Minoxidil is a primary ingredient of Minoxidil shampoo. The medication is the only topical drug approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to treat or slow down hair loss. This popular hair growth product can reduce hair loss in almost two-thirds of those with male pattern baldness after a year of use [1].
Given its proven benefits for hair loss, shampoo containing Minoxidil may seem like a promising treatment. But there’s actually very limited research into the effectiveness of Minoxidil shampoo for hair growth. So should you give it a go?
Below, you’ll learn how Minoxidil shampoo works and whether it’s an appropriate treatment for your hair loss. Discover:
There’s currently very limited evidence to suggest that Minoxidil shampoo can significantly reduce hair loss or stimulate regrowth. That’s because unlike Minoxidil foam or liquid, shampoos aren’t designed to be left on the scalp for long periods. So it’s unlikely that washing your hair with Minoxidil shampoo will have the same impact as applying a leave-on solution.
In addition, there are very few Minoxidil shampoos on the market and those that exist tend to have a low concentration of Minoxidil (around 1-2%). 2% Minoxidil is less effective than 5% Minoxidil when it comes to restoring hair affected by male pattern baldness [2].
One study that explored the effectiveness of 1% Minoxidil for men with male pattern baldness found no significant differences in hair growth in the control group versus the group treated with Minoxidil shampoo [3]. Researchers also noted that although there are some benefits to using Minoxidil shampoo, three months isn’t enough time to see results from Minoxidil shampoo. Results may become more significant beyond four to five months of use.
Minoxidil works as a vasodilator, widening the blood vessels and increasing circulation to the scalp. This stimulates hair growth by allowing more blood flow to the hair follicles [2]. When this hair loss treatment is added to shampoo, the individual can wash their hair and expose their scalp to Minoxidil simultaneously.
Minoxidil shampoo works the same way as regular shampoos. Lather the shampoo into wet hair, then rinse and condition as required.
To increase the likelihood of seeing results from Minoxidil shampoo use, leave the shampoo on your hair for longer than a regular shampoo. Studies show that leaving a 1% formula on the scalp for 3-5 minutes can offer a small (though statistically insignificant) hair count increase [3].
Extending the amount of time you leave the shampoo on your hair may increase your chances of seeing regrowth or reduced hair loss. But this also comes with a higher risk of skin irritation and other side effects.
There is limited research regarding how quickly Minoxidil shampoo for hair loss works. Research into topical Minoxidil, foams, and solutions states that the medication starts working after around 2 months and results are seen from around 4 months [4].
Minoxidil shampoo is less concentrated and has less exposure time than Minoxidil foam or liquid. The average exposure time from using Minoxidil shampoo is typically around 3 minutes before it is washed off the scalp.
One study comprising 22 healthy men was conducted to determine the relationship between the contact time of the applied drug on the scalp and Minoxidil absorption.
By hour 1, 50% of the solution had been absorbed into the scalp, and by hour 4, over 75% had been absorbed. This suggests that Minoxidil needs at least 4 hours of exposure time on the scalp to be effective [5].
Very few brands offer Minoxidil shampoo, possibly because of the limited evidence that it works. The best known brand available in the UK is Foligain, a shampoo with 2% Minoxidil that’s suitable for both men and women.
As well as Minoxidil, Foligan contains a nutrient complex called 2% Trioxidil, which contains several ingredients proven to aid hair loss. A study commissioned by Foligain found that this shampoo reduced the amount of broken hair and increased intact hair count after four months of use [6].
When using Minoxidil shampoo it is important to remember to thoroughly wash your hands afterward, as Minoxidil can cause hair growth when left on the skin. In addition, Minoxidil can be toxic for cats and dogs, so limit exposure to any pets by washing hands and surfaces thoroughly.
Step 1: In the shower or bath, wet your hair.
Step 2: Squeeze a drop of shampoo into your palm.
Step 3: Massage the shampoo into your hair and scalp for 2 minutes.
Step 4: Allow the solution to sit on your hair and scalp for an additional 4 minutes, as this will give the Minoxidil time to work.
Step 5: Rinse the shampoo from your hair thoroughly, and wash your hands afterwards to avoid leftover Minoxidil on the skin.
For best results, aim to use the shampoo 3-5 times a week.
If Minoxidil shampoo doesn’t work for you, here are five alternatives to Minoxidil shampoo to try.
One of the best shampoos for hair growth is caffeine shampoo. Caffeine is a popular ingredient in hair loss shampoos due to its ability to naturally impede the effects of the dihydrotestosterone hormone (DHT), which is responsible for hair loss in men [7].
Some common brands of caffeine shampoo are:
Ketoconazole is a medication commonly used to treat fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and ringworm. It is available in shampoo form for fungal and scalp infections, and it also tackles dandruff.
Ketoconazole may also disrupt the pathway of the DHT hormone in androgenetic alopecia [8].
A common Ketoconazole shampoo is Nizoral for hair loss, which acts as a DHT-blocking shampoo.
2% Topical Ketoconazole may improve hair loss almost as effectively as a 2% Minoxidil solution in those with female pattern hair loss [8]. However, it’s important to note that these results relate to topical solutions rather than shampoos. Shampoos containing these ingredients may not offer the same results.
Women are often advised to use a 2% Minoxidil formula rather than the 5% concentration typically used by men. That’s because in some rare instances, higher concentrations of Minoxidil have led to the development of face and body hair in unwanted areas.
This is unlikely to occur if you use Minoxidil shampoo. Not only are the concentrations lower, but the limited exposure time means you’re less likely to see this side effect. So Minoxidil shampoos are generally safe for both men and women to use.
Learn more about using Minoxidil for women.
While the jury’s out on Minoxidil shampoo, the effectiveness of Minoxidil liquid and foam is well-established [1, 4, 9]. Multiple studies have found daily Minoxidil application can result in significant hair regrowth, as these Minoxidil before and after photos show:
If you’re considering a topical hair loss treatment, we recommend trying Minoxidil liquid or foam rather than Minoxidil shampoo for faster, more conclusive results. Watch this video to see how easy it is to apply Minoxidil foam:
If you want to explore hair loss treatments for men and women, our trichology team is on-hand to help.
We can answer any questions or concerns you may have about treating your thinning hair. We’ll also support you in exploring a whole range of hair restoration treatments, including medications, noninvasive therapies, and hair transplant surgery, as well as diagnosing any underlying conditions.
To learn more about Minoxidil and other successful hair growth treatments, book a consultation today.
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