minoxidil -- Why Twice A Day?

[Packers]

Does minoxidil really have to be applied twice a day to be effective? I understand you can decrease application to 1x a day say, after a year. But why can't you start off 1x daily from the onset?

minoxidil is tough on the scalp, wouldn't reducing application help and maybe even stimulate growth even more? I'm not sure if any studies have been done, but I don't think you would expect a huge dropoff in results between once and twice daily applications.

 

[Dice_Has_Hair]

Does minoxidil really have to be applied twice a day to be effective? I understand you can decrease application to 1x a day say, after a year. But why can't you start off 1x daily from the onset?

minoxidil is tough on the scalp, wouldn't reducing application help and maybe even stimulate growth even more? I'm not sure if any studies have been done, but I don't think you would expect a huge dropoff in results between once and twice daily applications.

Personally, you should use it twice a day to get best "growth" results. If you just wanna maintain..........once a day should be good enough. Hope this helps. What strength are you using?

 

[amrod]

ive been using 1x a day and ive been regrowing like crazy from the start

 

[Dice_Has_Hair]

ive been using 1x a day and ive been regrowing like crazy from the start

WOW!! Looks like you have found something that works really well for you. Just stick to 1ml a day then, unless you think 2ml a day will work even better.

 

[nooc]

I started off with 2% Rogaine and then switched to 5% Walgreen's Minoxidil. It's itched like crazy for a couple of weeks, but then it calmed down. I've done both twice a day for four months and I think I have excellent regrowth.

If once a day works for you, then fine. But if it doesn't, then you should follow the instructions and apply it twice a day.

 

[Dinzy]

The reason it is used 2x a day is because for most people there is limited absorption into the follicle. There were studies done and 2x a day with a leave in time of 4hours produced the best absorption on average.

Some people absorb the stuff like crazy and get a high systemic ammount of the drug. This is what causes the side effects listed in the instructions.

I would expect that if you applied 5% 1x it would be as effective if not moreso than 2x of 2%. If your scalp doesn't adjust to it then maybe you should try that. Or you could compromise and do 1x MWF and 2x TuTHSat and flip a coin on Sunday.

 

[Cornholio]

In the initial rogaine studies they initially started with some people taking it once a day and some taking it twice a day. They noticed the twice a day group were getting better regrowth and therefore recommended that all take it twice a day. That is the dosing they list on their lable. However if you are happy with your once a day results you might as well take it once a day...

 

[X190]

The first 24 months of my regimen on minoxidil I used it x2 a day but now I am on cruise control. x1 a day 8)

 

[Packers]

Personally, I started using it once a day with the anticipation of switching to twice a day in a few weeks. I wanted to get used to applying minoxidil. It's so easy applying it once a day that I'm wondering if the twice a day hassle would even be worth it...that's why I brought up this question. Everyone's brought up very good points, as of right now, I think I'll continue with once a day application and see how it goes.

Hopefully something along the lines of... :hairy:

Edit: Forgot to mention, I'm using 5% generic minoxidil and have just started a few weeks ago. So far no unbearable itching but a little bit of flaking. I'm applying to my problem areas--temples and a little area on the crown/vertex.