Minoxidil was the first drug to be approved for hair loss by the United States Department of Food and Drug Administration in 1988. The first commercial products contained 2 percent minoxidil and were sold under the Rogaine name in the United States and marketed as Rogaine elsewhere. In 1996, Minoxidil became an over-the-counter drug so a prescription was no longer need and in 1998 a 5 percent minoxidil formula was made available to the public over-the-counter. The latest version of minoxidil to come out is a foam version. It is designed to be applied twice a day, once in the morning and again in the evening.
Step 1
Dry hair and scalp if needed. Although some will recommend applying minoxidil to a hydrated scalp for better absorption, a wet scalp increases the risk of dilution, so a dry scalp is preferred.
Step 2
Comb hair so that thinning areas are more exposed. It is important to get minoxidil directly on areas where the hair growth is most desired.
Step 3
Apply minoxidil to the scalp. If using the topical version, the dropper should be filled with 1 ml of minoxidil solution and applied directly to the scalp starting in the middle of the area with the greatest hair loss. If using the foam solution, turn the can upside down and apply the foam to your finger tips and then massage foam into scalp area beginning with the area where regrowth is most desired.
Step 4
Wash hands after use.
Step 5
Allow to dry for a minimum of two hours before putting on a hat or going to bed, as the minoxidil solution can stain clothing items or pillow cases.
Things You'll Need
- Minoxidil
- 1 ml dropper
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