Rogaine® (Minoxidil) FAQs
- What is Rogaine®?
- Whats the difference between Foam and Solution?
- How soon can I expect results?
- Is there a way to know that Rogaine® is working?
- How long should I continue to use Rogaine®?
- What happens if I stop using Rogaine®?
- Can I still use my regular styling aids, like hairspray or gel, when using Rogaine®?
- What are the most common side effects of Rogaine®?
- Are there any medications that may interact when Im using Rogaine®?
- Can I apply Rogaine® to wet hair?
- Can I blow-dry my hair after application?
- Can I get my hair wet after applying Rogaine®?
- How does Rogaine® work?
- How long can I use Rogaine®?
- I started using Rogaine® and noticed my hair loss has increased. Is this typical?
- I missed a dose of Rogaine®. Will my hair loss start again?
- If I get Rogaine® on a fabric, how do I get it out?
- What can I expect my newly grown hair to look and feel like?
What is Rogaine®?
Rogaine® is the first and only FDA-approved topical treatment that is clinically proven to regrow hair. Rogaine® also helps to reverse the progression of hereditary hair loss. [Top]
Whats the difference between Foam and Solution?
Mens Rogaine® Foam and Mens Rogaine® Extra Strength Topical Solution both contain 5% minoxidil—the only FDA-approved active ingredient that is clinically proven to regrow hair. However, Mens Rogaine® Foam is the only FDA-approved hair regrowth foam. Because its a foam, not a solution, it is applied differently. The foam is gently massaged into the scalp in contrast to Rogaine® Extra Strength Topical Solution—where an applicator (dropper) is used to apply the solution onto the hair loss area. [Top]
How soon can I expect results?
Men may see results as early as 2 months, but most men see results in 4 months. Your results and success may depend on proper application and dosage: remember to apply Rogaine® every day, twice a day, directly to the scalp. If you do not see any results after 4 months, speak with your doctor. [Top]
Is there a way to know that Rogaine® is working?
There are a few signs that let you know Rogaine® is at work on your hair follicles. For example, during the first few weeks of use, there may be a temporary increase in hair shedding. This is a good sign and means that the new growth cycle is beginning, and the hairs that were previously weak are making way for the new healthy ones. Eventually, new growth will appear. This is encouraging and means that Rogaine® is actually stimulating regrowth—and reversing the progression of hair loss. Remember, not everyone responds to Rogaine® and individual results will vary. If hair loss continues after 2 weeks on Rogaine®, stop using and talk to your doctor. [Top]
How long should I continue to use Rogaine®?
Hereditary hair loss is a lifelong condition requiring continuous use of Rogaine®. For continued results it must be part of your daily routine. [Top]
What happens if I stop using Rogaine®?
Continued use of Rogaine® is needed to maintain hair regrowth. If you stop using it, the normal hair loss process will start again. You will probably lose your newly regrown hair within 3 to 4 months and will look the way you looked before using Rogaine®. So, youll want to make Rogaine® part of your daily routine. [Top]
Can I still use my regular styling aids, like hairspray or gel, when using Rogaine®?
You may follow your normal hair care routine when using Rogaine®. However, you should apply Rogaine® first and wait for it to dry before applying your styling products. [Top]
What are the most common side effects of Rogaine®?
Some people may experience a dry, itchy scalp and irritation (more common with solution than foam). If you develop unwanted facial hair while using mens Rogaine®, it will usually disappear when use of Rogaine® is discontinued. [Top]
Are there any medications that may interact when Im using Rogaine®?
There are currently no known drug interactions associated with medications taken by mouth and the use of Rogaine®. You should not use Rogaine® if you are using other topical medicines on the scalp.[Top]
Can I apply Rogaine® to wet hair?
The people in our clinical studies were advised to completely dry their hair and scalp before applying Rogaine®. However, that's not always possible. We suggest that you at least towel-dry your hair before applying Rogaine®, so that your hair is no longer dripping. [Top]
Can I blow-dry my hair after application?
Yes. Its fine to blow-dry your hair; however, we recommend using your dryer at a lower setting [Top]
Can I get my hair wet after applying Rogaine®?
You can go swimming/go out in rain as long as you use good judgment. Avoid washing off Rogaine®. If possible, apply Rogaine® to a dry scalp after swimming. Try not to let your scalp get wet from the rain after applying Rogaine®. [Top]
How does Rogaine® work?
In hereditary hair loss, a combination of heredity, hormones, and age causes a progressive shrinking, or miniaturization, of certain scalp follicles. This causes a shortening of the hair's growing cycle. Over time, as the active growth phase becomes shorter, the resting phase becomes longer. Eventually, there may be no growth at all. The exact mechanism of action of Rogaine® is uncertain. However, researchers believe that Rogaine® works in part by partially enlarging the hair follicles and reversing the miniaturization process. By enlarging miniaturized follicles, the growth phase of the hair cycle is prolonged, allowing the hair to become longer and thicker looking. And with more follicles in the growth phase at the same time, it is possible to see improved coverage of the scalp. [Top]
How long can I use Rogaine®?
Clinical studies did not go beyond 48 weeks. However, there is no limit on how long you may use Rogaine®. Continued use is necessary to increase and keep your hair regrowth, or hair loss will begin again.[Top]
I started using Rogaine® and noticed my hair loss has increased. Is this typical?
Rogaine® stimulates hair follicles to shift from the resting phase to the growth phase. Thus, it is not uncommon to see a temporary increase in shedding during the first 2 weeks using Rogaine®. This occurs in some people as the new hair pushes out the weak hairs, when the hair follicle shifts into the growth phase. It is very much like losing baby teeth to make room for adult teeth. This increase in shedding is only temporary and should subside within a couple of weeks with continued treatment. Please note, however, if increased shedding continues for longer than 2 weeks, you should consult your doctor to rule out other possible medical problems. [Top]
I missed a dose of Rogaine®. Will my hair loss start again?
If you miss 1 or 2 doses of Rogaine®, just continue with your next regular dose. We do not recommend that you try to make up for missed doses. One or 2 days of not using Rogaine® will not affect your long-term hair regrowth as long as you resume regular use. [Top]
If I get Rogaine® on a fabric, how do I get it out?
Theres an effective, safe, and relatively easy method to remove Rogaine® from fabric. Do not use bleach to try to remove the stains, because the bleach interacts with the ingredients in Rogaine® and can cause yellowing. The spot can be removed by soaking the fabric in white vinegar (not cider vinegar) for 15-30 minutes. Do not dilute the white vinegar with water. After soaking in white vinegar, wash with laundry detergent, but no bleach. If the spot remains after washing, soak in white vinegar a second time and launder again. In order to avoid getting Rogaine® on fabric in the future, we recommend allowing Rogaine® to dry before putting on a shirt, lying down on a pillow, etc. [Top]
What can I expect my newly grown hair to look and feel like?
Rogaine® regrows hair that is healthier and thicker looking. Although the earliest hair growth you see may be soft and downy, further treatment produces new hair with the same consistency as the other hair on your scalp. [Top]
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