What is Minoxidil?
Overview of the Treatment
Minoxidil is a hair loss treatment that works by widening the blood vessels to the scalp so more oxygen and nutrients can reach your hair follicles. The solution is usually applied as a topical serum or foam but is also available as an oral medication. It’s widely available under popular brand names like Rogaine as an over-the-counter treatment.
How it Works?
By acting as a vasodilator, the medication dilates blood vessels to allow for thicker and healthier hair growth. Learn more.
Who It’s For?
Minoxidil can be used by men and women and is safe as a long-term treatment but should be kept out of reach of pets and children as it can cause unwanted side effects. Learn more.
Why Choose Minoxidil?
How does Minoxidil Work?
Dry Hair
Make sure that your hair and scalp are dry before applying minoxidil.
Step 1
Takes 3 - 5 min
Part Hair
To make the application easier, part your hair to isolate balding or thinning patches.
Step 2
Takes 5 min
Application
Use an applicator to apply the solution after measuring the correct dose.
Step 3
Takes 15 min
Spread Solution
Spread the foam or solution over the affected areas on the scalp, but don’t rub it in.
Step 4
Takes 3 - 5 min
Wash Hands
Wash your hands straight away after application to prevent unwanted hair growth on other areas of the body.
Step 5
Takes 5 min
Leave Dry
Allow your scalp to dry and don’t use shampoo or take a shower for at least four hours after application.
Step 6
Takes 15 min
Real Results from Therapy - Before and After
Ultimate Guide to Minoxidil
Discover all of the benefits of minoxidil, including scientifically backed results and how it can slow hair loss.
- Average Treatment Cost
- Long-Term Use
- Sustainability of Results
- Ease of Use
Try our expert hair loss solutions.
Take a look at our recommendations for the best hair growth products in our shop that may help your hair look healthier and feel better.
View Our ShopHelpful Resources
Loved by people
Explore our full range of hair regrowth products
Shop NowFrequently Asked Questions
Minoxidil is meant to be used as a long-term solution for hair loss. If you stop using the medication, whatever hair growth you have attained may shed, and hair loss may persist. This is because minoxidil needs to be used consistently to enjoy the results.
Topical minoxidil treatments must be applied once or twice daily. They can come as lotions, shampoos, serums, and foams. The oral version is a pill taken each day. Both versions have their own potential side effects; while the topical may cause localised effects, the oral medication can lead to systemic effects.
The topical solution produces side effects that manifest as skin irritation, rash, itching and discomfort in the affected region. People taking oral minoxidil face higher chances of systemic side effects, including nausea and fluid retention alongside weight gain and sexual dysfunction.
Most people who begin using minoxidil experience hair shedding as their initial side effect. Hair shedding occurs because the resting phase of the hair cycle gets shortened when minoxidil treatment begins. In this period, minoxidil works to lengthen the anagen phase, which enables the quick replacement of shed hair with new, healthy hair.
You should apply minoxidil before applying any hair products to your scalp. The drug will take a minimum of 4 hours to dry up before you put anything else on top of it. You also require a clean scalp before applying minoxidil.
Finasteride and minoxidil are two different medications. Minoxidil is usually applied as a topical solution, while finasteride is more commonly available as a daily tablet. Minoxidil increases oxygen and nutrient flow to your scalp, whereas finasteride is a DHT blocker that prevents your hair follicles from shrinking.
