Okay, first of all, there’s no such thing as a magical hair regrowth method or product that can give you longer, thicker, and voluminous hair overnight (yeah, not even that miraculous hair oil your favorite natural hair influencer swears by).
Like trauma healing, hair growth is a process – think half an inch every month. Not only that but hair loss treatments have clinically been proven to take at least three to four months to see any results. So when it comes to that bottle of hair growth shampoo or oil you hear about all over TikTok or IG, let’s just say you need to temper your expectations.
However, that doesn’t mean that all hair regrowth products are off the table – in fact, Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam Hair Regrowth Treatment has been said to help create a strong and healthy foundation for hair (3A to 4C) to grow.
It’s been trending all over #HairTok and Instagram, and according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Heather MD, it is one of the best products to use for hair regrowth. Scroll down to learn everything about this product and if it really walks the walk.
All About The Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam Hair Loss Treatment, $50
Rogaine’s 5% Minoxidil Foam Hair Growth Treatment is an FDA-approved product that is effective and scientifically proven to boost hair growth in over 80% of women. The unscented foam is easy to use and contains ingredients designed to reactivate hair follicles to regrow hair.
- PERFECT FOR: Babes struggling with receding hairline, alopecia, thinning hair, and hair loss due to regular hair manipulation. Anyone looking to achieve longer, thicker, and voluminous strands. Not recommended for pregnant individuals
- BENEFITS: Encourages hair growth, stimulates hair follicles, strengthens strands, treats hair disorders
- POTENTIAL ALLERGENS: Sensitive scalps or anyone allergic to propylene glycol should consider getting the serum option instead of this foam
- PRIMARY INGREDIENT: Minoxidil 5% w/w (without propellant)
- SHOULDN’T BE USED WITH: OTC hair dyes and other potential scalp irritants
- PAIRS PERFECTLY WITH: Dermatologists recommend using a combination of topical minoxidil 5% and finasteride 0.25% for maximum hair regrowth results
- PRICE: $50 On Amazon
How Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam Works
Hair follicles go through three phases:
- Anagen – the growth phase
- Catagen – the transition phase
- Telogen – the resting and shedding phase
Rogaine 5% Minoxidil shortens the telogen phase, triggering your strands to enter the anagen phase more quickly. Each follicle spends less time resting and more in the growing phase.
Also, minoxidil – 5% to be exact – works as a vasodilator, so it widens the blood vessels to transport more oxygen-rich blood to your hair follicles. This supports healthy hair growth.
@todnisee Week 2: no major updates, but I have noticed my scalp has turned a little darker using the women’s Rogaine. I scheduled a dermatology appointment! #growingmyhair #growingmyedges #edges #hairgrowth #blackhair #blackhaircare #protectivestyles #minoxidil #blackhaircare #rogaineforwoman ##castoroil##dermaroller##rosemaryoil##fypシ##halloween##dermatologist##dermatology##productreview ♬ original sound – Tod!
@oohsojonesy Replying to @kim_200_1 Did Minoxidil grow my edges back?! Yessss!!!!! #naturalhair #longnaturalhair #growingbackmyhair #blackgirltiktok #naturalhairtiktok #longnaturalhair #healthyhairtiktok #healthyhaircare #blackhealthyhair ♬ Love and hate – BrosZZ & Shiloh Dynasty
How To Use The Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam Hair Growth Treatment
To ensure maximum hair growth results, make sure to:
- Apply Rogaine 5% Minoxidil every morning, starting with dry or damp towel-dried hair. Part your strands in rows to maximize scalp exposure.
- Dispense half a capful of Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam onto clean, dry fingers and then apply it to your strands.
- Gently massage your scalp, especially where your hair is thinning. Allow the foam to absorb and air dry for thirty minutes before using any styling products.
PSA: You should only apply minoxidil once a day or as directed by your physician
What Are The Cons Of Using Minoxidil?
It takes time to regrow your edges, hairline, or strands. Results might occur after three months with once-daily use. For some women, you might have to use Rogaine 5% Minoxidil once a day for at least six months before seeing any results.
You need to keep using it regularly to maintain hair growth.
Minoxidil is considered to be a safe hair growth treatment, but it can trigger one of the following side effects:
- Fine peach fuzz on the forehead or facial hair
- Contact dermatitis
- Low blood pressure
- Allergy symptoms such as hives, inflammation, itching, rash
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
- Nausea
- Scalp irritation
@dermfriends Hair loss. What can you do? #hairloss #boardcertifieddermatologist #minoxidil #hairvitamins #redlighttherapy #plateletrichplasma #hairtransplantation #dermfriends #drhearhermd ♬ original sound – Skincare Dermatologist
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Make My Hair Fall Out?
Hair shedding initially is normal when using minoxidil. This is because the product stimulates or shocks the resting hairs into the growing phase. Shedding resolves as newer, stronger, and healthier hairs grow.
Do You Lose Your Hair When You Stop Using Minoxidil?
One myth surrounding Rogaine 5% Minoxidil is that it ultimately worsens hair loss when halted.
That’s not true.
What happens is that your strands return to the point where they would’ve been, not back to where they were when you started the treatment, as untreated hair thinning is a progressive issue.
Who Shouldn’t Use Minoxidil?
- Individuals with a red, inflamed, or infected scalp
- If you use other medication on your scalp
- Your hair loss is sudden or patchy
- Your hair loss is mainly associated with childbirth
- You don’t know the cause of your hair loss (it could be due to underlying health conditions that might react with the minoxidil)
- You’re under 18 years of age
- You’re pregnant
Is Minoxidil Safe For Color-Treated Hair?
Rogaine is safe to use on color-treated or chemically-treated strands. Just skip on the day you have a chemical treatment or color redo.
Alternative Hair Regrowth Products
If Rogaine 5% Minoxidil doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, these products are dermatologically tested and approved for hair growth:
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil, $11
Rosemary is another FDA-approved and clinically proven ingredient that’s been shown to boost hair growth, especially in people struggling with genetic androgen-related hair loss.
But what sets rosemary oil apart from minoxidil is that it’s more effective in minimizing scalp irritation and lightheadedness. Mielle’s is one of the best rosemary oils on the market that works for all hair types, including 4C coils and kinks.w1
Briogeo Destined For Density MegaStrength + Caffeine + Biotin Peptide Density Serum, $57
Add a little pep to your lackluster tresses with this featherlight, fast-absorbing, caffeine-powered serum.
The naturally potent energy complex (caffeine, CoQ10 + green coffee oil) stimulates the scalp, strengthens hair to promote volume, and delivers antioxidant protection. It also contains biotin that nourishes the hair follicle to support elasticity and copper peptides allow for a healthy hair life cycle.
Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements For Women, $40
Nutrafol Women Hair Growth Supplement ($88) is one of the market’s most high-rated hair growth products. And while it has research backing, it is a tad bit pricey, which brings us to its best and more pocket-friendly alternative, Viviscal.
The formula contains a combination of Aminomar complex, biotin, iron, and horsetail extract to help nourish thinning hair, promote hair regrowth, and strengthen strands. You only have to consume two tablets daily, but it might take three to six months to see results.
Act+Acre Scalp Dermaroller, $46
Red light therapy is another recommended hair regrowth method. However, getting a helmet to disperse those rays can be bank-breaking, making scalp derma rolling the next best thing. This roller features micro needles that invigorate the scalp (by increasing microcirculation) while improving product penetration for stronger, thicker, healthier-looking hair.
It’ll take time (usually once or thrice a week for over three to six months) to see results, but it’s a less expensive option and arguably more straightforward to use than other hair regrowth devices.
