Minoxidil is easy and convenient to use. The topical solution, sold as Rogaine (several generic brands are also available), is applied directly to the scalp via dropper or spray. It is then massaged into the scalp with the fingers; it can be rinsed out after forty minutes, but it should be left on for four hours for maximum effectiveness. While some users show increased hair growth within four months, the best results can be seen after 12-14 months of minoxidil use. Rogaine is available in both 2% and 5% minoxidil strength; the 2% solution is recommended for women. Men who use the stronger solution generally show better results. Minoxidil can be used more often than the recommended two times per day, and more frequent use appears to stimulate more rapid hair growth. However, more frequent use of minoxidil also increases the possibility of itching and irritation, so it is important to be cautious. Once the solution is dry, hair styling products may be used. There is no indication of any negative side effects from the use of hair care products with minoxidil. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MINOXIDIL? Minoxidil is one of only two drugs approved by the FDA for hair growth stimulation. Minoxidil has several advantages, including: • Decreased pattern hair loss; • Regrowth of hair on bald areas, including the crown and forehead; • Increased self-confidence; • Inexpensive to use; • Proven safety and effectiveness. Are There Any Adverse Side Effects to Minoxidil or Rogaine Use? Minoxidil has been proven safe for use as a topical scalp treatment. The side effects are minimal and include itching and irritation of the scalp. A possible disadvantage is that some users experience increased growth of unwanted hair in areas adjacent to the area being treated. Minoxidil is effective as long as it is used regularly; people who stop using it after a period of time usually experience a reversal of hair regrowth. What About Drug Interactions? Topical use of minoxidil does not produce any known drug interactions. How to apply Minoxidil. You will need to apply Minoxidil twice daily to stop hair loss and regrow hair (just like brushing your teeth). Apply Minoxidil in the morning once your hair has dried after washing your hair. Apply it again in the evening, at least an hour or two before you go to bed, to allow it to dry completely. Be sure to wash your hands completely after application to help prevent spreading Minoxidil to your eyes, face and other areas of the body. Many people ask us if they should use the spray applicator or the dropper. We would recommend the droper for those who do not have a large area of the scalp revealed. The idea is to get the Minoxidil on the scalp because it works on the hair follicles, not the individual strands of hair. So, give yourself the best shot and use the dropper. If you have a large area of scalp exposed by baldness, you can use the sprayer. Am I supposed to use my fingertips when I apply Minoxidil? Each applicator contains one dose of medicine and is designed for application directly to the scalp. It is not necessary to use the fingertips to apply Minoxidil. However, if you use your hands, wash them thoroughly afterwards. Why don't they make Minoxidil Extra Strength for Women? The Extra Strength formula is for MEN ONLY. 5% Minoxidil has not been shown in clinical trials to do anything more than 2% Minoxidil for Women has. Therefore there is no reason to use and or make 5% Minoxidil for Women. What if I stop using Minoxidil? If you decide to stop using Minoxidil, you will lose the hair you have regrown within a few months. Then your original pattern of hair loss will start again. What is the difference between 2% and 5% Extra Strength? Minoxidil 5% Extra Strength for Men is a stronger concentration. Clinical trials have shown that men experienced 45% more hair regrowth when using Minoxidil Extra Strength than with a regular strength product. Additionally, users of Minoxidil Extra Strength for Men often experience results sooner than do users of regular strength Minoxidil for Men. Users of Minoxidil Extra Strength for Men may experience results in two months versus the average four months for Minoxidil regular strength. The dose remains the same for both Minoxidil Extra Strength and Regular Strength: 1 milliliter (ml) with the dropper or 6 pumps with the sprayer. And remember, it is important that the Minoxidil reaches the scalp. Just because 5% has over 2 times the active ingredient does not mean you can use it once a day.