A little bit redness with Minoxidil 5%, is that normal?

Minoxidil unfortunately requires to be mixed with alcohol as a base.  ITs the alcohol which causes the problems.  Mind you Minoxidil is still only a general prostaglandin agonist.  There are other more effective hair growth stimulants which are specific to head hair and which will produce much better results without the irritation caused by minixidil formulas.  Go see a hair regrowth specialist who is not also a transplant surgeon to learn about the newest treatment options available. Minoxidil first came out over 20 years ago and if it really cured hair loss there wouldnt be so many bald people still around.

Redness with minoxidil is not necessarily bad - unless the itch is severe, or associated with severe flaking or shedding of hair. See your dermatologist if you are worried or the redness worsens. A mild dermatitis may help the minoxidil work better. I often advise my patients to add an anti-dandruff shampoo to their routines as it may help control yeast that sometimes contribute to the minoxidil dermatitis.