Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions


Frequently Asked Questions
About ROGAINE®
ROGAINE® minoxidil products are the first FDA-approved topical treatment that is clinically proven to help regrow hair. ROGAINE® minoxidil products also help to reverse the progression of hereditary hair loss.
The exact mechanism for ROGAINE® minoxidil products is uncertain, however researchers believe that ROGAINE® minoxidil products work in part by enlarging the hair follicles and reversing the "miniaturization" process. This miniaturization of the hair follicles is a characteristic of hereditary hair loss and can be impacted by hereditary, hormonal and age factors.
By enlarging the miniaturized follicles, the growth phase of the hair cycle is prolonged, allowing the hair to become longer and thicker looking. And with more follicles in the growth phase at the same time, your hair coverage will start to look thicker, too.
Does ROGAINE® minoxidil products work for receding hairline
ROGAINE® minoxidil products are approved for men experiencing gradual thinning or gradual hair loss on the top of the scalp. It is not intended for frontal baldness or receding hairline.Does ROGAINE® minoxidil products work for beards?
ROGAINE® for beards has not been tested in clinical trials.Does ROGAINE® minoxidil products work on eyebrows?
ROGAINE® for eyebrows has not been tested in clinical trials. Directions specifically state to avoid contact with eyes.
It may take at least 4 months for results to be seen, and your results and success may depend on the proper application and dosage.
There are a few signs to look for that let you know ROGAINE® minoxidil products are working. During the first few weeks of use you may see a temporary increase in hair shedding. This is a good sign and means that the new growth cycle is beginning, and the lost hairs are making way for the new, healthy ones.
Eventually, new growth will appear. The earliest hair growth you see may be soft and downy, but continued treatment will produce new hair with the same consistency as the other hair on your scalp.
Remember, not everyone responds to ROGAINE® minoxidil products and individual results will vary. If hair loss continues after 2 weeks or if you do not see any results after 4 months, speak with your doctor.
Hereditary hair loss is a lifelong condition requiring continuous use of ROGAINE® minoxidil products. Make it a part of your daily routine - just like brushing your teeth. Apply directly to your scalp - everyday as directed.
Continued use of ROGAINE® minoxidil products is needed to maintain hair regrowth. While our clinical studies did not go beyond 48 weeks, there is no limit on how long you may use ROGAINE® minoxidil products.
If you stop using it, the normal hair loss process will start again. You will probably lose your newly regrown hair within 3 to 4 months and will look the way you looked before using ROGAINE® minoxidil products, so you'll want to make ROGAINE® products part of your daily routine.
If you miss 1 or 2 doses of a ROGAINE® minoxidil product, however, just continue with your next regular dose. We do not recommend that you try to make up for missed doses, and 1 or 2 days of not using a ROGAINE® minoxidil product will not affect your long-term hair regrowth as long as you resume regular use.
Hair Loss
The most common cause of hair loss is hereditary hair loss (androgenic alopecia), also known as male and female pattern hair loss. This is mainly influenced by genetic factors.
As well as hereditary hair loss, there are also other types of hair loss. Learn about the different types of alopecia to help identify why you may be experiencing thinning or balding.
Other factors that can affect hair loss include stress, hormones, underlying illness, crash diets or even tight hairstyles. If you’re worried about why you’re noticing more hair loss than usual, it’s worth seeing a doctor to rule out any underlying health issues.
It’s worth noting that while exposure to the sun will not make hair thinning worse, it’s always a good idea to protect your scalp and hair from the sun’s UV rays.
In men, hair loss is characterized by a receding hairline and a gradual disappearance of hair from the crown (vertex). In contrast, women generally experience a general thinning of the hair, with the most extensive hair loss occurring on the top of the head and along the part.
Thinning hair from hereditary hair loss is completely common and something that both women and men can experience as early as their 20s. While prevalence varies, hereditary hair loss affects about 1 in every 4 women and 1 in 2 men by age 50, and becomes more common with age.
Product FAQs
To properly open your container of ROGAINE® Foam, follow these steps:
Use the thumb and forefinger of one hand to hold the white plastic ring securely (you'll find the white plastic ring around the neck of the container, just below the translucent cap).
While holding the ring in place, use your other hand to twist the translucent cap until the arrow on the white plastic ring lines up with the arrow on the translucent cap.
Tilt cap back and pull off cap.
To properly close the container:
Place cap on container
Snap into place
Be sure arrows do NOT line up so the cap remains child resistant.
For most people, ROGAINE® can be easily added into your existing hair care routine. To make the most of your hair regrowth treatment, check out our How to Use ROGAINE® page for application directions, tips and tricks.
Some people may experience a dry, itchy scalp and irritation of the treated area. This is more common with the solution than foam. Stop using and ask a doctor if irritation persists.
Some people have experienced changes in hair color and/or texture.
ROGAINE® Foam products contain alcohol, which can cause burning or irritation of the eyes or sensitive skin areas. If any ROGAINE® Foam accidentally gets into these areas, rinse with large amounts of cool tap water.
Infrequent cases of unwanted facial hair have been reported. If you develop unwanted facial hair while using a ROGAINE®minoxidil product, stop use and see your doctor. Any unwanted hair will usually disappear when use of the product is discontinued.
To our knowledge, there are currently no known drug interactions associated with medications taken by mouth and the use of ROGAINE® minoxidil products. You should not use ROGAINE® minoxidil products if you are using other topical medicines on the scalp.
Ask a doctor before use if you have heart disease.
While minoxidil is safe and effective for human hair regrowth, it can be toxic for dogs and cats in even small amounts and should be kept away from pets. To learn more, please see our article about minoxidil and pets.
ROGAINE® for Women
Women’s ROGAINE® 5% Minoxidil Foam is a once-daily hair regrowth treatment indicated and labeled specifically for women. FDA approval was based on the safety and effectiveness profile demonstrated in clinical studies of once-daily use in women experiencing Female Pattern Hair Loss.
In contrast, Men’s ROGAINE® Foam is a twice-daily hair regrowth treatment indicated and labeled specifically for men. FDA approval was based on the safety and effectiveness profile demonstrated in clinical testing of twice daily use in men experiencing Male Pattern Hair Loss.
As always, we recommend following the labeled dosage when using any ROGAINE® Minoxidil product.
Unwanted hair growth has been reported on the face and other parts of the body with ROGAINE® use. The unwanted hair growth may be caused by the transfer of Women’s ROGAINE® products to areas other than the scalp, by absorption into the circulatory system of low levels of active ingredient, or by a medical condition not related to the use of Women’s ROGAINE® products.
If you experience unwanted hair, discontinue using Women’s ROGAINE® products and see your doctor for recommendations about appropriate treatment. After stopping use of Women’s ROGAINE® products, the unwanted hair (if caused by the use of Women’s ROGAINE® products) should go away over time. You can take steps to decrease the chances for unwanted hair growth:
Limit the application of Women’s ROGAINE® product only to the scalp.
If you use the hands to apply Women’s ROGAINE® product, wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
Allow sufficient drying time before going to bed (usually 2 to 4 hours before going to bed after applying Women’s ROGAINE® products).
Do not use ROGAINE® products if you are pregnant or nursing.
Shampoo + Conditioner Products
Yes, the shampoo + conditioner products are designed for use with minoxidil regrowth treatments
No, the shampoo + conditioner products do not contain minoxidil and are not designed to regrow hair. They can help support your hair regrowth routine as they are designed for use with hair regrowth treatments. See product benefits below under “What is the difference between the 3 shampoo + conditioner products?”
The shampoo + conditioner products can be used as part of your regular shampooing and conditioning routine. They are not directly tied to use of minoxidil products.
ROGAINE® offers 3 shampoo and conditioner products which are each designed for use with minoxidil regrowth treatments. The products and their benefits are outlined below:
The Men’s Thickening Shampoo + Conditioner provides thicker, fuller looking fair, helps reduce hair shedding due to breakage, and protects against 5 hair regrowth stressors (sweat, humidity, styling, hat pressure, & build-up). It is formulated with rosemary oil, keratin, and citric acid
The Men’s Pre-Growth Shampoo + Conditioner clears 98% of scalp buildup for hair regrowth treatments to reach their full potential. It is formulated with mandelic acid, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid.
The Men’s 2% Salicylic Acid Anti-Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner fights dandruff that can weaken hair growth and exacerbate hair loss. It contains 2% Salicylic Acid, which relieves scalp itching, reduces irritation, minimizes redness, and fights flaking.