Minoxidil has been proven time and again to be an effective hair growth stimulator that can both maintain and increase scalp hair counts.
But if the existing lotion formula is effective, then why did Pfizer release a foam version of Rogaine? Well any existing Rogaine user can answer that question pretty easily.
The directions suggest that the traditional Rogaine lotion be applied twice a day for optimal results. These application times should be at least four hours apart. Common sense tells the hair loss sufferer that the best times to apply their Rogaine would be right after their morning shower and a little while before bed at night. However common sense probably never had to deal with that infamously greasy “Rogaine head.”
The traditional Rogaine lotion utilizes propylene glycol in the ingredients as the vehicle for delivering the active medication into the scalp. The problem, of course, is that propylene glycol leaves the hair and scalp with an awful greased-up texture and feel to it for what seems like hours after the application. The result is unflattering, to say the least. It leaves the hair looking matted down and even thinner than it really is – a hefty step in the wrong direction for a hair loss treatment. Even after it dries, the hair appears lifeless and limp. Obviously, this presents a problem for users that wish to apply their Rogaine in the morning just before they have to go to work. Another issue with propylene glycol is that it can irritate users’ scalps resulting in itching, flaking, and even peeling in some cases. Because of these effects, the use of traditional minoxidil solution wasn’t even a possibility for many hair loss sufferers.
Rogaine Foam delivers the minoxidil into the scalp in a manner that is just as effective as the traditional lotion, but without the mess or unpleasantness. The foam is designed to retain its “foamy” texture at room temperature but quickly liquefies, spurring quick skin absorption at body temperature. It is for this reason that Rogaine suggests users rinse the hand used for application under cold water before applying the foam.
My Review
I’ve used traditional Rogaine lotion for a few years now with good results. I feel that I have maintained and regrown lost hair in my crown and vertex some creative timing. The messy nature of the lotion did account for me blowing off some of my applications and sometimes I would simply make the two applications at no more than 5 hours apart, which is not ideal. So I was excited about the foam hitting the market. I’ve used it for just over a month now.
My impression is that the Rogaine Foam lives up to its hype. The application area of the scalp and the surrounding hair dries quickly and there is no residue left behind. My hair does feel a little stiffer after application, but I, for one, don’t mind this as it seems to actually have a bit of a thickening effect as well. But that may just be my own imagination.
The simple fact that I can apply my minoxidil in the morning without my hair looking as if I bathed in Crisco is reason enough for me to switch to the foam. The added benefit that my scalp doesn’t itch nearly as bad as with the solution is just one more huge benefit.
So I give the Rogaine Foam a “two thumbs up.” Though it doesn’t leave my hair exactly as natural-feeling as it would be had I used nothing, the texture that it gives my hair is not awfully unpleasant and isn’t a hindrance like its predecessor.
Learn more about minoxidil, its benefits, and how it treats hair loss.
Robert – Associate Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q & A Blog
Technorati Tags: Rogaine Foam, hair loss treatment, minoxidil, Rogaine, Pfizer
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View Comments
Can you still straighten your hair while using rogaine?
Rogaine has caused premature aging, bags under the eyes, and a slight disfiguration of my face. I stopped treatment a long time ago, and the effects remain. I am only claiming this happened to ME, I'm not saying it will happen to you. From my perspective it ONLY works well enough to keep consumers spending money on it, no more. In that sense it is the perfect drug, financially speaking. But BEWARE if you happen to be one of the people who absorb Rogaine very easily and use it in the front of your scalp: it has a great tendency to deform your face--do a search on Pseudoacromegaly. This review is based on my personal experience and carefully documented (with photos) fact.
Tara,
Liquid minoxidil is known to leave hair looking greasy. If this is a concern, the best option is to switch to Rogaine Foam or a generic minoxidil foam. Foam based minoxidil products absorb and dry very quickly without leaving a greasy residue on the hair.
Another option is to apply minoxidil in the evening only.
David
I've just started using foligain 5% for men.. Liquid form.. But I have noticed it's started to make my hair look wet and greasy after the application! Does this happen to anyone else and if so what else can I do to stop this? I'm applying the solution only to my scalp but it seems to be making the roots of my hair look wet and go greasy?
HELPPPPPP!!!
So embarrassing!!! This makes me not even want to keep using the product.. I don't know what to do... Really discouraging me to use it!!
Where can I buy Rogaine in Nigeria
Hi Dawn,
It is difficult to provide an answer without assessing your scalp in person. Using the minoxidil (Rogaine) is likely a great start. However, if your hair continues to look dull and thin, you should seek the expert opinion of a physician. Particularly, a physician who specializes in female hair loss. An endocrinologist or dermatologist may be a good place to start. You may also be interested in consulting with some of our recommended hair loss experts: http://www.hairtransplantnetwork.com/Consult-a-Physician/hair-loss-doctors.asp
Good luck!
Blake (Future_HT_Doc)
I'm a 59 year old female & use Rogaine. But is makes my hair look dull & is impossible to style. My hair is thinning on top but atleast it had body & shine when styled. Is there a solution?
Joanne,
If you stop minoxidil, your progressive hair loss will resume and any hairs revived or regrown by the drug will shed. What's more, because minoxidil is a preventive medication, other "hairs which were not stimulated by minoxidil" (as you put it) would be susceptible to hair loss as well. Essentially, if you stop using minoxidil, you will lose the hairs you've regenerated and expose yourself to future hair loss.
I hope this helps!
Blake (Future_HT_Doc)
Editorial Assistant
Dear Sir,
Please advise how long after will it takes for my hair (if any) which were stimulated by minoxidil, to fall out after stop with 2 years use of Rogaine foam ? Will those hair which were not stimulated by minoxidil fall out too ?
Thanks, Joanne
Alice,
In my opinion and experience, Rogaine foam is considered more effective than it's liquid counterpart due to its foam delivery system. In its own distinct study, Rogaine foam reports an impressive 85% hair regrowth success rate (if used as directed) which is approximately 20% higher than liquid minoxidil at only 64%.
That said, if you have concerns about Rogaine foam and want to switch to its liquid counterpart, it would certainly be better than stopping it altogether if it's helping you to maintain any existing hair.
Keep in mind that the 5% solutions (foam or liquid) is only FDA approved for men while the 2% solution is approved for women. This is because women who use higher concentrations of minoxidil may experience unwanted facial or body hair growth. That said, many women use 5% minoxidil solutions with even higher success rates without experiencing any unwanted side effects.
I hope this helps.
Bill - Managing Publisher of this Community