FAQ

What is ROGAINE®?

ROGAINE® is the first and only FDA-approved topical treatment that is clinically proven to regrow hair. ROGAINE® also helps to reverse the progression of hereditary hair loss.

How does ROGAINE® work?

In hereditary hair loss, a combination of heredity, hormones, and age causes a progressive shrinking, or miniaturization, of certain scalp follicles. This causes a shortening of the hair's growing cycle. Over time, as the active growth phase becomes shorter, the resting phase becomes longer. Eventually, there may be no growth at all. The exact mechanism of action of ROGAINE® is uncertain. However, researchers believe that ROGAINE® works in part by partially enlarging the hair follicles and reversing the miniaturization process. By enlarging miniaturized follicles, the growth phase of the hair cycle is prolonged, allowing the hair to become longer and thicker looking. And with more follicles in the growth phase at the same time, it is possible to see improved coverage of the scalp.

What's the difference between ROGAINE® Foam and ROGAINE® Solution?

Men's ROGAINE® Foam and Men's ROGAINE® Extra Strength Topical Solution both contain 5% minoxidil—the only FDA-approved active ingredient that is clinically proven to regrow hair. However, Men's ROGAINE® Foam is the only FDA-approved hair regrowth foam. Because it's a foam, not a solution, it is applied differently. The foam is gently massaged into the scalp in contrast to ROGAINE® Extra Strength Topical Solution—where an applicator (dropper) is used to apply the solution onto the hair loss area.

What are the most common side effects of ROGAINE®?

Some people may experience a dry, itchy scalp and irritation (more common with solution than foam). If you develop unwanted facial hair while using Men's ROGAINE®, it will usually disappear when use of ROGAINE® is discontinued.

What are the most common side effects of ROGAINE®?

Some people may experience a dry, itchy scalp and irritation (more common with solution than foam). If you develop unwanted facial hair while using Men's ROGAINE®, it will usually disappear when use of ROGAINE® is discontinued.

How soon can I expect results?

Most men see results in 4 months. Your results and success may depend on proper application and dosage: remember to apply ROGAINE® twice a day, every day, directly to the scalp. If you do not see any results after 4 months, speak with your doctor.

Is there a way to know that ROGAINE® is working?

There are a few signs that let you know ROGAINE® is at work on your hair follicles. For example, during the first few weeks of use, there may be a temporary increase in hair shedding. This is a good sign and means that the new growth cycle is beginning, and the older hairs you may have lost are making way for the new healthy ones. Eventually, new growth will appear. This is encouraging and means that ROGAINE® is actually stimulating regrowth—and reversing the progression of hair loss. Remember, not everyone responds to ROGAINE® and individual results will vary. If hair loss continues after 2 weeks on ROGAINE®, stop using and talk to your doctor.

I just started using ROGAINE® and I've noticed that my hair loss has increased. Is this typical?

ROGAINE® stimulates hair follicles to shift from the resting phase to the growth phase. Thus, it is not uncommon to see a temporary increase in shedding during the first 2 weeks using ROGAINE®. This occurs in some people as the new hair pushes out the weak hairs, when the hair follicle shifts into the growth phase. It is very much like losing baby teeth to make room for adult teeth. This increase in shedding is only temporary and should subside within a couple of weeks with continued treatment. Please note, however, if increased shedding continues for longer than 2 weeks, you should consult your doctor to rule out other possible medical problems.

What can I expect my newly grown hair to look and feel like?

ROGAINE® regrows hair that is healthier and thicker looking. Although the earliest hair growth you see may be soft and downy, further treatment produces new hair with the same consistency as the other hair on your scalp.

How long should I continue to use ROGAINE®?

Hereditary hair loss is a lifelong condition requiring continuous use of ROGAINE®. Make it a part of your daily routine—just like brushing your teeth. Apply directly to your scalp—twice a day, every day.

I missed a dose of ROGAINE®. Will my hair loss start again?

If you miss 1 or 2 doses of ROGAINE®, just continue with your next regular dose. We do not recommend that you try to make up for missed doses. One or 2 days of not using ROGAINE® will not affect your long-term hair regrowth as long as you resume regular use.

What happens if I stop using ROGAINE®?

Continued use of ROGAINE® is needed to maintain hair regrowth. If you stop using it, the normal hair loss process will start again. You will probably lose your newly regrown hair within 3 to 4 months and will look the way you looked before using ROGAINE®. So, you'll want to make ROGAINE® part of your daily routine.

How long can I use ROGAINE®?

Our clinical studies did not go beyond 48 weeks. However, there is no limit on how long you may use ROGAINE®. Continued use is necessary to increase and keep your hair regrowth, or hair loss will begin again.

Can I apply ROGAINE® to wet hair?

The people in our clinical studies were advised to completely dry their hair and scalp before applying ROGAINE®. However, that's not always possible. We suggest that you at least towel-dry your hair before applying ROGAINE®, so that your hair is no longer dripping.

Can I blow-dry my hair after applying ROGAINE® Extra Strength Solution?

Yes. It's fine to blow-dry your hair; however, we recommend using your dryer at a lower setting.

Can I get my hair wet after applying ROGAINE®?

You can go swimming/go out in rain as long as you use good judgment. Avoid washing off ROGAINE®. If possible, apply ROGAINE® to a dry scalp after swimming. Try not to let your scalp get wet from the rain after applying ROGAINE®.

What type of shampoo should I use?

You can follow your normal hair care routine when using ROGAINE®. However, if your scalp is dry and flaky, we recommend the use of a mild, gentle shampoo. Topical medications are not recommended while using ROGAINE®. If the condition persists and it is bothersome, discontinue use and consult your doctor.

Q: What is considered normal hair loss?

Most people lose between 50–100 hairs a day, which is considered normal hair loss. This is replaced with new hair through the three stages of natural hair growth: anagen (growth phase), catagen (transitional phase) and telogen (resting phase).

A consistent loss of 150 hairs a day is considered significant hair loss. If you start to notice more hair than usual in your shower drain, on your pillow, or in your hairbrush, then you may be experiencing hair loss/thinning.

Q: I am losing large clumps of hair every day. What can I do?

This hair loss may be due to an autoimmune condition called Alopecia Areata, in which you lose a great deal of hair in a short amount of time. Alopecia Areata is distinct from Hereditary Hair Loss. This type of hair loss is so extreme, it is best to take proactive measures.

Q: Can poor diet cause hair loss?

Crash dieting can, indeed, cause reactive hair loss.
This reactive hair loss (called Telogen Effluvium) is different from Hereditary Hair Loss, however. Hereditary Hair Loss is the most common form of hair loss, and accounts for 95% of all cases in both men and women.
Telogen Effluvium is limited and temporary hair loss that will grow back on its own. In all, it takes about three to four months for the hair to shed, and then an additional three to four months for the hair to regrow from Telogen Effluvium.
Other conditions that can cause Telogen Effluvium include: anemia, pregnancy, general anesthesia and trauma.
If you experience Telogen Effluvium, but also have Hereditary Hair Loss, your hair may not grow back as full as it was prior to the temporary loss.

Q: I noticed that my hair is thinning post-pregnancy.

Like crash dieting, a common occurrence of post-pregnancy is hair loss (another form of Telogen Effluvium). Typically, hair will start shedding a few weeks after childbirth, and will then begin the regrowth cycle in three to four months. However, if you have hair loss after pregnancy AND have female pattern hair loss, your hair may not grow back as thick as it was before the temporary hair loss took place.

Q: Can medications cause hair loss? If so, what kinds are associated with hair loss?

There are a number of medications that can cause hair loss. The most common are:

• Medication for blood thinners (e.g., Coumadin)
• Anti-anxiety medications (specifically SSRIs like Prozac, Lexipro, and Zoloft)
• Drugs that employ chemotherapy agents (e.g., Methotrexate and Tamoxifen)
• Long-term use of steroids

To determine if your hair loss is due to medication, you must consult your doctor. Your doctor can then decide if you can switch medications.

Q: Do thyroid conditions/hormonal imbalances cause hair loss?

Hypo- and hyperthyroidism can both cause thinning hair. It’s important to work with your doctor to treat these hormonal imbalances in order to get thyroid levels back to normal. Once regulated, hair loss will generally subside

Q: Is there a way to determine if I’m genetically predisposed to Hereditary Hair Loss?

If you have a family history of Hereditary Hair Loss, there is a test available that can assess the risk of pattern baldness before any hair is even lost. The test, called HairDX, is a good tool for young men and women who have a family history of hair loss and wish to be proactive.

If you find that you are genetically pre-disposed to hereditary hair loss. As the saying goes: the early bird catches the worm.

Q: What role does aging play in the process of thinning hair?

Hair loss in men can start as early as the late teens—and nearly half of all men have male pattern hair loss. This percentage increases with every decade, as men get older.

For women, in particular, menopause means a decrease in estrogen production. This decrease in estrogen in turn causes the hair to become thinner.

Q: Can sun (UV) damage thin hair?

No, the sun will not make hair thinning worse, but it is a good idea to protect your scalp from the sun with a hat or sunscreen.

Especially for those with thinning hair, protecting the hair you have becomes vitally important. Protect your hair and scalp from the sun, since exposure to UV makes hair more brittle. Look for UV protectant styling products and wear a hat when you are in the direct sun, which will protect your scalp from burning as well.

Q: Are hair vitamins effective?

Vitamins are important for general health—and by extension, hair health. And while there are many hair vitamins on the market, a good multi-vitamin taken daily will go a long way toward stronger, healthy hair.

Biotin—a natural supplement—is often cited as a natural way to promote healthy hair growth. While Biotin can make hair fibers stronger, it cannot slow down hair loss, nor regrow hair. In fact, Biotin generally benefits nails more than hair.

Q: Are there foods I can eat to promote healthy hair?

It’s always in your best interest to eat a balanced diet. Plus, hair is 95% protein, so a high protein diet can help promote healthy hair, especially if you have a protein deficiency. Look for foods such as fish, eggs, beans, and yogurt.

We know that millions of guys experience some form of male pattern baldness. You're not alone, by any stretch. But now that you're doing something about it, how can you get the best results? Use ROGAINE® faithfully, every day (once in the morning and again at night) and apply it directly to your scalp. Make ROGAINE® part of your daily routine, just like brushing your teeth. By doing so, you're giving yourself, and your hair, the best plan for success.

It's also important to remember that you didn't lose your hair overnight, and you won't regrow it overnight. It's the same with ROGAINE®. While ROGAINE® starts to work immediately, it could take an average of 4 months to see real regrowth—and real results.

Some things you can expect as you begin your ROGAINE® routine:

• During the first few weeks of use, there may be a temporary increase in hair shedding.
• This is a good sign and means that the new growth cycle is beginning!
• Older hairs you would have lost are making way for the new healthy ones. Eventually, new growth will appear.
• Early hair regrowth is soft and colorless, like peach fuzz.
• With continued use, new hairs should be the same color and thickness as your other hair.
• If you do not see results after 4 months of twice daily usage applied directly to your scalp, talk to your doctor.

Above all, keep up your routine. Just like brushing your teeth, it's easy to do twice a day and you'll feel good about sticking with the program.