the TL;DR on whether minoxidil causes an itchy scalp.

Minoxidil is a vasodilator that can stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp and prolonging the hair growth cycle. It's available in both topical and oral forms, although only the topical version is FDA-approved for hair loss.

Scalp itchiness is a common side effect of topical minoxidil, often caused by an ingredient called propylene glycol. Switching to a minoxidil foam, using a lower dose, hydrating the scalp, or using an anti-dandruff shampoo can help alleviate discomfort.

Itching doesn't indicate minoxidil's effectiveness, so it's important to consult with a healthcare professional if the issue persists or worsens. Alternative hair loss treatments may be considered if minoxidil is not tolerated.

If you want to learn more on the topic, check out our guide to the potential link between an itchy scalp and hair loss. And if you’re interested in a treatment plan for hair loss that’s catered to you, you can set up an appointment to consult with one of our healthcare providers online.