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Minoxidil is an active substance that you apply to your scalp to slow down hereditary hair loss and sometimes grow new hair.[1] You can buy it as a lotion (2% or 5%) or as a foam (5%), without a prescription from a pharmacy, drugstore or webshop.[6] It mainly works on hair follicles that become smaller due to hereditary predisposition: the growth phase becomes longer and the hair becomes thicker.[2] You usually see the first effect after about 4 months, and the result only lasts as long as you continue to use it daily.[1] In this guide you can read exactly what minoxidil is, how it works, what forms and strengths there are and for whom it is and is not suitable is.
Contents
- What is minoxidil?
- How does minoxidil work on your hair follicles?
- What forms and strengths of minoxidil are there?
- Who is minoxidil intended for and who is it not?
- How long does it take for minoxidil to work? works?
- Which minoxidil is right for you?
- Frequently asked questions
- Sources
What is minoxidil?
Minoxidil was developed in the 1970s as a tablet against severe high blood pressure that did not respond to other medicines.[2] Doctors noticed that users had extra side effects. got hair growth. That discovery led to a version for application to the skin.[3] In the late 1980s, the first minoxidil solution for the scalp came onto the market, first for men and later also for women.[2]
Today, minoxidil for the scalp is the most commonly used treatment for hereditary hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).[3] Well-known brand names are Regaine (Rogaine in the United States), Kirkland and Foligain, but the active substance is always the same: minoxidil. What differs is the strength, the form (lotion or foam) and the excipients.
How does minoxidil work on your hair follicles?
How exactly minoxidil stimulates hair growth has not yet been fully clarified.[2][3] However, there are a few effects that researchers describe well:
- It becomes active in your scalp. An enzyme in the scalp (sulfotransferase) converts minoxidil into minoxidil sulfate, the active form. How much of that enzyme you have varies per person. This partly explains why minoxidil works better for some people than for others.[2]
- Better blood flow to the hair follicle. Minoxidil opens potassium channels and dilates small blood vessels, improving microcirculation around the hair follicles. It also stimulates the growth factor VEGF.[2][7]
- Longer growth phase. The resting phase (telogen) becomes shorter and the growth phase (anagen) becomes longer. This causes hair to grow longer and thicker.[2]
Because hair follicles first release their old hair in the resting phase before they start growing again, some people temporarily lose more hair in weeks 2 to 6. The leaflet calls this a sign that the product is doing its job.[4]
What forms and strengths of minoxidil are there?
Minoxidil for the scalp comes in two strengths (2% and 5%) and two forms: lotion and foam. De lotion bevat alcohol en propyleenglycol. The foam does not contain propylene glycol and is therefore an option if your scalp reacts to the lotion.[2] There are also minoxidil tablets, but they are only available with a prescription and are prescribed for hair loss outside their official application.[2]
| Form and strength | For whom | Usual dosage | Recipe need? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lotion 2% | Men and women | 1 ml, 2 times a day[6] | No |
| Lotion 5% | Men (not for women) | 1 ml, 2 times a day, maximum 2 ml per day[6][7] | No |
| Foam 5% men | Men | 1 gram (about half a cap), 2 times a day[4] | No |
| Foam 5% women | Women | 1 gram, 1 time a day day[5] | No |
| Tablets | Only after assessment by a doctor | As prescribed[2] | Yes |
Are you unsure between the two forms for the scalp? In our blog minoxidil foam or lotion you can read the 5 differences that determine what suits you.
Who is minoxidil intended for and who is it not?
Minoxidil is intended for adults aged 18 and over with hereditary hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).[5] In men it concerns indentations and a thinning crown[4], in women usually thinner hair around the parting. The British product information for Regaine 5% for men mentions an age range of 18 to 65 years.[7]
Do not use minoxidil, or consult your doctor or pharmacist first, in these situations:[4][5]
- Your hair falls out suddenly or in spots, you have no family members with hair loss or the cause is unknown. Have this assessed by your doctor first.
- You are pregnant, breastfeeding or want to become pregnant.
- You have cardiovascular disease, heart rhythm disorders, high blood pressure or you use blood pressure lowering drugs.
- Your scalp is inflamed, irritated, sunburned or painful.
- You are younger than 18 years.
Common side effects include irritation, dry or itchy scalp, rash, burning sensation and unwanted hair growth in areas where it is not applied. Minoxidil also makes the skin more sensitive to UV light.[1] If you get chest pain, palpitations, dizziness or unexplained swollen hands or feet, stop and contact your doctor.[4]
How long does it take for minoxidil to work?
Minoxidil requires patience. The package leaflets mention this rough timeline:
Possibly temporarily more hair loss (shedding) because old hairs make way for new ones.[4]
For men, it usually takes 2 to 4 months before an effect is visible, for women about 3 maanden.[5]
No effect at all? According to the foam leaflet, men stop after 4 months and women after 6 months.[5]
Within about 3 to 4 months, the scalp will be back to its pre-treatment situation.[4]
Do you want to know what you can expect per month? Then read minoxidil results: after how many months do you see hair growth.
Which minoxidil suits you?
For most men with inlets or a thinner crown, 5% is the usual choice, as a lotion or as a foam. If you have a sensitive scalp, foam without propylene glycol is often more pleasant. Women choose 2% lotion (2 times a day) or 5% foam for women (1 time a day). Always read the leaflet of the product you choose first.
Minoxidil 5% with pipette, 1 bottle of 60 ml for approximately 1 month at 1 ml 2 times a day.
Foam without propylene glycol, dries quickly and is often more pleasant for a sensitive scalp.
Minoxidil 2% for women with thinning hair or a wider parting, for 3 months.
Foam for women that you apply only once a day, 2 cans for about 4 months.
A customer wrote on our homepage: "Very satisfied! After a few weeks I already noticed less hair loss and new hairs on my sleep." (Leon van Amelsfoort). Results vary by person.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a prescription for minoxidil?
No, minoxidil lotion and scalp foam are available without a prescription.[6] Only minoxidil tablets are prescription. If you are unsure whether minoxidil is suitable for you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Is minoxidil a hormone?
No. Minoxidil is not a hormone. It opens potassium channels and dilates small blood vessels, which improves blood circulation around the hair follicles and lengthens the growth phase of the hair.[2]
Do you always have to continue using minoxidil?
Yes, if you want to keep the results. If it works for you, you should continue to use it every day.[1] If you stop, your hair will be back to its old state within about 3 to 4 months.[4]
What is the difference between minoxidil 2% and 5%?
The difference is in the amount of active substance. 2% lotion is suitable for men and women, 5% lotion is only for men.[6] For women there is also a 5% foam that you use once a day.[5]
Are Regaine, Rogaine and Kirkland all minoxidil?
Yes. These are brand names of products with minoxidil as the active ingredient. They differ in strength, form, excipients and price, not in the active substance itself.
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This article is general information and does not replace medical advice. Always read the package leaflet and, if in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Prices are as of November 2026.
Sources
- Apotheek.nl, Minoxidil on the skin
- StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf), Minoxidil (English)
- Suchonwanit P, Thammarucha S, Leerunyakul K. Drug Design, Development and Therapy (2019), Minoxidil and its use in hair disorders: a review (English)
- Medicine Information Bank (CBG), Package leaflet Minoxidil Linn 50 mg/g foam for cutaneous use
- Medicine information bank (CBG), Package leaflet Minoxidil Bipharma 50 mg/g foam for cutaneous use
- Medicine information bank (CBG), Public assessment report Minoxidil Xiromed 20 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml
- Electronic Medicines Compendium, Regaine for Men Extra Strength Scalp Solution 5% w/v, product information (SmPC) (English)
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