Is it true that when minoxidil gets onto the scalp most of it get stuck on the hair follicles and does not penetrate the skin?

Question

What can one do to increase the power of absorption??

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Thank you for the post. Yes, that is something that can happen. Especially if the Foam version of the Minoxidil is being used. Hope this helps answering your question.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Sure. That's true. Lots of minoxidil gets stuck on the hair follicle, lots gets stuck in the skin, lots gets stuck in the eccrine glands and sebaceous glands. How much gets to the hair follicle? Just enough.The proper dose has been worked out in detail for safety and efficacy - so one need not to worry about how to get more in. For the foam in men, it is 1/2 cap twice daily. For the liquid it is 1 ml twice daily.Applying more minoxidil is associated with a greater risk of side effects. Pentration is higher and so are side effects.How do you get more minoxidil into the hair follicle? It's pretty easy actually but not a good idea and I would not advise without seeing a dermatologist. Apply more volume (not necessarily a good idea but yes more gets in pretty linearly with volume applied), apply with different vehicles,  apply to slightly damp hair, apply higher concentrations, and apply with agents that irritate the skin (including retinoids, and other agents).The issue is not how to get more minoxidil to the hair follicle. That's easy. The issue is what is safe.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

If you use the foam, it gets more on the hair than the scalp. If you use an applicator and apply it to the scalp, you can keep much of it off of the hair for greatest effectiveness.

Is it true that when minoxidil gets onto the scalp most of it get stuck on the hair follicles and does not penetrate the skin?

Answers (3)

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