Can I use men's 5% Rogaine foam instead of women's 5% Rogaine foam?

Question

I've been using women's 5% Rogaine foam for the last year with good results. However, I can purchase the men's Rogaine foam for about half the price of the women's version. Is there a reason I shouldn't use the men's variety?

Tyler Angelos, MD, FACS · Answer

5% minoxidil is 5% minoxidil regardless of how it is packaged and marketed. If one is cheaper then go for it! Consultation with a hair loss specialist is always recommended to assure you are doing everything possible to treat your hair loss. Best wishes!

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello,You  should have a thorough workup including the following:
Trichoscopy- identify type of hair loss Extensive history and labs- rule out other forms of hair lossWe use ARTAS with regenerative techniques with women such as Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and growth factors to help improve overall results. 
Best,
Anil Shah

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

The concentration is the same, so the results should be the same. I usually recommend a combination of Rogaine with prp and progesterone for best results.  I suggest seeing a hair loss expert to evaluate and go over your condition and provide you information about your best treatment options. Best, Dr. Emer

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Women’s 5% Rogaine and Men’s 5% Rogaine are both 5 % minoxidil. They are identical. There is both marketing and legislative pressures that have facilitated both products being created. But they are the same.

William Yates, MD · Answer

Dear refinej, both the Rogaine for men and woman will be the exact same, as the concentration in both is 5%. It will not make any difference at all.

Have you tried any other non-surgical treatments such as PRP or laser therapy in combination with Rogaine? Treatments can complement and work better.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Clearly the greater the concentration of the Rogaine, the more effective it is and that is why many men use the 5% woman's version

Can I use men's 5% Rogaine foam instead of women's 5% Rogaine foam?

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Answers (6)

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