Does Minoxidil have to be massaged or just briefly applied?

Question

Do you actually have to massage it into the area and if so for how long or can you just apply it and move on with your day?

Bernardino Arocha, MD, FISHRS · Answer

647461anon,I would recommend that you massage the minoxidil into the scalp. I like to use the Rogaine 5% foam in the morning, and the Rogaine 5% solution in the evening. That is because the foam is quick drying, and the regular solution is oily, so the hair is easier to style in the morning with the foam. All the best,Bernardino A. Arocha, MD

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In my opinion, minoxidil should be massaged into the scalp. Minoxidil needs to get into the circulation of the hair follicle. Massaging will increase penetration. Recently a study was presented regarding minoxidil being injected into the scalp. Although not approved in the United States, a similar effect could be duplicated with a micro needle roller and then applying minoxidil. We have used this technique with our patients for over 1 year and have been pleased with the results. Hope this helps. Good luck.

George Abrahamian, MD · Answer

Hello, Dr. George Abrahamian here from LA FUE Hair Clinic in Pasadena, CA. Generally, minoxidil should me massaged into the scalp. Just applying minoxidil and leaving it be may not get to all the areas you want to target. Secondarily, if you are applying the foam version of minoxidil, it may be sticking to the hair, and not being appropriately delivered to the scalp where it needs to be in order for it to do its job. It shouldn't take more than a few moments to massage the minoxidil into your scalp, and does not have to be an involved process more than 15-30 seconds or so.
Also, many people also micro needle the scalp once a week, 20-30 minutes prior to the application of minoxidil. This helps to open the pores on the scalp, which can help with minoxidil delivery to the hair follicles. Once a week micro needling is usually sufficient, as doing it multiple times per week can cause unnecessary trauma. Studies show that it can increase the efficacy of minoxidil by up to 50%. However, if you are unsure of the strategies for micro needling, the length of needle to use, the type of device, you can consult with your hair restoration specialist for a regimen most appropriate for you. I hope this helps.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Minoxidil is designed to get into the scalp fairly consistently without a lot of fuss. Apply to the area, give it a light massage only and you're done.

Omeed Memar, MD, PhD (license suspended) · Answer

Suck up the minoxidil in the eyedropper provided. Hold the eyedropper by the stem and not the rubber end.Tap your scalp with the stem so that the half drop (meniscus) touches the scalp. Tap every inch,  so about 10 taps on the crown. No minoxidil should be running onto the face.  If it is running,  them you are using too much. NEVER MASSAGE OR RUB THE MINOXIDIL INTO THE SCALP,  because hair acts like a sponge and absorbs the minoxidil off your scalp.  When minoxidil gets on the hair fibers,  that's less minoxidil that can enter the follicle and more minoxidil that can get on the pillowcase and onto the face to cause undesired facial hair growth. The propylene glycol in the minoxidil solution will make the minoxidil penetrate the scalp and spread out evenly.

Does Minoxidil have to be massaged or just briefly applied?

Answers (7)

Answer: Minoxidil

Answer: Minoxidil

Answer: How to apply liquid minoxidil

Answer: How to apply liquid minoxidil

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Does Minoxidil have to be massaged or just briefly applied?

Answers (7)

Answer: Minoxidil

Answer: Minoxidil

Answer: How to apply liquid minoxidil

Answer: How to apply liquid minoxidil

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.