Your hair looks thinner at the nape of your neck, and you want to run for cover? Minoxidil is the drug for you. In the United States it is marketed under the name Rogaine, and is best known under the trade names of Amexidil, Aloxidil, Minovital, Minoximen, Regaine or Tricoxidil. Applying it is quick and easy, and we'll show you how. Keep reading!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Apply Minoxidil
Step 1. Wash your hair and scalp thoroughly
Dry your hair with a towel or blow dryer, depending on your preference. You can apply Minoxidil to damp hair.
Step 2. Rinse your hands in cold water and dry them well
Step 3. Prepare the solution
Minoxidil is available in two formats: liquid (for men and women) and foam (for men).
- Liquid: Loads the applicator. Fill the applicator with 1 ml of solution, or use 20 drops.
- Foam: Turn the can upside down and spray about half a scoop of foam on your fingers.
Step 4. Apply minoxidil to skin
Part the hair where it is thinnest, and apply the minoxidil evenly to the affected areas, massaging it with your hands. Wash the residue off your hands.
Step 5. Let it dry
Wait for the applied product to dry completely - for about 20-25 minutes - before adding other hair styling products such as gels or mousse. Apply it about two hours before bedtime.
Step 6. Repeat this process as recommended
You will generally need to do this twice a day - in the morning and in the evening - or as often as your doctor recommends.
Part 2 of 3: Using Minoxidil Efficiently
Step 1. Make using the product a habit
Minoxidil does not offer a permanent cure for baldness, and will only be effective if you use it twice a day, every day.
Set a reminder twice a day on your phone, until using the product becomes part of your routine
Step 2. Use the recommended amount of product
Excessive amounts or more frequent applications will not give you better results; you will only waste product.
Step 3. Do not recover the applications you have skipped
If you miss an application, don't double the amount the next day. Simply pick up where you left off.
Part 3 of 3: What to Expect
Step 1. Expect to lose hair
While it may seem counterintuitive to you, losing your hair means new growth has begun. It may take a few weeks, but this is a temporary condition - lost hair is old hair that would have fallen out anyway, and leaves room for new, healthier hair.
Step 2. Be patient
Regrowth will take about four months, although some get results in a shorter period. The regrowth may be soft and fluffy, like peach fuzz.
Eventually, the new hair that grows will be the same color and thickness as your normal hair. To maintain this growth, you will need to keep using it
Advice
- Save by buying a 4 month supply. It should only cost twice as much as a 1 month supply, and 4 months will be needed to get the desired results. If you plan on continuing to use minoxidil, this is the cheapest way.
- Men can buy nonprescription treatments in liquid or foam form with 5% minoxidil. Products for women contain only 2% minoxidil and are only available in liquid form. All products must be applied directly to the skin.
- Avoid swimming or getting your hair wet for half an hour after application.
- If you don't see results after four months, see your doctor. Minoxidil may not be effective in your case.
- Minoxidil can treat hereditary baldness, but not temporary hair loss due to pregnancy or medical treatments. Minoxidil also only treats hair loss in the upper part of the skin, not receding hairline.
- You can use minoxidil on dyed hair, but you should skip your evening application when applying the dye to avoid minor skin irritation.
Warnings
- Stop using Minoxidil if your skin becomes irritated, if you develop unwanted facial hair, or other annoying side effects.
- If you stop using it, the regrowth will fall off after a few months. You will need to keep using Minoxidil at all times if you want to prevent hair loss.
- Children shouldn't use Minoxidil, and women shouldn't use men's products.
- Do not use it on other parts of the body other than the skin.
- Minoxidil doesn't work for everyone.
