Should I apply 5% minoxidil on crown only? How about mid scalp?

Question

Box says not for hairline. Am I wasting minoxidil by applying it in the front?

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In my opinion, Minoxidil works wherever there is hair on the scalp. The reason that the Box does not mention the hairline, is due to the fact that the FDA would not let them make the claims. During the clinical trials only  the crown was tested. Just think about it, if minoxidil can  make hair grow on the face, it certainly can grow it on the hairline. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Jennifer Krejci, MD · Answer

The initial studies of Rogaine were done on men's crowns and hence the FDA approved it's use for this area but we know that it works where ever you put it.  If you use it on your arm, your arm would grow darker, longer hairs. If you are young and have hairloss, you can get regrowth in the front or midscalp if there are dormant or miniaturized hair follicles in those areas. However, if your scalp has been very bald for decades, you are unlikely to get regrowth because the dormant follicles do eventually die and can not be coaxed into regrowing.

Steven Gabel, MD, FACS · Answer

Absolutely.The initial studies with minoxidil were for the crown which showed statistical benefit.  There have been further studies to show efficacy in the frontal and temporal areas as well.  Therefore, I recommend to my patients that they apply half the dose to the crown, and the other half dose to the frontal area as minoxidil should help in those other areas.  It is also important to understand, that will any medication, not all patients respond the same as some will have a better response then others.

Ilhan Serdaroglu, MD · Answer

Yes, ıf you lost your hair tataly and there is a regression of frontal hair line ,you are wasting your time and  minoxidil by applying it in the front. İt doesnot work there if there is no hair. İt works on crown as you use it, ...ıf you stop , you lost affect of it .

Parsa Mohebi, MD, FISHRS · Answer

It can help everywhere you have hair follicles that are prone to baldness.  The initial studies show most of the results in the vertex (top and crown) area, but it helps other hair loss areas too.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Minoxidil has the potential to help anywhere the hair is miniaturizing. It has the potential to help the crown as well as the frontal and mid scalp. Minoxidil does not help everyone.

Baubac Hayatdavoudi, MD · Answer

Minoxidil can be use on any part of your scalp and works by prolonging your anagen (growth) phase of your follicular unit leading to longer thicker hair strand.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

The formal studies with the FDA showed only crown value, but we have come to know that minoxidil has value anywhere it is applied.  The value is about 15% good, 50% fair, and the rest no value. Use it you want and providing that there are no side effects, see what it does for you.

Should I apply 5% minoxidil on crown only? How about mid scalp?

Answers (8)

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