Rogaine routine for women

[Anonymous]

Following some of the advice on this board I took the plunge and ordered topical minoxidil from Costco which I've started using to address my thinning hair. It's been four days so can't speak to results yet, but I'm curious to hear from others the logistics of daily application.

I wash my hair in the morning but now rinse my scalp in the evening after work so it's clean.
I apply the minoxidil usually about an hour before I fall asleep. Sometimes dh and I will be watching TV, sometimes reading in bed during that hour. It can take 2-4 hours to dry completely, according to the box. Should I be sleeping with something over my head to ensure I'm not getting the solution on my pillow and transferring it to my face etc?

Should I just switch to the oral pill? Will I be resetting the clock if I give up the topical and switch to a pill in a couple of months?

[Anonymous]

I am using the 2% liquid and apply after my workout in the morning and again right before dinner. This gives it time to dry. I’m not washing my scalp twice a day. That’s crazy. This routine has to be maintained so I’m just squirting some around, massaging it in and calling it done. It’s been one week for me. I read the 2% doesn’t have the same risk of side effects. I’m aiming to reduce loss and not regrow hair.

[Anonymous]

OP, I *always* apply mine at night, about 30 minutes before going to bed. I've been using it for a year and a half now, and am not growing hair in any weird places.

In your shoes, I would honestly not bother washing your scalp again at night. You're not walking on your head or anything, that the scalp is getting dirty between morning and evening. You can just put it on when you get home. I wash my hair 2 - 3x a week, and it's not an issue.

[Anonymous]

From what I understand, it comes in foam and liquid? And two different strengths? Which do you all use? Do you part your hair like applying hair color in rows?

[Anonymous]

I apply the liquid in the morning. I use the eyedropper applicator. It is no big deal. I apply with the applicator and then I put some gloves on my hands and rub it in a bit.

I have no problem with styling my hair in the morning.

Why are you washing your hair and scalp so frequently? It is not necessary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:From what I understand, it comes in foam and liquid? And two different strengths? Which do you all use? Do you part your hair like applying hair color in rows?

It comes in foam and liquid. I started off with foam, but switched to liquid because foam made my hair feel like straw. You're only putting 1 ml per application with the liquid, so it's not a lot. I started with putting it where the hair was getting sparse, but now I just put it wherever it won't run off onto my face (top and sides towards the back of my head). Takes all of 2 seconds. I use the "men's" version, applied once a day.

[Anonymous]

The pill is brilliant. Go to Ro.com and get it online.

[Anonymous]

Wigs, people.

[Anonymous]

I am using this as suggested by a dermatologist, and they suggested I dermaroll first (pressing down relatively hard) before applying, and suggested I apply at least two hours before going to bed, which I don't always do. They also told me to spray the dermroller with alcohol spray after each use.

This is working a lot better for me than taking it orally, which I did for 10 months without results. I also tried spirolactone for over a year and this the topical minox is better than that as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am using this as suggested by a dermatologist, and they suggested I dermaroll first (pressing down relatively hard) before applying, and suggested I apply at least two hours before going to bed, which I don't always do. They also told me to spray the dermroller with alcohol spray after each use.

This is working a lot better for me than taking it orally, which I did for 10 months without results. I also tried spirolactone for over a year and this the topical minox is better than that as well.

Really? I used topical for years and years and no result at all, dermaroll or not. I've used the pill for 3 months and I have heaps of new hair.

[Anonymous]

Different things work for different people? No way!!

[Anonymous]

Switch to oral minoxidil. None of these hassles. I did have the “dread shed” for about 10 weeks but then it stopped and I can see new growth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am using this as suggested by a dermatologist, and they suggested I dermaroll first (pressing down relatively hard) before applying, and suggested I apply at least two hours before going to bed, which I don't always do. They also told me to spray the dermroller with alcohol spray after each use.

This is working a lot better for me than taking it orally, which I did for 10 months without results. I also tried spirolactone for over a year and this the topical minox is better than that as well.

Really? I used topical for years and years and no result at all, dermaroll or not. I've used the pill for 3 months and I have heaps of new hair.

Yes, really. I'm starting to suspect I have an underlying issue that isn't just hair thinning with age. All the tests have come back normal, but I think it's possible I have a skin issue that is causing it. My dermatologist doesn't think so, but agreed that after 6+ months of oral minoxidil there were no results, even when combined with spiro.

[Anonymous]

Was it my thread that convinced a few of you to start it?! I hope so. I made it this week or last. I only wash my hair every other day and use the 5% foam. I didn't notice anything from the 2%. I can see SO many little hairs coming into the spot I'm using it.

[Anonymous]

I was using the foam for four months then switched to a liquid compound of minoxidil tretinoin spironolactone ketoconazole and that was the game changer, for me.