Where to buy PPG-free minoxidil now that Dr Lee is shut down?

[Dr Evil]

(Also: adding keto to minoxidil?)

COPIED FROM http://www.hairlosshelp.com/forums/mess ... erthread=y

Hi everyone. I'm a long-time user of Dr Lee's PPG-free minoxidil but since he got shut down (which is an absolute travesty, by the way) I've been forced to use melted Rogaine foam (which is PPG-free, unlike the lotion)

It's been working really well but it's a bit of a b**ch that I have to melt each application individually and use it before it solidifies. And also, I'd like to start adding ketoconazole to it, and it's kind of impossible to get a consistent dose when I can only measure out one application at a time. It would be infinitely easier to just chuck half a tablet in a 60ml bottle or whatever.

I use keto shampoo and sometimes use a keto cream too. BUT (being a cream) it's a right bugger to apply without getting it all over my hair and ALSO, it contains PPG, which I'm allergic to, so my scalp doesn't thank me for it.

So 2 questions really:
- Where's a TRUSTWORTHY place I can buy PPG-free minoxidil?
- What do you think to my keto-minoxidil idea?

I've linked to my topic on hairlosshelp (and changed my signature on there to show that I am who I say I am) because I didn't want you all to think I'm a shill. I'm new to this forum but I've been a member of hairlosshelp for 8 years, with 220 posts (at the time of writing this). But it's really dead there now and I'll probably get a better response here. Thanks.

 

[Bryan]

Aren't there other sources (besides Dr. Lee) who also sell propylene glycol-free minoxidil? :dunno: At the very least, I know Rogaine Foam doesn't contain propylene glycol...

 

[Dr Evil]

Hey Bryan, thanks for the reply. I'm on the foam already but I'm looking for a liquid PPG-free minoxidil so I can add ketoconazole to it. I've seen a few PPG-free solutions on eBay but I have no idea if they're legit...

Also, what do you think about adding keto?

 

[Bryan]

Sorry, I somehow missed the very first part of your post, in which you stated that you were already familiar with the fact that Rogaine Foam doesn't have any propylene glycol!

Hey Bryan, thanks for the reply. I'm on the foam already but I'm looking for a liquid PPG-free minoxidil so I can add ketoconazole to it. I've seen a few PPG-free solutions on eBay but I have no idea if they're legit...

But you're already in an excellent position to TEST whether or not they're legit, aren't you? Just buy one of those (supposedly) PPG-free solutions, and start using it normally. If it gives you irritation (or any other sign of allergy), you'll know it's not legit.

Also, what do you think about adding keto?

I'm not sure what to think about that. Why not make a PPG-free solution of your own, just specifically for dissolving some ketoconazole? You could get some Everclear (if they sell it where you live), and use some glycerin as a substitute for propylene glycol (you can buy it at a drugstore). BE CAREFUL WITH EVERCLEAR!! That stuff is NASTY, if you misuse it by trying to drink it!!

 

[Dr Evil]

Thanks for the reply Bryan. I considered making a separate keto topical but I'd rather mix it in with the minoxidil to save on application time.

I suppose I could see how I react to the eBay stuff, but that would only prove that they didn't contain PPG, not that they actually contained any minoxidil (or contained it in the quantities they claim)

I think I'm going to try genhair's PPG-free stuff anyway. They seem to have quite a loyal user-base and they've been around for a long time.

 

[hairhoper]

Honestly I think you're wasting your time looking into these random companies. I would suggest you either add your keto to a trusted liquid minoxidil like Kirkland or forget the idea altogether (it probably won't make the slightest difference anyway).

I would wager a fair bit of cash that if you use liquid minoxidil at night and shower it out in the morning you will have no irritation.

I experienced this myself. Liquid minoxidil twice daily did not work (I was on solely liquid Regaine for about 5 months). I had trouble with flakes from the minoxidil residue, but now I only use liquid at night (first Regaine, then Spectal, now Kirkland) and even totally OD'ing on the liquid I have no problem at all, as long as I wash it out in the morning.

(I then use foam for my AM application).

Give it a go.

I don't think these random custom minoxidil companies are remotely worth the risk. God knows if they have even mixed the solutions properly of if they even contain what they say they do.

 

[Dr Evil]

I've just ordered some Genhair PPG-free minoxidil from the shop here (gourmetstylewellness.com/shop)

I definitely remember hearing good things about Genhair from back when I was more active on HLH, but I stuck with Dr Lee. I suppose now he's not around...

I tried Kirkland before but it was soooooo greasy (even greasier than regular rogaine) and irritated my scalp like crazy. I had dandruff the size of cornflakes! (too much information?)

Melted Rogaine foam is great (and not greasy at all) but a bit impractical, and I don't see why this Genhair stuff shouldn't be as good as Dr Lee's

 

[Receding89]

Is it ok to use melted rogaine foam? Does the quality/minoxidil lose its effectiveness when it melts?? Like how the instructions say to keep it in a cool place??

 

[Dr Evil]

Yeah, it's fine. And it's a lot easier to apply when it's a liquid.

It might be a problem if you keep it warm all the time (or constantly warm it and cool it), but I only do one application at a time.

When you think about it, it's only what happens on your head anyway.

It's not like I make it steaming hot or anything - I just warm it up to around body temperature and then apply it.

 

[hairhoper]

I tried Kirkland before but it was soooooo greasy (even greasier than regular rogaine) and irritated my scalp like crazy. I had dandruff the size of cornflakes! (too much information?)

I think a lot of people are making that assumption, but nooo! That is not dandruff. I too got cornflake sized flakes when I was using liquid twice a day on my buzzed scalp. But the size of those flakes should be a pretty clear indicator that it's actually just residue from the minoxidil solution. As I said if you just use the liquid at night you will be able to wash it out in the morning. Doing this got rid of my flakes.

I still see the odd flake every now and then but it's never a problem anymore.

I think it's more than worth it for the knowledge I am using a dirt-cheap & reliable solution vs relying on some random internet company which:
1. may not contain what it says it does (or may not be properly mixed etc).
2. may get shut down any day anyway

Anyway your call, but keep the above in mind. I think far too many people see a flake in their hair and jump to the conclusion 'OH NOES IT'S THE EVIL PPG GIVING ME DANDRUFF!!'

 

[Dr Evil]

I used to think it was just residue as well. That's why I ignored it for so long (about 3-4 years). I had to wear a hat all the time, just because of the flakes - even though my hair was still really thick back then.

But my scalp was also itchy and red and started to get these big fleshy spots. It was definitely an allergic reaction. When I switched to PPG-free minoxidil it stopped within a few days. No flakes, no irritation, nothing.

So those 3-4 years I was wearing a hat just to cover-up the flakes, I could have been young and hairy and carefree. I can't help but think how much better those years would have been if it wasn't for my reaction to PPG :-(

Of course I'd rather buy a big brand like Kirkland or Rogaine/Regaine but they don't do a liquid PPG-free minoxidil, so I don't really have a choice.

 

[Kzbd]

I've just ordered some Genhair PPG-free minoxidil from the shop here (gourmetstylewellness.com/shop)

Melted Rogaine foam is great (and not greasy at all) but a bit impractical, and I don't see why this Genhair stuff shouldn't be as good as Dr Lee's

How do you melt the foam?

 

[Dr Evil]

Just fill a basin with warm water, spray some foam in the cap, and dip the cap in the warm water.

 

[Kzbd]

Just fill a basin with warm water, spray some foam in the cap, and dip the cap in the warm water.

LOL thanks, that's exactly what I was thinking of doing.