Rogaine Reviews 2023: Everything You Need to Know

This post was most recently updated on June 18th, 2023

The battle against hair loss is an important one. There was a time when pattern baldness and thinning hair were unavoidable facts of life. The best solution was to wear a hat or get a wig. Or maybe simply accept your hair as it is and get on with life. This Rogaine Reviews is for you if you want to dig deeper into their products before you start using them to resolve your hair crisis.

You’re not alone in your frustration though. Hair loss occurs in millions of people throughout the world, from Australia all the way to the US. Did you know that 95% of hair loss in men is caused by androgenetic alopecia and that 50% of women experience hair loss in their lifetime?

Rogaine has helped many men and women get the healthier hair they have always dreamed of. As a popular brand, Rogaine offers hair loss treatment products with Minoxidil as the key ingredient. With an affordable product like Rogaine, you can take care of your thinning hair at home without it costing thousands of dollars.

Read on to learn more about the products.

What is Rogaine?

In the 1980s, scientists started studying the use of minoxidil solution on the scalp for hair loss. Soon, results appeared showing that topical minoxidil could actually promote hair growth. Rogaine was the very first company to commercially use Minoxidil for hair loss treatment and be approved FDA approved to do so.

That was the catalyst for years of product development that resulted in multi-generational Rogaine products. After the launch of their first product with the 2% formula in 1988, Minoxidil, the main active ingredient in Rogaine gained popularity on the market for hair loss treatment. It’s credited with promoting hair regeneration in both men and women with hereditary hair loss.

In 1992, the Women’s Rogaine 2% Minoxidil Solution was launched and both products are commonly available and sold over-the-counters. Today, Minoxidil by Rogaine comes in two forms: topical foam and solution with 2% & 5% concentrations.

• Men can use the 5% in solution or foam.
• Women can use the 2% minoxidil solution or the 5% minoxidil foam.

Do keep in mind that it is also possible for results to peak after a few months and then start to decline if you discontinue use of the product.

Keep reading to learn more.

Rogaine Hair Care System For Men and Women

Rogaine has an array of products for thinning hair that are designed for both women and men. If you’re looking for minoxidil for your hair loss and thinning hair problems, Rogaine’s got you covered. But remember, Rogaine is only effective for people who start it at the first indications of hair loss. It doesn’t works if you have already gone completely bald.

Rogaine for Men

The first medication approved to treat men’s hair loss was a 2% minoxidil topical solution. But then after the products become more widely accessible, the company created the new higher-dose of this version. In 1997, Men’s Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Solution became available on the market. After acquiring Rogaine, in 2006, Johnson & Johnson quickly crafted the ground-breaking Men’s Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam. As of today, there are two approved products for men: The 5% Minoxidil Solution and the 5% Minoxidil Unscented Foam.

Rogaine for Women

In 1992, the female version, Rogaine 2% Minoxidil Solution for Women was launched. The 2% minoxidil solution comes in a liquid that is applied directly to the scalp twice daily. The 5% Minoxidil Foam for Women was launched in 2014 and has been approved by the FDA. So, there are two options for women: The 2% Minoxidil Solution and the 5% Minoxidil Unscented Foam. Besides heredity hair loss, Rogaine also works best in women with general thinning of hair on the top of the scalp.

This how Rogaine has made their Minoxidil infused products accessible for both men and women.

How to Use Rogaine Hair Treatment

You must use Rogaine as directed. It’s important that you don’t use more than the amount prescribed or use it more often than is instructed. Doing so may increase the chance of it being absorbed through the skin.

To apply Rogaine 2% or 5% Minoxidil Solution:

• Make sure that both your hair and the scalp are completely dry before application.
• Apply 1 ml dropper 2 times a day directly onto your scalp in the hair loss area, beginning from the center of the area to the surroundings.
• Ensure you don’t expose your scalp to heat by using a hairdryer to dry the scalp after application. This will make the treatment less effective.
• Continued use is necessary to sustain the hair regrowth, or hair loss may begin again.

To apply Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Unscented Foam:

• Part your hair into one or more rows to expose the hair-thinning area on the scalp.
• Apply half a capful once daily directly to the scalp in the hair loss area.
• Gently massage the scalp with fingers and then wash your hands well of the product.
• Continued use is necessary to increase your hair regrowth, or hair loss may begin again.

An Important Notice about Aftercare!

Never apply minoxidil to other parts of your body. Keep this medicine away from open areas such as eyes, nose, and mouth. If you should accidentally get the product near these areas, flush the area thoroughly with cool tap water. Don’t shampoo your hair for 4 hours after applying minoxidil. If your scalp becomes irritated or sunburned, check with your doctor before applying again.

Check the next section on more details for who should not use Rogaine.

Who is Rogaine For?

Rogaine is designed to assist both males and females in helping stop and reverse the progression of hereditary hair loss. One thing that makes Rogaine so popular is its ease of use and the credibility behind the products with over thousands of people having used them with proven results over the years. Always talk to a doctor if you experience hair loss to diagnose the cause of it.

Don’t use Rogaine if you:

• have no family history of hair loss,
• are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby,
• have hair loss after giving birth,
• have sudden hair loss, itchy, and painful scalp,
• unexplained hair loss problem, or
• are under 18 years of age.

After you figure out your type of hair loss and decided you can safely use Rogaine, you might be confused whether to pick the liquid or foam formula? Let’s see the pros and cons of both next.

Minoxidil Liquid or Foam to Use?

As mentioned before, Rogaine comes in two forms. The first is a liquid that is applied to the scalp using a dropper. Then, the foam that comes in a spray bottle. Even though they’re different, research shows that both work well to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. But if you’re confused about choosing between minoxidil liquid or foam, these considerations may come into play.

Ease of Use

Foam is easier to apply for big areas with noticeable balding or thinning hair. However, the liquid minoxidil is easier to apply to the scalp directly. Especially if you have long hair near the application area that could trap the foam before it reaches the scalp.

Look and Absorption

Minoxidil liquid may cause your hair to look a bit greasy. If you don’t want that to happen, the foam version can be better for you. Foam may soak more quickly, leaving less oily residue and a less greasy appearance in your hair. Additionally, it is less prone to spill on your face or other undesirable areas.

Price Tag

Both the solution are the foam are priced the same for both men and women meaning in terms of value of money you are getting the same deal. However, due to discounts and promos, sometimes the products could be priced differently on sites such as Amazon.

Allergies

Please do stay away from the solution form of Rogaine if you are allergic to propylene glycol as it can cause scalp irritation.

These are the key differences between the liquid and the foam.

The Scientific Studies Backing up Rogaine

Studies show that a higher concentration of minoxidil is more effective than a lower one.

Effectiveness of 2% Solution (Women)

In a 32-week study to determine how effective a topical 2% minoxidil solution was in treating hair loss in women, researchers examined the results of 256 women. A whopping 60% of study participants using 2% minoxidil reported new hair growth, with about 20% of the women claiming the growth moderate, and 40% as minimal.

Effectiveness of 5% Foam (Women)

Researchers conducted a similar test examining the effectiveness of a 5% minoxidil foam for treating female pattern hair loss. A total of 381 women applied either 5% topical minoxidil solution, 2% topical minoxidil solution, or placebo twice daily.

After 48 weeks of therapy, the 2% topical minoxidil group demonstrated superiority over the placebo group for hair count. The 5% topical minoxidil group demonstrated statistical superiority over the 2% topical minoxidil and placebo groups. The 5% minoxidil seemed to be better suited for promoting hair growth and increasing hair count.

Effectiveness of 5% Concentration (Men)

In one study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, a total of 398 men were assigned to three different groups: 5% minoxidil, 2% minoxidil, or placebo. Those using 5% minoxidil had 45% more hair regrowth than the 2% group. Men who used 5% minoxidil also had an earlier response to treatment.

To conclude, both treatments are undoubtedly effective at improving hair growth in women and men. However, 5% minoxidil may be the preferred option, especially if you have a more severe case of hair loss.

How Rogaine Works

Rogaine’s key active ingredients penetrate your scalp to restore inactive follicles, which lead to the promotion of healthy hair growth. The company claims that within 3 to 4 months of use, you will start to see visible results.

Not only Minoxidil, but there are other key ingredients in Rogaine’s formula that contribute to hair growth. Namely, Botanical Extracts & Emollient and Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA). In this section, we’re going to breakdown each of these ingredients to see how exactly Rogaine works.

Minoxidil

This is clinically proven to help stop and even reverse hereditary hair loss. To understand how minoxidil works, it’s important to briefly go over how your hair grows.

1. Anagen Phase: The hair follicle creates a hair fiber that gradually increases in size. Scalp hair usually spends several years in this phase.
2. Catagen Phase: A transitional phase in which the hair stops actively growing and shrinks in diameter and forms club hair.
3. Telogen Phase: It’s the resting phase, when the hair is dormant and doesn’t grow.
4. Exogen Phase: During this stage, your hair sheds from the scalp, normally 50-100 hairs per day.

What does this have to do with hair loss? How does it affect the amount of time required for minoxidil to start working? Minoxidil does several things to either reduce the severity of hair loss or promote hair regrowth in affecting the scalp.

• Minoxidil shortens the telogen phase of your hair growth cycle. This means that hair follicles spend less time in the resting state and more time growing from the scalp to its full length. Next, the hair will prematurely enter into the anagen phase and start growing.
• Minoxidil stimulates the blood vessels throughout the scalp, which may help to provide more consistent blood flow to hair follicles. It may further promote hair growth by ensuring hair follicles have the nutrients they need to function correctly.

However, any growth that you may see as a direct result of using Rogaine will only last as long as you keep using the product. If you discontinue its use, that hair growth returns to its previous levels. The effects are not permanent without regular use.

Other Ingredients

Botanical Extracts & Emollient

Botanical Extracts are plant portions separated from the main plant tissue to provide a more active ingredient. Extracts can be derived from leaves, seeds, stems, roots, and bark. The majority of extracts are made using a solvent like water, ethanol, or hexane.

In the case of Rogaine, extracts help maintain a healthy, conditioned scalp, which creates the ideal environment for hair regrowth.

Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)

Next is Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) which is great for skin and also your hair.

AHA is a chemical exfoliant that supports healthy oil production and promotes skin evaporation. AHAs work by stimulating the scalp by removing buildup and dirt. So, it can activate blood vessels and help supply more nutrients and oxygen to your hair strands. AHA encourages natural skin exfoliation to keep your hair follicles open to prepare for scalp treatment.

Rogaine Reviews from Amazon Users

After going over the Rogaine products line and the science of Rogaine, it’s time for us to take a look at several real buyers reviews on using minoxidil solution and foam. We’ve collected several Amazon users and their opinions.

	Shimon started using Men’s Rogaine 5% Solution (3-Month Supply) in April 2021. He said that in 3 months the result was absolutely to his satisfaction! Also, you must have patience and continuously use it twice daily. Also, he mentioned that once you stop using it the fall returns.
	This is Patricia. She has Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and unfortunately it also affects her hair with the side effects of hair loss and thinning hair. Then she purchased Women’s Rogaine 5% Unscented Foam. After only 3 months of use, she can see a huge difference as you see in the picture.
	Asha was experiencing female pattern hair loss. She was told to use Rogaine for nine months to see the results, but she already saw results in the third month. The product does grow hair on her face, but she shaves that unwanted hair off. Overall, the product is great and she has no complaints.
	This is Bonnie. Her hair loss is due to genetics that is enhanced by stress. Bonnie said that she started using Women’s Rogaine 5% Minoxidil in June 2022. Two and a half months later, she started seeing results. She’s been dealing with hair loss for 2 years and her dermatologist recommended trying Rogaine.

Rogaine Reviews Possible Side Effects

Along with its benefits, Rogaine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur, you may need medical attention. See your doctor as soon as possible if any of these following side effects occur:

• Continued itching or skin rash,
• Burning of scalp,
• Increased hair loss,
• Reddened skin,
• Dizziness,
• Chest pain,
• Headache,
• Blurred vision or other changes in vision,
• Fainting, and
• Swelling of face, feet, hands, or lower legs.

If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Rogaine is a great solution for many people when it comes to hair loss. But remember, it’s not a miracle maker. There are limitations to its abilities, and you need to be aware of them and be informed before you use it.

Rogaine Alternatives

Besides Rogaine, there are a couple of hair treatment brands you can use to treat your hair loss. Here we give you three alternatives that may fit your needs.

• Nioxin
• Watermans
• Keranique

Let’s take a look at them one by one!

Nioxin

Founded: In 1987

Concept: Nioxin delivers a unique personalized solution for hair thinning that works. Nioxin’s products are designed to give you a healthy scalp to give hair the best foundation from which to grow.

Product Range: Nioxin systems are specially formulated hair thinning treatments, tailored to suit different hair needs. Cleanse, condition, and treat the scalp and the hair for thicker, fuller-looking hair. It is designed for both men and women.

Price:

Additional Information: They use at least 3 of these patented technologies: BioAMP, Transactive Delivery System, Activ-Renewal, Glyco-Shield, Smoothplex, and Scalp Access Delivery System. The key ingredients are ensulizole, sulisobenzone, and vitamins (thiamine, niacin, biotin, pantothenic acid, and more).

Watermans

Launched: In 2012

Concept: The original UK Hair Growth Brand with women’s and men’s hair care products from shampoo to hair loss concealers and vitamins for luscious locks.

Product Range: Watermans offer a wide range of hair and skin care products for men, women, kids, and even your pet.

Price:

Additional Information: No sulfates, no parabens, no palm oil, vegan society, and cruelty-free.

Keranique

Founded: 2009

Concept: Keranique comes in a four piece kit that marries both the science of a clinically proven hair regrowth treatment with true premium hair care.

Product Range: The Keranique Hair Regrowth System contains shampoo, conditioner, regrowth treatment, and lift & repair treatment.

Price: $49.99/ kit

Additional Information: Marketed as America’s #1 Selling Hair Regrowth System for Women, their products contain 2% minoxidil as the key ingredient.

Conclusion: Is Rogaine Actually Effective?

In sum, Rogaine is a great go-to solution for hereditary hair loss. It’s a cost-effective solution to helping you regrow hair and to stop the progression of more hair loss. 

Rogaine does work to some extent, as evidenced by clinical studies and real users reviews on Amazon. It works only for certain causes of baldness (and only if it’s used continuously). Keep up with applications and use as directed to get the best results.

With regular application, you may see the results from Rogaine in 3 months. However, Rogaine works differently on every person depending on their diet and lifestyle. It takes time to see the effects of this medication, and we suggest you try it for several months to see if it will work.

Here we’ve given you Rogaine pros and cons to decide if you want to invest in their hair care system.

The point of this review is to make sure you know what you are getting and if it’s right for you. Rogaine does work wonders when used as directed and for its intended purposes.

FAQS

Does Rogaine grow hair permanently?

Rogaine will not cause permanent growth or regrowth of scalp hair. You must continue using the product to keep the regrowth of your hair.

How long does Rogaine take to work?

All good things come to those who wait. Rogaine works very well but expects noticeable results in about 3 months. A small wait for such a remarkable improvement.

Can anyone use Rogaine?

Yes, if it’s hereditary hair loss. You need to see if you develop any side effects that last longer than they should. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not be using this for pregnancy-related hair loss and/or autoimmune diseases.

How long does a bottle of Rogaine last?

Using it 2 times a day, a bottle is designed to last about 30 days. Will my hair grow faster if I use Rogaine more than 2 times a day? NO. To do so may increase the chance of it being absorbed through the skin.

Is there any downside to using Rogaine?

Hair loss may continue for 2 weeks after you start using minoxidil. Tell your doctor if you notice continued itching, redness, or burning of your scalp after you apply minoxidil.

Do I need to change my regular hair routine once I start using Rogaine?

No, continue as usual. There has been no identified evidence that Rogaine has any contradictions with off-the-shelf shampoos or hair products.

Hope you got all the information, let us know in the comment section how Rogaine is working for you. And if you have any doubts please post or email.