Where to Apply Minoxidil?

Hello Dear Doctor:
I’ve been using Proscar for several years and it works for me. A year ago I started to use Minoxidil 5%, twice a day. It works too, noticiablly in the topical area, and possibly thickening other areas. But recently, I started to apply Minoxidil 5% once a day. I’ve been doing so for about 2 months, didn’t see any bad effect. Should I continue to apply it once a day, or change back to twice a day? Another important question, I usually try to apply it everywhere not only the topical area. Do you think that helps more? if not, I wouldn’t waste the time. Or, even if I only apply it to the topical area, it works the same as I apply it in other areas too? Can you define the topical area more precisely for me? You answer will save me lots of time each day, so change my life significantly, I appreciate it.

Apply the minoxidil twice a day to the area that you want to see the benefit from it. Although there is some systemic absorption, minoxidil’s greatest impact is at the point it is applied regularly.

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Robert - June 24th, 2006 at 10:55 am

I just started using Propecia (had been using only minoxidil 5%), I thought there was a Generic for Propecia (I guess their patent is about to expire shortly), but I noticed since Proscar has been around longer already a Generic for 5mg Proscar. As you commented before, the FDA studies only showed less benefit below 1mg, some have said more side effects from splitting a 5mg tab into 1.25mg parts; but to me (wondering your opinion) it doesn’t seem 1.25mg should make a significant difference in side effects over 1mg, don’t you agree that the consistency of the dosage everyday is what is important? Also, do you think minoxidil used with Propecia would cause more scalp irritation? (my scalp gets a little, itchy dry flaky sometime) and is a coal-based Neutrogena T-Gel shampoo used in the studies best? I’ve heard one female dermatologist in magazine say the Zinc based like (ie. Head and Shoulders) was better and even inhibited some DHT on the scalp if remained like 20min on scalp before rinsing out? Your site is very informative, matched with your expertise in these matters. Thanks for any help, hopefully these questions will help others.