“Doctor, what are the side effects of Minoxidil? How should I apply Minoxidil lotion to my scalp? I have been using Minoxidil for years; should I stop now?“

In my clinic, Minoxidil is a common prescription, and one of the first questions patients ask is about its side effects. Given the wealth of online information, it is understandable that many people are cautious about using it. However, with over 15 years of experience prescribing Minoxidil, I have rarely come across severe side effects.

Minoxidil remains a top option for promoting hair growth, especially in cases of male and female pattern hair loss. However, it’s important to note that it does not completely stop hair loss. Therefore, addressing the underlying cause of hair loss, along with maintaining a hair-friendly diet and supplementing with vitamins, is crucial for effective results. Do try our solution finder tool to unlock the hair regrowth regime for different 4 types of hair loss.

How does Minoxidil work?

Research suggests that Minoxidil promotes hair growth through several mechanisms:

• It accelerates the shedding of hairs in the resting (telogen) phase and stimulates the growth (anagen) phase of new hair. This often results in a temporary increase in hair shedding when starting Minoxidil.
• It extends the duration of the anagen phase, leading to longer and thicker hair growth.
• It increases blood flow to the hair roots by dilating the blood vessels.

Who can use Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is available over the counter in the United States under the brand name Rogaine  and can be started without a prescription for male pattern hair loss. However, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist before starting Minoxidil if you have:

• Female pattern hair loss
• Diffuse hair loss
• Hair loss due to chemotherapy
• Alopecia areata

How should I apply Minoxidil to my scalp?

While many brands recommend using a dropper or spray for application, at our clinic, we suggest using the fingertip method, as demonstrated in the video below. This ensures even application and helps minimize product wastage.

I often tell my patients with male pattern hair loss that using Minoxidil is a long-term commitment. Therefore, it is crucial to use it correctly, as detailed below:

Use it twice daily: For the best results, apply Minoxidil twice a day. Once you achieve optimal results, you can reduce the frequency to once a day, especially in women.

Measure accurately: Use the dropper provided with the bottle to measure 1 ml of Minoxidil. If you’re using a spray bottle, five sprays are equivalent to 1 ml. You can apply more than 1 ml if treating a larger bald area, but exceeding this amount may lead to side effects like headaches in some cases.

Apply on dry hair: Ensure your hair is not oily or wet before application. If you have washed your hair, towel dry it thoroughly before applying Minoxidil. Avoid using a blow dryer to speed up the drying process of the Minoxidil solution.

Oil after one hour: If you wish to apply hair oil, wait for 30-60 minutes to allow the Minoxidil to absorb completely.

Apply to the scalp: Make sure to apply the solution directly to the scalp so that it reaches the hair roots.

Start from the bald areas: Focus on applying Minoxidil to the bald areas first, then spread it toward the surrounding hair.

Wash your hair after 3-4 hours: You can wash your hair four hours after applying Minoxidil.

Wash your hands: Be sure to wash your hands after using Minoxidil to prevent accidentally transferring it to other body parts.

When can I expect to see hair regrowth with Minoxidil?

Minoxidil takes time to show results, as summarized below:

• First 1-2 months: There may be a slight increase in hair shedding as Minoxidil causes dead hairs to fall out, making way for new hair growth in the follicles.
• 3-6 months: Around the three-month mark, you may notice new hair growth, which often starts as fine hair that becomes thicker and longer over time.
• 6-12 months: During this period, you should see an improvement in hair length and density, providing better coverage.
• After 12 months: If you have androgenetic alopecia or female pattern hair loss, continued use of Minoxidil is necessary to maintain your hair growth.

When can I stop using Minoxidil?

In cases of telogen effluvium or alopecia areata, Minoxidil may be discontinued after consulting with your dermatologist. However, you should not stop using Minoxidil if you have male or female pattern baldness, as hair loss will likely resume. More details are available in the video below.

What are the side effects of Minoxidil?

Minoxidil may cause some side effects, including:

Local side effects:
You might experience tingling, burning, redness, or irritation when applying Minoxidil. However, most users build a tolerance to these symptoms with continued use.

Systemic side effect:
Headaches can occur in some individuals using Minoxidil. If headaches persist, it may be necessary to discontinue use of the lotion after consulting with your healthcare provider.

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Can I start using Rogaine without consulting a doctor?

While it is best to consult a doctor before starting Rogaine, there are several precautions to keep in mind if you decide to begin treatment on your own:

• Do not self-medicate if you have heart problems.
• Avoid using Rogaine during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• If you experience any systemic side effects such as headaches, flushing, dizziness, fatigue, or rashes, stop using Rogaine immediately and consult a doctor.
• If you are taking anti-hypertensive medication, monitor your blood pressure closely after starting Rogaine.
• Do not use Rogaine if the cause of your hair loss has not been determined.
• Be prepared to commit to at least a year of consistent use. Keep in mind that discontinuing Rogaine will likely result in a return of hair loss.