Minoxidil Foam Vs Liquid

Planning to use minoxidil for your hair thinning and balding, but unsure which form is best? There’s always a debate around different forms of topical minoxidil for hair loss.

We have broken down the specifications, benefits and side effects of both the liquid and foam minoxidil. So, you can easily choose what’s most convenient to give you maximum results.

What Is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil or in common terms Rogaine is an FDA approved over the counter medication for treating androgenic alopecia. Whether you are suffering from male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness you may have considered this option. It slows the progression of hair thinning and promotes growth of hair follicles.

What Is The Mechanism Of Action Of Minoxidil?

Here’s how minoxidil performs its action and proves effective in treating hair loss:

• • When applied topically, it is absorbed into the scalp and then to the bloodstream through the underneath blood vessels.
  • It causes local vasodilation by widening the lumen of blood vessels supplying the scalp. In this way, blood flow to the hair follicles is increased.
  • More blood to the scalp, brings with it more nutrients and oxygen that then promotes the growth of hair follicles.
  • Minoxidil also prolongs the active growth phase of the hair cycle called anagen phase, making the hair grow thicker, healthier and longer.
  • Also works as an inhibitor of 5 alpha reductase enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which can contribute to hair loss.

What Forms Of Minoxidil Are Available In The Market?

Each formulation of minoxidil has a different route of absorption and efficiency in hair growth. The most common forms of minoxidil are:

• • Sublingual: Available in tablet form that can be placed under the tongue.
  • Oral: Taken in by mouth in the form of pill or capsule and passes by stomach before going to the bloodstream.
  • Foam: A soapy, bubbly form that can be directly applied to the scalp.
  • Liquid: Available in the form of serums and applied to the scalp with fingers or a dropper.
  • Spray: Mist of minoxidil is sprayed from the spray bottle. Much of the product gets wasted by not being able to reach the scalp due to obstacles caused by hair strands.
  • Others: It includes gels, creams, lotions etc.

Note: Most commonly used formulations of minoxidil are liquid and foam types. They are better in terms of convenience and effectiveness.

Minoxidil Foam Vs Liquid – Key Differences

Here is a comparison of foam vs liquid minoxidil in different aspects to help you choose the best option for you:

What Is The Best Way To Use Minoxidil?

Here’s how to use minoxidil effectively:

• Use It Correctly: Apply directly to your scalp with the dropper or a foam bottle. Use it on the area of low hair density, bald spots and areas of hair thinning. Spread it evenly with your fingertips to your scalp. Do not rub vigorously on the scalp.
• Consistency Is The Key: Use it everyday without a gap. With continuous and consistent use, you will be able to see results in a few weeks.
• Use With Finasteride: To have the best results, it is often prescribed with finasteride. They both work by blocking the dihydrotestosterone in the scalp. So their effects are additive in terms of stopping hair loss and promoting hair growth.
• Use The Right Strength: Women can use either 2% or 5% strength depending upon the proportion of hair loss. It is recommended for men to use only strengths of minoxidil 5% or higher to be effective in controlling baldness.
• Wait Patiently: Patience is crucial because it is not a miraculous treatment to give you results in a week. It takes about 8 weeks before you start noticing the difference.