Can You Use Minoxidil Once A Day?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry M.B.B.S.
Written by Morgan German
Last updated

Can you use minoxidil once a day and still see results?

Minoxidil, a popular treatment for hair loss, typically requires consistent application to be effective.

In this article, we'll explore whether a once-a-day regimen can be just as effective, what experts say, and how to make the most out of your treatment.

    Can you use Minoxidil once a day?

    Yes, women can use 2% Minoxidil once a day to minimize side effects like excessive hair growth, while men are recommended to use 5% Minoxidil twice a day for best results.

    Does Minoxidil work if used once a day?

    Yes, Minoxidil can still be effective if used once a day, though twice-daily use is generally more beneficial. Using it only once a day may lead to slower progress and less overall effectiveness in combating hair loss. Research primarily supports the efficacy of Minoxidil with twice-daily applications. 

    However, for those unable to commit to this frequency, once daily still offers benefits, particularly if maintaining consistent treatment over time. 

    Just remember, reducing the frequency below once daily can significantly diminish the treatment's impact.

    Can men use Minoxidil once a day?

    Yes, it is safe for men to use Minoxidil once a day, but the results will be slower compared to using it twice a day. Most studies on Minoxidil's effectiveness focus on twice-daily applications. 

    A specific study noted that men who continued using Minoxidil twice daily maintained better hair growth than those who reduced their application to once daily after a year. 

    Men considering reducing their application should be aware that they might see more hair loss compared to maintaining a twice-daily regimen.

    Can women use Minoxidil twice a day?

    While women are generally advised to use Minoxidil once a day, those with severe hair loss may benefit from twice-daily applications. However, increasing the application frequency can also increase the risk of side effects like hypertrichosis (unwanted facial and body hair). 

    One study showed that using 5% Minoxidil once daily was as effective as using 2% Minoxidil twice daily for women with female pattern baldness, potentially reducing side effects such as scalp itchiness and dandruff. 

    Women considering more frequent use should consult with a specialist in female hair loss to weigh the benefits against potential side effects carefully.

    How to use Minoxidil?

    • Ensure your hair is completely dry before using it
    • Apply only the prescribed dosage only to the affected area. Using more than necessary will increase the chances of it being absorbed into the body. This may have negative effects.
    • Part the hair into smaller sections to expose the scalp
    • Apply the foam or solution onto the hair and spread it with your fingers. Be certain not to get it on other parts of the body
    • Let the treatment sit for 4 hours before washing it off

    What can you use in place of Minoxidil?

    While persisting with your treatment is a good idea, it's also wise to know your options - in case you don't see results with minoxidil.

    Minoxidil has its merits - but also demerits:

    • Minoxidil is effective in hair growth, but it can cause severe side effects
    • Minoxidil is FDA-approved, but you will lose more hair before you see results

    Our founder got fed up with that dilemma and decided to find a solution to your hair loss that is effective AND safe.

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    Here's one of our success story:

    Take Niels, our customer who trusted us to help with his mature hairline. The result is sent by Niels, who used our Hair Growth Routine For Men.

    Before our solution, Niels had quite a receding hairline (pictured):

    Niels mature hairline before

    He persisted with our Hair Growth Routine for the period we recommended (150 days for optimal, naturally-assisted results).

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    Niels mature hairline after treatment picture

    After our treatment, Niels experienced consistent hair growth from the same scalp that has been receding for years.

    No doubt, after resolving the issue, anyone (probably including Niels) would feel more confident, self-assured and optimistic.

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    finasteride before and after

    Bottom line

    For some people, they just let the condition run its course without finding a solution. They cover it with wigs, hats, scarves, and makeup. While some resort to finding solutions for it. There are treatments – both homemade remedies and hair growth serum, which have promised to be effective. Unfortunately, the reverse is the case. But one drug seemed to stand out among them, Minoxidil. But what is the correct dosage, should you take minoxidil once a day?

    Relevant reads:

      Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry M.B.B.S. is a House Physician in the Medical Unit 3 Allied Hospital, Faisalabad, and deals with hepatic, cardiac, neurological, and dermatological issues daily. He did his MBBS from Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad. He believes that a good haircare routine is one where you nourish it naturally. During his free time, he works as a dermatologist for Scandinavian Biolabs.