Minoxidil foam is an FDA-approved topical hair loss treatment. The topical foam is often used to regrow hair on the top of the scalp, especially thinning hair and bald spots caused by male pattern baldness. Minoxidil foam is available in two strengths: 2% and 5% (extra-strength) and you can find it over-the-counter online or at most pharmacies.
Minoxidil foam works by shortening the resting phase of hair growth, which prematurely initiates the growth phase of hair growth in the hair follicles and lengthens this growth phase. This may cause initial hair loss after starting minoxidil foam therapy, but ultimately results in longer and thicker new hair.
While minoxidil has been found very effective in stimulating hair growth in men with male pattern baldness, it is not an effective treatment for a receding hairline or balding from the front of the scalp. To treat these conditions, a hair transplant or finasteride may be a better option.
Minoxidil 5% Foam is for external use by men, only. Minoxidil 5% Foam is extremely flammable: avoid fire, flame, or smoking during and immediately following application. Do not use Minoxidil 5% Foam if:
You are a woman—it may interfere with important hormonal balances
You are trying to treat a receding hairline
Apply a ½ capful of minoxidil foam to the hair loss area twice a day for the best results. This medication is for external use only, and should only be used as directed. Before applying minoxidil foam, ensure that your scalp and hair are dry (you do not need to shampoo your hair before application). If you accidentally miss a treatment, apply it as soon as possible unless it is close to the time for the next treatment. You should not double up on treatments if you miss one, and just take the next scheduled treatment.
Minoxidil foam dries to the touch faster than minoxidil solution, usually after about 15 minutes to an hour. However, it takes minoxidil foam about 4 hours to completely dry after application, so you should wait a few hours before going to bed or washing your hair. However, you do not have to wait before blow drying or styling your hair after application. Be sure to wash your hands well after touching your minoxidil-treated hair.
Rogaine is the brand name of minoxidil, which is the active ingredient that fights hair loss. As required by FDA for generic equivalents, there is no difference in effectiveness or safety between Rogaine and minoxidil. Simply put, Men’s Rogaine and minoxidil are the same hair loss treatment, but they are made by different manufacturers and generic minoxidil tends to have a better price tag than the brand-name treatment. Rogaine is available as both Rogaine Foam and Rogaine Solution, which both have the same hair growth effects. For generic options, there is both minoxidil topical aerosol (foam) and minoxidil topical solution.
According to the data used for the FDA approval, minoxidil foam was found to be a safe and effective hair regrowth treatment. Specifically, the data reviewed during the course of FDA approval showed the safety profile of minoxidil foam to be consistent with topical 2% and 5% topical solution.
As with most drugs, you may experience side effects while using minoxidil. Most commonly, side effects are related to irritation, such as burning, stinging, or redness where you applied the treatment. If these side effects are bothersome, try reducing the frequency of application.
Twice daily application of topical minoxidil shows no systemic side effects. However, you should stop use and seek immediate healthcare if you experience dizziness, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, fatigue, swelling of the hands and feet and unexplained weight gain.
You do not need to intentionally wash minoxidil out of your hair at any point. However, you should let minoxidil dry onto your scalp for at least 4 hours before using shampoo or conditioner on your hair or before going to bed.
No, minoxidil results are not permanent. If you discontinue treatment, your hair is likely to return to its previous state within one to three months. For best results, continuously use minoxidil as recommended.
The active ingredient in minoxidil foam is Minoxidil 5%. The inactive ingredients in minoxidil foam are butane, butylated hydroxytoluene, cetyl alcohol, citric acid, glycerin, isobutane, lactic acid, polysorbate 60, propane, purified water, sd alcohol 40-b, stearyl alcohol and a propellant.
