Does Rogain (Minoxidil) Work?

Rogaine is one of the most widely discussed hair loss treatments. Originally the active ingredient in Rogaine, minoxidil, was used orally as treatment for high blood pressure. But during its use researchers noticed that nearly 80% of the patients also experienced new hair growth…

“Hair growth developed within three to six weeks after administration of the tablets. It was first noticed in the temple area, between the eyebrows, between the hairline and eyebrows or in the area of the upper lateral cheek. Later it was found to extend to the back, arms, legs or scalp.”

Obviously no one wants to look like a wookie with a furry face, but the potential was realised with the concept of a topical treatment that could be applied to specific areas i.e. your balding scalp. And so Rogaine was born…

How Does It Work?

Although the exact mechanism of how minoxidil works is unclear it’s thought that it helps in a number of ways. Minoxidil is a potassium channel opener that causes vasodilation. In plain English this means it is opens up capillaries in your scalp bring more blood into the hair follicle. This could well explain how Rogaine triggers and sustains hair growth. But…

…there have been numerous attempts to stimulate re-growth with many other vasolidators – without results. Another theory is that minoxidil, as a potassium channel opener sparks the production of something called VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor). VEGF is thought to help new blood vessels form which help sustain healthy hair follicles.

How Effective is Rogaine?

The studies on Rogaine indicate that it works best for people who have been balding from 2 to 10 years. If you’ve been balding for greater than 10 years then it could be less effective. Also it appears the effects of minoxidil work best on the top of scalp but not quite so well on the temples and front of the hairline. So if you’ve been balding for less than 10 years and mainly on the top of your scalp then Rogaine could be a strong option to consider.

After reading various hair loss forums it appears the feedback on minoxidil is more than positive with many people seeing new hair growth and maintaining their hair using Rogaine, particularly those people who stuck with the treatment for at least 6 to 12 months. Studies back this up…

“Use of topical minoxidil in the treatment of male pattern baldness.
Savin RC. This 12-month, double-blind, randomized study evaluated the safety and efficacy of topical minoxidil in the treatment of male pattern baldness. Three formulations were compared: 2% minoxidil solution, 3% minoxidil solution, and placebo. After 4 months all placebo patients crossed over to treatment with the 3% solution. Of the 96 patients randomized into the study, 79 were evaluable at month 12; 25 of these were in the 2% minoxidil group, 24 were in the 3% minoxidil group, and 29 were in the placebo-to-3% solution switchover group … At the end of 4 months there was significant regrowth of nonvellus (terminal and indeterminate) hairs in the patients using the 2% and 3% solutions (p = 0.0001). The mean nonvellus hair count at month 4 was 162.8 in the 2% minoxidil group, 155.4 in the 3% minoxidil group, and 107.1 in the placebo group. The mean increase in the 2% and 3% treatment groups was 58.2 and 48.8, respectively, whereas the mean increase in the placebo group was 4.0. Total hair counts at month 4 demonstrated significantly more growth of hair in the 2% minoxidil group than in the placebo group (p = 0.013), with no significant difference between the 3% minoxidil group and the other two treatment groups.( PMID: 3549804 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE])

It also seems that the liquid form of Rogaine is considerably more effective than the foam versions. I imagine this is simply because it far better absorbed in liquid than foam.

Are there any Side Effects?

One of the side effects with Rogaine is that on occasions it can cause unwanted hair growth around the eyebrows. This happens if you are not careful with its application, it can be systemically absorbed into the body so that it doesn’t just act on the scalp. In order to minimise this you should: only apply it to the problem areas, ensure that you wash your hands fully after application, make sure that there are no open wounds on your scalp (e.g. open spots or pimples) and don’t over use the treatment.

Other side effects, which are fairly rare, can include heart palpitations, water retention and light headedness. For the vast majority of people there minoxidil is well tolerated…

“Minoxidil is a remarkably potent hypotensive with relatively few side effects” (Long-term treatment of severe hypertension with minoxidil. Can Med Assoc J. 1977 November 19; 117(10): 1178–1182.)

When you first start using Rogaine you may initially experience some shedding of hair, however, this fairly run of the mill…

“Recently, some studies using a digital phototrichogram (Trichoscan, Marburg, Germany) proved that there was indeed a quantifiable increase in shedding and a corresponding loss of hair density in the first 3 months of minoxidil use. However, by the 6 month stage the subjects were shown to have re-grown the lost hair and had increased hair density compared to that recorded at the start of treatment. By 12 months after starting minoxidil use their hair density was much improved and the diameter of the hair fibers was thicker than at the start of treatment and as compared to controls who did not receive treatment.” (Source Dr. Kevin McElwee – HairLossTalk)

So if you want to pursue the use of Rogaine you’ll need to give it time. Another issue with Rogaine is that once start treatment you’ll need to continue with its use to maintain results. Stopping use means you’ll go back to square one – sadly Rogaine is treatment NOT a cure. But if you are willing to continually use it then there’s a fair chance you may be able to stave of hair loss.

Am I going to use it?

For now I’ve decided against using Rogaine – I am going to exhaust natural remedies before I take this route. However, if in future I’m getting nowhere then I may well reconsider adding Rogaine to my regime. We’ll see.

If you do start taking Rogaine in all probability you’ll see results if you stick with it for at least a few months. But you have to balance this up against the fact you’ll need to continue treatment to sustain that progress…

Responses to This Article

Jason Baynes said on February 15, 2009
My friend has used Rogaine and it has worked very well for him dont know if he knows about the bad things about it though.
Rann said on July 29, 2009
I had a friend who used Rogaine – it worked great at first. However, as soon as he stopped, his hair began falling out more than it did before.
Chris said on July 29, 2009
Hi Rann, yep, that’s the problem with Rogaine – it’s for life or not at all.
Sunny said on August 19, 2009
I have been using generic minoxidil 5% and have been very happy with the results so far.
Ahmed said on October 30, 2009
I started using Rogaine 3 weeks ago but my hair is falling faster than before. I do not know what is happening actually?. Also, anyone knows if the Rogaine foam is better than the solution or not?
Lee said on January 12, 2010
From what I have read Rogaine like most products will have phases of shedding hair before new grows.

I’ve just bought 3 months of the foam to get on with.

I’m also drinking green tea and talking saw pametto.

Fingers crossed!
Allen said on June 20, 2010
“That’s it, im using this product and i will stop once i’ve grown back mostly of my hair and when i find myself a partner! LOL!
Eddy said on July 18, 2010
Is it good to use both minoxidil solution and Green tea..I have been using both from last 1 month but dont see any changes..How much time do i need to wait to see significant results??
yngwie jon roth said on October 12, 2010
so yeah, anyways im 24 years old and i dont have much facial hair. i’ve been wondering about rogaine and if i use it on my face will it grow in soon and thick, because its almost winter and i would like to have a beard soon, and possibly grow some chops. maybe some one can help me with this question. thanks
archie said on November 10, 2010
i’ve been using rogaine since september 3rd, and just over 2 months on i’ve noticed first little white hairs and then they’ve got darker. hopefully it’ll continue.

p.s. i’m using it on the hairline (particularly the peaks, as i was getting a big Macdonalds M sign on my forhead haha). it’s not supposed to be used for that but i don’t care it’s working. gives me so much more confidence and worth it IMO for the price u can get it on ebay and stuff
Brian said on February 24, 2011
Has anyone used Rogaine along with the prescription pill Propecia? Any info?
Dee said on May 2, 2011
I just purchased four month supply, I’m down to three month supply and have already seen thicker hair in the front and back. My fine hairs that i already had have become thicker and are growing at a much faster rate (i shave my head every two weeks down to about a half inch). I’ve also seen more little hairs throughout. I was completely bald on one side of my temples and the other was thinning. The one side has started to grow fine hairs and the other is balancing out with the density of the one side of my head. I am quite pleased.
Maybe by next summer i can stop wearing this bloody ball cap.
Just do it, what do you have to lose.
20 yrs supply of rogaine- $3000
Hair Transplant- $5500 (back only)
Full Head Hair Transplant- $10’000 to $15’000
I’ll take the minor hassle and save my money!
D said on May 19, 2011
I feel so cursed! I started balding my junior year of high school!

My hairline keeps receding to get what some call “powerbars.” And now the top front portion of my head is starting to thin out! :’-( And the top part of my head grows a little slower than the rest. I just want to keep my hair until I’m at least 30! Ya know!?

I’m now a junior in college and I’m considering Rogaine. It’s embarassing but my friends are supportive. Rogaine seems more legitimate than Sensigraft. And even though I have had surgery before, that option just isn’t for me.

Hopefully, my mom will support me using this product and help me with the costs!
Brandon said on June 15, 2011
i’m 16 years old using rogaine. ill never get a girl
L said on June 18, 2011
Not true… Yes you will.
brett said on June 19, 2011
I am starting today with using rogaine. I started with the hair line when I was 18 and I am now 21. Im hoping that it will work but I am scared of thw increase in hair loss that rogaine can cause. I will say though, 2 years ago, I had cosmetic surgery from HAIR CLUB FOR MEN and I am very pleased…I had 1100 grafts done and it wad hardly expensive as man may think. I only paid $5500 for it and the president of hair club, DR. JOHN GAFFNEY actually did the procedure himself in ORANGE, CALIFORNIA, right outside of LA. It is def worth the money and I healed very quickly!
Jimbo said on July 29, 2011
A girls not going to avoid you because you are balding they’ll just avoid you for who you are if they choose to
Mike said on August 22, 2011
I started using Rogaine foam 3 months ago. I had what’s classified as stage 1 male pattern baldness on the apex of my head. At first, my hair was much thinner and seemed to shed at a faster rate. My bald spot definitely looked worse than it did before at this stage. Then, around the 2nd to 3rd month new hair started to grow. I’m on month 4 now and my bald spot has shrunken drastically. It has almost completely filled in completely with new hair, although still noticeable. It seems to still be making progress though. At this rate, my hair will be completely regrown around month 5-6. It’s definitely working for me. Hope this helps.
Michael said on September 1, 2011
I’ve been on Propecia for 6 months with now seemingly no regrowth yet, but I’m guessing it’s at least helping to keep the hair I still have if not regrowing anything, so I’m gonna stay on it. However, after reading this feedback about Rogain, I think I will add that to my arsenal as well. I used to be a total skeptic about rogain but it sounds like you people have all had great results with it. For me, the sides of my head have perfectly thick hair, but the top is lighter and thinner, and a bare skin patch is now clearly visible on the vertex, similar to Prince William. Hopefully Rogain will help on the vertex.
Jphn said on September 2, 2011
Does anyone have photographic success at the temples?! Iv been using for 1 month only at temples.
Toya said on September 4, 2011
I don’t know what you guys are crying about, I think balding men are sexy as heck. Try being a women and losing your hair, NOT! so sexy.
Michael said on September 27, 2011
Good question John. I have been wondering about the temples as well. Even though Rogain says it’s not intended for regrowth on the front of the head, I think it does indeed work there. My dermatologist even said that some guy who worked out everyday after applying Rogain actually grew hair on his forehead because it dripped down from his scalp while he worked up a sweat. So, logically, if it can cause growth on your forehead (a place where hair doesn’t even grow naturally!), then I don’t see why it wouldn’t work on the temples. Perhaps the reason Rogain says it’s not for frontal baldness is due to the lack of FDA testing in that area. So maybe they know it works there but they havn’t made it official yet just in case of lawsuits. If more people have any info about the temples it would be appreciated.
Bob said on October 9, 2011
Hi there started to use minoxidil 6% at the weekend . In late 20s started to lose hair rapid around the crown in the last 6 months hope it works
Daniel said on November 10, 2011
I’ve been using Rogaine foam 5% the since the start of the new year. So it’s been 10 months now. The entire top of m head is m problem area so I use a three months suppl in a month. It’s pretty costly but I have had great results so far. I cut my hair every week to a 2 on top and a 1 on the sides, so i can apply the foam and not lose much of it to absorption in the hair. I think by about the end of 2012, I will have a full head of hair(keep in mind i was pretty damn bald). It’s a slow working process but it’s my biggest insecurity, so I’m willing to put in the time and effort. i have been applying it to my temples and hairline and it does work. The only reason it doesn’t say that on the box is because the FDA hasn’t tested it for that yet, so they technically can’t say that it works in that area.
Max said on November 14, 2011
So I’ve been really stressed out lately and I recently noticed that the upper part of the back of my head seems alot thinner than it used to, the rest of my hair is decently thick. Thing is my dad lost his hair, and my mom unfortunately has some hair loss problems too so I feel like I’m screwed either way from the genetic standpoint. I was wondering if using it in that one area is more advisable for now or should I also apply it to areas where I do not have thinning hair. Since one of the side effects was initial hair loss, does that happen to everyone pretty much?

Thanks for your time and consideration
- Max
Mohammad Fawad said on December 12, 2011
To all those that think that hair on their head will get them more GIRLS are WRONG.
If you are worried about girls you don’t need to read about hair loss topics. You just need to go and get some books on how to behave around girls. Get books like Double your dating or dating to relating I assure you these sort of books will help you when it comes to girls.

Now if you are really interested in hair loss topics read my comments and article below.

Hello All,
The best remedies would be natural. I did tones of research on hair loss and I found the following helpful and without side effect.
1. Hair Oils – Jojoba, Castor, Olive, Pumpkin Seed Oil, Lavender, Aloe Vera, Almond, Coconut and Mustard Oils
Usage: I use the mixture of two oil per two days and leave it and then wash it, of course I use organic and pure ones.
2. Tablets – Saw Palmetto, Nu Hair Tabs, Multivitamins, Priorin and others but make sure they are natural. I know that some of the natural medicines have side effects of their own even.
Usage: I take tablets randomly. For example, I take Priorin one day and take multivitamin another day and so on.
3. Scalp Massage – I daily massage my scalp two times or sometimes perhaps three times gently not harshly … Google how to massage
4. Hair Pulling – Start pulling your hair slightly and hold for 20 seconds. Do this for 10 minutes and of course use your senses how much you need it and be gentle.
5. Hair Dieting – Start eating lots of nuts like pumpkin seed, almond, raisin. Eat lots of vegetables, green leaf veggies, fish, meat, drink 8 glass of water, drink tea and other related stuff that you can research from the internet.
6. Reduce Stress – Whatever stress you have stop NOW. If you can’t at least start working on it right away and try to solve it. Just give it a damn try to stop stress or at least stop worrying about losing hair.
7. Start exercising – Do whatever type of sport you can play or do. Bodybuilding, Jogging, Yoga etc – Do palming (google this). Make sure your body doesn’t stuck doing nothing behind the desk or watching tv or whatever.
8. Meditation – Start doing meditation that is related to hair health.
9. Do not use Minioxidil and propecia until you don’t fully know their side effects and understand that these remedies are only temporary or until you use them. The soon you stop the hair fall will start
10. Start collecting money for your hair transplant but do tones of research and choose the best doctor. Hasson and Wong is the best according their results, Alvi Armani himself is the second best in my opinion.
11. At the end if you are tired and want to give up just embrace the baldness and don’t give a damn about what people think or say how you look like.
I wrote this after thinking a lot about my hair loss and frustration. I am Fawad from Kabul Afghanistan. Comments are welcome. My email add is fawadakhtari AT Hotmail. So do drop a line if you want to share experiences etc. Cheers and be happy guys and make JOY the first priority in life.
Daniel said on February 1, 2012
I’m back guys. I have to let you know first off that I have stopped taking BS and SP all together because they both killed my libido. However, I did develop a regimen without them that has been working very well. To be completely honest, I think I might have a thick head of hair by summer. Here is what I do on the daily on this regimen:

-When I wake up, I give myself a scalpal massage for 15 minutes on my target areas (which for me is the entire top of my head)

-Then I wash my hair using a DHT blocking shampoo I bought. It was cheap, only like 10 dollars. I’m not sure if that is really helping all that much but it contains saw palmetto, so that’s good enough for me.

-Apply minoxidil. (Rogaine Foam 5% is what I use)

-Throughout the day I take an assortment of supplements. I checked daily recommended dosages and made sure I wasn’t putting myself in danger. I take them in pairs throughout the day in intervals of 1 hour to try to improve absorption. I usually pair them up this way:

1. Vitamin C (5oomg) with Biotin (5000mcg)

2. Calcium 600 +D (600mg of Calcium with 400 IU of Vitamin D with
Magnesium (300mg)

3. Vitamin E (400IU) with Niacin (50mg)

4. Inositol (650mg) with Zinc (25mg)

5. Raw Thymus Glandular (500mg) with Vitamin B-6 aka Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
(50mg)

6. Pantothenic Acid (100mg) with a B-Complex
***NOTE: I noticed by B-Complex didn’t have any pantothenic acid in it and had
very miniscule amounts of B-6 and Niacin in it, so I later implemented those
two into my regimen. Be careful and make sure you don’t take too much of
these three or it can be unhealthy.***

-EXERCISE DAILY. This is what really made the biggest difference for me. I’ve only recently started working out again while doing all these other steps I have been doing but it has made a tremendous difference. Whether it’s cardio’ or just an intense weight lifting session, exercise really does help. Make sure you really break a sweat.

-I give myself another scalp massage for 15 minutes.

-Wash hair with the same shampoo as before.

-Apply minoxidil (Rogaine foam 5%)

As far as my hair loss, I’m was thinning out on my vertex and crown before I started. My hair line had never really been a problem.
I’m not guaranteeing that this will work for anyone, but it has been working for me very well. I’m sure the fact that I am only 20 has been helping my body bounce back from alopecia, seeing as I have only been suffering from it for about a year. I began using rogaine new years day of 2011. I added the shampoo and supplements around september of 2011. But like I said, the game changer for me has been the exercise in accordance to the shampoo, scalpal massages, and supplements. I hope this helps some people that are in my situation and couldn’t use the BS or SP without adverse side-effects.

P.S. The shampoo I used, i bought online. It’s called “My Secret Correctives Hair Enhancing Shampooo with DHT Blocker System”.
iniesta said on February 25, 2012
SERIOUSLY THIS SHIT WORKS!!!!!!!!!!!! I USED MINOXIDIL FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS AND I CAN SEE MY HAIR STOP FALLING. AT 3 MONTHS I CAN SEE LITTLE HAIR COMING OUT LIKE A GRASS IN THE FOOTBALL FIELD. I LOVE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!! DONT WORRY GUYS TRY IT!!! I USED MINOXIDIL 5% GUDLUCK!!
Daniel said on May 21, 2012
Just checking back in guys to say my regiment is working more than ever. Having steady results. Starting to get excited and more confidence. Getting looks from a lot of pretty ladies lately too. =) Probably gonna be another year or so until I am where I wanna be though but it’s been a year and a half already and the worst part is over so I’m feeling optimistic. I also wanna say I am adding daily consumption of green tea into my regiment. All you need is a cup a day. I figure even if it doesn’t have any results, I will still reap all the other health benefits of the drink anyways.
Daniel said on October 6, 2012
Back again guys. Felt like my success was slowing recently, so I started looking for more things to add to my regimen. I kinda got lazy and stopped with the daily green tea consumption. But I realized a few days ago that when I took Saw Palmetto and Beta Sitosterol, I quit before using just BS by itself. I experienced libido problems when taking both, so I stopped taking BS (because I read everywhere that it was much stronger than SP). Whle taking SP by itself, my libido problems persisted. Hearing all the horror stories of guys who’s sex drive had never been revived, I got scared and stoppped use of both these. I neer had the chance to test BS by itself. I decided a few days ago that I would take BS (120mg) by itself. So far, I have had no libido problems like before. In fact, I feel as if it has possibly enhanced my sex drive. I’m hanging pretty low down there, more than usual haha. I’ll keep you guys updated on my results.
Daniel said on December 5, 2012
Back again guys. Just wanna say that since I started taking BS again, my hair growth has seemed to surpass it’s regular rate of growth. I feel very confident that the regimen I have now, in addition to daily BS consumption, will lead to a full head of hair. My libido is basically the same. The only downside of all of this is that I need to shave/wax my body more often. A side effect of romaine is hair growth in unwanted areas. I feel like the combination of all the vitamins I take, in addition to the shampoo, Rogaine and BS, have led to this. I had to use Nair on upper part of my arm because a few random hair had grown thick. Then I had to use another hair remover on my face in between my beard and my eyes. The piece fuzz just kept getting longer. Other than that negative, I have nothing bad to say about BS at all.

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This article was written on July 7, 2008 was posted in these categories Hair Products .