As many of my readers know, a lot of my writing stems from questions from patients or questions I want to investigate. Rogaine is something that patients ask about a lot and something that I am using myself.
How does Rogaine work? Rogaine works by kicking the resting (telogen) hairs back into the active (anagen) growing phase. Most types of hair loss include the hairs getting stuck in the telogen phase and only Rogaine gets them jumpstarted again. To learn more about different types of hair loss, see the articles listed below on our website.
Which strength of Rogaine should I use? Rogaine is available in two strengths – 5% minoxidil and 2%. At one point, the higher strength was only marketed for men, but there are no hormones in either strength. A number of studies have now shown that it is safe for women to use the 5% strength. So I recommend men and women use the 5% once-a-day foam.
Where can Rogaine be used? There often is a diagram included in the product that demonstrates only using Rogaine on the top of the scalp. However, it can be used anywhere on the scalp. Make sure you do not allow the Rogaine to get onto areas where you do not want hair to grow (forehead, cheeks) as it will often grow hair in these areas if you are not careful. The tips of the fingers do not have hair follicles, so the hands are fine.
How often and how long does Rogaine need to be used? There are multiple types of Rogaine. I generally recommend the ONCE A DAY FOAM for ease of use. Using this product twice a day is pretty labor intense. Since it is imperative that it be used consistently, the once-a-day formula makes compliance easier. Rogaine should be applied to the affected area of the scalp for at least 6 months. In Dr. Rosenberger’s experience, 95% of patients who use Rogaine every day for 6 months have significant regrowth of hair.
Why does it take so long? First, hair only grows on average a centimeter per month. Second, it takes a while for hair to start growing. As patients begin growing new hair, some old hairs may be forced out giving a sense of temporary increased hair loss. This is temporary and not worrisome, though it may be distressing when hair does not start growing right away. Just remember that it is new hairs forcing those old hairs out. Hair loss should slow down after about a month of use.
When can I stop Rogaine? Many patients want to know how long they need to use Rogaine. At least 6 months, but after that, it can vary. If the cause of the hair loss is temporary (medication side effect, surgery, medical illness) then once the hair is back to normal, many patients can stop using Rogaine with no adverse effects or loss of hair. However, if the hair loss is part of an ongoing medical problem or part of male/female hormonal baldness ( androgenetic alopecia) then likely the hair regrowth will not be maintained without continued use. Dr. Rosenberger that once the hair is back in full, back off to every other day and see what happens for a few months. If that goes fine, try stopping. Otherwise, continue to use Rogaine indefinitely.
Anything else I should know?
-Make sure all other rashes on the scalp are resolved. If you have an active rash on the scalp, it needs to be treated first.
-Taking a Biotin supplement, available over the counter, will improve the strength of the hair. Approximate 300 micrograms should be adequate.
-Male patients can take Propecia in conjunction with Rogaine and increase their possibilities of effective hair regrowth. Propecia is an oral pill taken daily whose side effects include sexual dysfunction.
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