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Are you looking to treat hair loss or thinning hair? Perhaps you have already bought Minoxidil or are considering using it. But you're unsure about how to exactly use Minoxidil? When will you see results? And what should you look out for? This blog will take you step-by-step through the correct and best use of Minoxidil.
Are you looking to treat hair loss or thinning hair? Perhaps you have already bought Minoxidil or are considering using it. But you're unsure about how to exactly use Minoxidil? When will you see results? And what should you look out for? This blog will take you step-by-step through the correct and best use of Minoxidil.
Minoxidil is a liquid that you apply directly to the scalp. It has been specially developed to reduce hair loss and stimulate new hair growth. Minoxidil works by improving the blood supply to the hair follicles. This keeps hair in the growth phase for longer, resulting in fuller and stronger hair. Minoxidil is suitable for both men and women with hereditary hair loss or thinning hair. You do not need a prescription; it is available over the counter.
Minoxidil is available in two varieties: 2% minoxidil and 5% minoxidil. Both contain the same active ingredient, but in different strengths.
This variant is milder and is usually recommended for women. Because women can be more sensitive to side effects, a lower dosage is often sufficient. The risk of skin irritation is also lower with long-term use.
This is the stronger variant and is mainly used by men. Some women also opt for 5%, for example, if the 2% does not give enough results. Note: in women, 5% may increase the chance of side effects, such as skin irritation or hair growth in undesirable places (such as the face).
For good results, it is important that you use minoxidil correctly and consistently. Below, you can read how to do that:
Use minoxidil in the morning and evening, with approximately 12 hours between applications. Setting fixed times will help you remember.
Tip: Set an alarm on your phone or place the bottle in a visible spot in the bathroom.
Always apply minoxidil to a dry scalp. Just washed your hair? Then dry it first with a towel or hairdryer. Minoxidil is absorbed less well on wet hair, making it less effective.
Tip: Plan your hair washing around your minoxidil routine. For example, wash your hair a little earlier so that your scalp has enough time to dry completely before you apply the product.
Use 1 millilitre (ml) per application. Linn Minoxidil has a handy atomizer. Press it 6 times to get 1 ml. Make sure you clean the atomizer well so that it does not become clogged.
Apply the liquid directly to the scalp, not the hair. Spread it over the areas where your hair has thinned or where you are losing hair. These can be the temples, the crown or the hairline, for example.
Tip: Gently massage the liquid in with your fingertips to improve absorption. Wash your hands after application to prevent the minoxidil from getting on other parts of your skin.
After applying, the minoxidil must be absorbed properly. Therefore, make sure you only use styling products when your scalp feels dry. It is also best not to use a hair dryer immediately after application.
Tip: Avoid wearing a cap, hat or tight hairband during the absorption period. This prevents the product from being wiped off or from being absorbed less effectively.
Possible side effects decrease after prolonged use
Minoxidil is generally well tolerated, but at the start of use, there may be mild side effects. These may include headaches, a dry or irritated scalp, or in rare cases, dizziness. These reactions usually occur because minoxidil is dissolved in alcohol and propylene glycol – ingredients that are necessary for the active ingredient to effectively penetrate the hair follicles. Fortunately, most side effects diminish the longer you use the product, because the scalp gets used to it.
Minoxidil does not work immediately
Those who start using minoxidil need to be patient. The effect is not immediately visible: on average it takes 3-4 months or more before the first results are noticeable. In the beginning, it may even seem as if you are losing more hair – a phenomenon called 'shedding'. This is because old hairs fall out faster to make room for new, stronger hairs. This phase is temporary and is part of the hair growth cycle recovery process. Consistent use is essential: if you interrupt the treatment, the results achieved may be lost again in 3 to 4 months. Tip: if you suffer from shedding, don't give up! This means that the product is working.
As we mentioned before, minoxidil does not work immediately! It is important to be patient and continue to use the product twice a day. You can expect to see results after a few months.
Research shows that it takes at least 3 months before you can see visible improvement. For some people it happens faster, for others it takes a little longer. Most users notice that hair loss decreases and that new, fine hairs start to grow between 3 and 6 months.
After 1 to 2 months: shedding phase
What happens?
What to do?
After 3 to 4 months: first signs of growth
What happens?
What to do?
After 5 to 6 months: improvements start to become visible
What happens?
What to do?
After 7 to 9 months: significant growth and thickening
What happens?
What to do?
After 10 to 12 months: the best results have been achieved
What happens?
What to do?
Minoxidil only works as long as you continue to use it. If you stop, the hair that has returned thanks to minoxidil will fall out again after a few months. So if you are using the product with good results, it is important to continue using it.
Yes, but don't do this right after applying minoxidil. Wait at least a few hours. You can wash your hair in the morning, let it dry, apply minoxidil, and only then use other products.
Yes, you can. Minoxidil is often used together with, for example, caffeine shampoo or hair growth supplements.
It's okay to forget to apply minoxidil once. Just do it anyway, unless it's almost time for the next application, and think of what you can do to remember more easily. Put products in plain sight so you see them when it's time to use them. Try to establish a rhythm and make it a daily ritual. After a while it will feel more and more normal, just like brushing your teeth or styling your hair, and it will become second nature.
