Will single dose of minoxidil be effective?

Question

I wanted to apply hair oil at night,as my scalp is dry and also people say hair oil nourishes hair.So if i apply minoxidil only in the morning, will it be effective? Also, Should I at all apply hair oil ?

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Use the medication as directed.  If the instructions say use the drug twice a day, that is what has been determined to be the most effective treatment interval.  If you are reducing it by half, then logic would dictate that it would not be as effective.  Hair oil has no bearing on hair growth.

Ryan Welter, MD · Answer

Minoxidil is not well studied at a single dose application.  However at a twice daily application, very little minoxidil makes it to the blood stream (<1-2%) indicating that all of its benefits are from local absorption only. Therefore a beneficial effect would be expected with once daily dosing but twice daily dosing is likely to be more effective.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

For men, 5% minoxidil use twice daily is more effective than once daily. For women, 5% minoxidil use once daily appears to be as effective as twice daily.  Hair oil does not nourish the hair.  It can be used if one likes it, but has not specific growth benefits and in some patients may promote acne type lesions or worsen seborrhoea.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Yes, once a day treatment with minoxidil will be effective but without knowing much about you, I can not tell you if what you are discussing is the proper treatment for the hair loss you have. See a doctor to discuss this and then you will know better what to do.

Will single dose of minoxidil be effective?

Answers (4)