Rogaine Foam and Shampoo

People often ask us about both Rogaine foam and Rogaine shampoo. They want to know if these hair loss treatment products are effective. The answer to that question is, sometimes yes, sometimes no. Let’s look at them both more closely.

Rogaine Foam

The foam form of Rogaine contains 5% minoxidil, the active ingredient in extra strength Rogaine. Minoxidil was actually developed as a medication for high blood pressure, when it was discovered that it also promoted hair regrowth in some patients. It works by widening shrunken hair follicles. Wider hair follicles allow the growing phase to become longer, therefore producing longer, thicker hairs. At least, that is the goal. The success rate with minoxidil is about 50-60%.

Experts are not sure why Rogaine works for some people and not for others. There is no way to predict whether it will work for you. You just have to try it and find out. You may not experience results for as long as eight month, so you will need to be patient.

The Rogaine foam is preferred to the liquid form of Rogaine by many users, simply because it’s less messy. It doesn’t run or drip like the liquid does. It is no more or less effective than the liquid form.

The foam is designed for use by men, not women. We’re not sure why there is no Rogaine foam for women. Rogaine does make a liquid product for women. The liquid product for women contains minoxidil and is applied just like the liquid product for men.

Rogaine foam is applied twice daily. Using it more often will not improve results. The scalp needs to be dry when the foam is applied. The hair is parted so that the scalp is exposed. The foam is then massaged into the scalp and allowed to dry. The hair can then be styled as usual. When used in the evening, it should be applied early enough that it will be dry before going to bed.

The foam can be ordered online or may be found in some drugstores. It costs about $30 for a one-month supply. That’s about the same cost as the original, liquid Rogaine.

Rogaine Shampoo

Rogaine makes a shampoo called Progaine. It is marketed to women, although there is no reason it could not be used by men as well. It is a 2-in-1 shampoo, meaning it is a shampoo and conditioner combined. That makes it gentler on your hair. It can be used every day, if desired.

The Rogaine shampoo is not designed to help your hair grow, however. Rather, it is meant to gently clean fine or thinning hair without doing any further damage, and to add volume to the hair. The Rogaine shampoo probably works, but it is somewhat expensive, and any other shampoo for fine hair would probably work just as well.

You can further take care of your hair when washing it by lathering and rinsing it gently, rather than scrubbing hard. Afterward, pat your hair dry with a towel; don’t rub, and don’t blow dry. If you can, let your hair dry fully before combing or brushing; wet hair breaks more easily than dry hair.

Rogaine shampoo can be ordered online, or you may be able to find it in some drugstores. It costs about $7 a bottle.

Recommended Hair Loss Treatment

More than rogaine foam on our main does rogaine work page

Hair loss treatment home page