Minoxidil (Regaine) dosage guide for hair loss

Monday, September 2, 2024

Losing your hair can be distressing and can really knock your self-confidence. But don't give up - there are treatments that can help regrow lost hair. One treatment lots of people use is a topical treatment called Minoxidil, also known as Regaine.

Minoxidil (Regaine) is a special liquid, foam, or spray. You put it directly on the thinning areas of your scalp. It works by increasing blood flow to the shrunken hair follicles. More blood flow gives the follicles more oxygen and nutrients to grow new hairs. It’s one of the most effective treatments for the beginning stages of hair loss or hair thinning.

Today, we’re going to talk all about using Minoxidil properly to regrow hair. We'll explain in simple terms what Minoxidil is and how it works. You'll find out about the different product concentrations (like 2% or 5%) and amounts.

The instructions will make clear how much Minoxidil to use each time and how often to use it for best results. You'll get tips to boost how well Minoxidil works, like using it with other hair loss treatments. We'll also cover any possible side effects.

Key takeaways

Minoxidil can wake up shrunken hair follicles and make new hair grow when used properly.
Using the right amount every single day is most important for getting results.
You likely won't see new hair for at least four months, maybe up to eight months of consistent use.
Combining Minoxidil with other hair loss products, taking good care of your hair, and changing dosages with a doctor's help can boost regrowth.

What exactly is (Regaine) Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is a special medication that you apply to your scalp. It was first made as a pill to treat high blood pressure. But researchers found it had an unexpected effect - it made hair grow.

More studies showed that putting Minoxidil right on the scalp could "wake up" shrunken, dormant hair follicles. This allowed the follicles to become active again and grow new hairs.

These days, you can buy Minoxidil over-the-counter as a liquid solution or foam product. Regaine is one popular brand name, but generic Minoxidil works just as well. The two main product strengths are:

2% Minoxidil - This lower strength is meant for women with overall thinning hair or female pattern hair loss and is applied twice a day.
5% Minoxidil - This higher-strength formula is designed to treat both male and female pattern baldness. It is applied twice daily for men, and once daily for women.

Here are the key things about how Minoxidil helps regrow hair:

It increases blood flow to shrunken hair follicles, giving them more nutrients.
Existing hairs become thicker and fuller.
Dormant follicles "wake up" and start growing new hairs again.
You have to keep using it to maintain new hair growth. It's not a permanent cure.

Dosage guidelines for using Minoxidil

Using Minoxidil the right way is important for getting good hair regrowth results. The dosage instructions seem simple, but there are some key things to know.

For women

If you’re a woman treating overall thinning hair using the 2% Minoxidil strength. Apply 1ml (about 1/4 teaspoon) of the solution or foam twice a day to the thinning areas.

Once in the morning and once at night.

Don’t use more than 2ml at a time. Extra Minoxidil won’t work better but could cause side effects.

If you are using the Minoxidil 5% once daily foam, apply one metered spray of foam to the areas of thinning hair once a day, at any time.

For men

For treating male pattern baldness, 5% Minoxidil is recommended. If you are using Regaine, apply 1ml in the morning and 1ml in the evening to the areas with hair loss.

For the 5% Minoxidil Spray, apply up to 10 metered sprays to the areas of thinning hair. This product is often reported as quicker to use than the liquid of foam.

Some men prefer starting with the lower 2% strength if the 5% irritates their scalp too much. But the 5% tends to regrow hair better for men.

No matter if you’re a man or woman, stick to the correct dosage schedule. Skipping days or using less than directed won’t let Minoxidil work its best.

It takes at least four months of consistent daily use before you’ll notice new hair growth and thickness. Many people don’t see full results until around 8-12 months in.

Oral Minoxidil tablets

An alternative to topical minoxidil is to take minoxidil tablets. These are an unlicensed medicine for hair loss, meaning many people are unaware of them as an option.

However, oral minoxidil is a safe and effective treatment that can encourage hair regrowth. These tablets are more convenient than sprays, serums, and foams, which people can struggle to apply consistently.

Maximising Minoxidil for best results

Following the dosage instructions is rule number 1. But there are extra tips to get Minoxidil working even better.

One tip is using Minoxidil together with other hair loss medicines. Minoxidil works well by itself, but it works better when combined with medicines like Finasteride. Finasteride blocks DHT, the hormone that shrinks hair follicles and stops hair growth.

Taking good care of your hair is important, too. Be gentle when washing and conditioning to avoid losing new baby hairs. Gently massaging your scalp for a few minutes every day may also help by increasing blood flow.

Read our guide on how often to wash your hair when using Minoxidil.

The main thing is being consistent and patient. Think of Minoxidil as just one part of regrowing your hair. Try different tips until you find what works best for you. Some solutions may work better at different points of your hair growth cycle than others.

Potential side effects and safety precautions

Minoxidil is usually a safe medication when used correctly. But, like all drugs, there’s a chance of getting some side effects. Knowing about them will help you watch out for any issues.

The most adverse effect is irritation or dryness on the areas of your scalp where you apply Minoxidil. This can cause flakiness, redness, itching or burning feelings. Using a good moisturiser can help reduce scalp irritation.

Some people also grow unwanted hair in areas other than their scalp. Women may get more facial hair. Men and women could get more hair on their arms, back or chest.

The higher 5% strength tends to cause this more often. You can reduce the chance of this happening by applying only to the thinning areas on the scalp and making sure product does drip down the face or neck.

Less common side effects include:

Headaches
Feeling dizzy
Rapid heartbeat

If you get any of these side effects frequently, stop using Minoxidil right away and tell your doctor. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience adverse effects like chest pain or signs of an allergic reaction.

Minoxidil is not recommended for certain groups like pregnant women or people with heart disease. Always check with your doctor first before using it, especially if you have other health conditions or take medications.

Overall, most people can use Minoxidil without issues when following the directions properly. But if you get concerning side effects, stop using it immediately. Your health and safety come first.

Monitoring progress and adjusting dosage

When you start using Minoxidil, you need to be patient. New hair doesn’t grow right away. Most people have to wait several months before seeing any new growth.

Usually, you won’t notice any results from Minoxidil for the first four months of using it every day. For some people, it can take even longer - like 6 to 8 months - before any tiny new hairs appear.

The main thing is being consistent and not stopping too soon. Keep applying Minoxidil as instructed, even if it seems like nothing is happening.

If you make it to around 8 to 12 months of using Minoxidil every single day without seeing good results, that’s when you may want to change your dosage amount.

For example, if a woman has been using the 2% Minoxidil strength for a year with no regrowth, she could try switching to the stronger 5%. A man using 5% Minoxidil who gets a really irritated scalp could switch down to the 2% amount instead.

Your doctor can decide if changing your dosage makes sense based on your hair regrowth progress and any side effects you’re having.

The most important things are being patient and giving Minoxidil enough time to work.

Taking the next steps with Oxford Online Pharmacy

Using Minoxidil the right way can really help regrow your lost hair. But it’s important to follow the proper instructions.

Following the dosage instructions exactly and being patient are most important. It typically takes at least four months before you’ll start noticing any results. For many people, it’s more like 8 to 12 months to see the full effects of Minoxidil - patience is key.

It’s important not to give up too soon. Stick with your routine. Have realistic expectations about Minoxidil. With consistency it can absolutely help regrow your lost hair.

If you want some more advice from the experts, we can help at Oxford Online Pharmacy. We stock a wide range of hair loss products to help you look and feel like yourself again. Get in touch today to find out how we can help you on your journey to overcoming hair loss.

FAQs

When is the best time to apply Minoxidil?

The best times to apply Minoxidil are in the morning and evening. You should use it twice per day, about 12 hours apart. Many people apply it after showering or before bed when their hair is dry. Using it at set times each day helps make it a consistent routine.

Women should only use Regaine once per day.

Can I comb my hair after using Minoxidil?

Yes, you can gently comb or style your hair after applying Minoxidil. Just avoid vigorous brushing right after, as this could disturb the medication before it absorbs. Wait at least a couple hours before aggressively styling your hair. Be gentle with any new growth.

When can I stop using Minoxidil?

If you stop using Minoxidil once you start seeing regrowth, your new hair will likely fall out within a few months. Minoxidil is not a permanent cure - you must keep using it continuously to maintain any hair you regrow. Many people use it indefinitely.

What else can I do to overcome hair loss?

In addition to Minoxidil, other options include prescription pills like Finasteride, laser devices, microneedling, hair transplants, or procedures like platelet-rich plasma therapy. Making diet and lifestyle changes to reduce stress can also help control shedding. Combination approaches tend to work best.