How to Apply Minoxidil for Hair Growth and their benefits

Minoxidil is considered the gold standard against hair loss. In this post, I’ll explain what you should know about Minoxidil and how to use it correctly.

Shampoos and tinctures to stop hair loss abound. Open and honest: the manufacturer’s advertising promises are misleading. Clinically proven effectiveness is often touted. If you read the small print, however, it becomes clear that the tests were carried out in vitro, i.e. in a test tube – and not under natural conditions. You can usually save money for this. 

Minoxidil is the only active ingredient whose efficacy has been scientifically verified through decades of research. For your convenience, we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about Minoxidil.

What is Minoxidil?

Anyone who has googled before knows that minoxidil originally came onto the market as a drug to treat high blood pressure in the 1960s. Common side effect: increased hair growth. The pharmaceutical industry took advantage of this and developed solutions and foams that men (and women, by the way) can apply to thin hair twice a day – with scientifically proven success in many, if not all, cases. 

How does Minoxidil work?

It is now accepted that minoxidil works against hair loss. However, scientists still disagree on exactly why this is the case. Short science excursion:

The most widespread theory is that minoxidil dilates the blood vessels in the scalp, allowing the roots to be better supplied with nutrients.

A recent hypothesis is that minoxidil increases a specific enzyme (called ATP) in the hair follicle and extends its growth phase (scientifically called anagen phase).

Some researchers also believe that minoxidil enlarged hair follicles that were previously shrunk by hormones.

How long does it take for minoxidil to work?

In order to recognize the success of the hair growth, the preparation should be used for at least three months, in my personal estimation, more like 6-9 months.

How do you apply minoxidil?

In the case of hair loss, solutions with Minoxidil 2 (for women) or Minoxidil 5 (for men) and foams are used. The preparations are applied to the affected areas of the scalp twice a day and gently massaged in.

The solution often contains propylene glycol as a viscosity enhancer to make it easier to apply to the scalp. The higher the amount, the more viscous the preparation.

Twice a day, wherever the hair becomes thinner. After applying it, wait a few minutes before styling or blow-drying your hair. The product should be completely absorbed beforehand. Like brushing your teeth, you should integrate the application firmly into your everyday life. If you forget it once, it won’t be tragic. But that shouldn’t happen too often.

Which works better: foam or solution?

Both work equally well. Our expert recommends a solution for long hair because otherwise, the foam will stick to the hair and not be able to develop its effect on the scalp. 

Tip: For sensitive, flaky and itchy scalps, foam preparations should be more tolerable than solutions.