Should I apply 5% Minoxidil only to the areas very affected by thinning (i.e.: temples)? Or the whole scalp?

Question

I've managed to halt my hairloss for years with 5-ARIs (Finasteride) but I think it's time to add Minoxidil to the regimen. I'm a NW2 progressing to a NW2.5 on my Temples/Forelock. While I do have some thinning in the vertex, it's very minor and it's hard to detect even on the microscopic analysis Should I apply Minoxidil only to area where the thinning is evident (temples)? Or should I also apply some of it on the vertex as a preventive measure? Thanks

Daniel J. Lee, MD, FACS, ABHRS · Answer

Minoxidil, which is felt to increase blood flow to areas where it is used, should be applied to the areas where hair loss is present.  It won't be beneficial being placed in areas where there is no current loss.

Robert Nettles, MD · Answer

While minoxidil works for some, the problem with the medicine is that
 it does not stop hair loss, and the DHT will continue is binding to the
 hair shaft which will eventually overtake any additional growth caused 
by the Minoxidil and die, perhaps just slightly later than it would have
 without the medicine.
Also, the alcohol base required to support the active ingredients 
also cause irritation of the scalp and severe reactions for many people,
 such as the increased shedding you are describing. The fact is that it 
does not work for everyone.
The number one first step I recommend is a comprehensive consultation
 with a hair regrowth specialist who will perform lab tests to determine
 the underlying cause of your thinning. Without labs, no-one can really 
know what your true cause is and any treatment will be temporary at 
best. From here, you can receive the best treatment for your case. 
It is also worth noting that any medicine that actually can make 
changes inside your body, are required under the FDA to be available by 
prescription only. This therefore means that it is not possible for 
anything that does not require a prescription to cure or prevent hair 
loss or regrow thinning hair. Thus, a personalized medicine will be the 
best choice because instead of a "one size fits all" approach, you will 
be taking something which is truly catered to your body's needs.

The treatment is out there. Good luck on your search.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Minoxidil should be applied to the area where you believe it is needed. If you place it all over your scalp, for example, you will absorb more of the drug into your blood stream

Should I apply 5% Minoxidil only to the areas very affected by thinning (i.e.: temples)? Or the whole scalp?

Answers (3)