Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This is my review of effectiveness of Rogaine, and also discussion of 5% Foam vs Generic 2% solution. I’ve done some in-depth research in addition to using both myself. First, both products do work, and actually they work equally well. Don’t think that the 5% works better simply because it is stronger. Think about foamy mousse hair product — if you let it become a liquid, there is really very little liquid there. For the 2%, you’re using liquid so you get much more product per use, and you’re using it twice a day, so the actual amount of minoxidil you absorb is probably about the same. A downside for both, as others have said, is that you will have to use minoxidil forever if you want to keep the hair. Hair, like skin, is always turning over - even in young people, hair constantly falls out and grows back. Expecting new hair growth to stay forever without help would be like expecting your self-tanner to keep your skin dark without reapplying. It’s just not going to happen. I figure I will use Rogaine for about 10 years and then switch to wearing wigs, which is what my bald mom does. Both are cheaper than hair transplants. OK so now for the other pros and cons of each formula. Keep in mind I have fairly fine, straight hair, so if you have course or curly hair you may not have the same experience. APPLICATION: Both products have a little learning curve in figuring out how to apply. Personally I think the 2% liquid is easier, as you can use the application dropper to part hair and apply at the same time. The liquid is also easier to measure. However, it is easy for it to run into your face or ears, and then you have to wash it off quickly. The foam is much more controllable and there is probably less waste. ROUTINE: I only wash my hair every other day, and I still do. Both of these products leave a bit of “product buildup” at the roots of the hair, so I can’t really go longer than every two days. However, in a pinch, I have used dry shampoo after the Rogaine had time to dry, just to fluff up any areas that were feeling a little greasy. Also, you need time after a shower to dry your scalp (I blow dry my hair, so no problem there), then apply the Rogaine, THEN let that dry before you apply more styling product. I have quit using product during the blow dry process. I dry, use the Rogaine, blow dry a little more, put on makeup and get dressed, then finish styling my hair last. STYLING: The foam wins hands down in the styling area. You’re putting it where your hair is thinner, so it gives a little volume. If you have fine hair, though, you know that any mousse or liquid styling product tends to flatten or weigh it down. My advice is NOT to put foam directly on your part first as the package directs. Pick up a little line of hair on either side of your part and put it UNDER, fan or blow it dry, and let it back down. If you are thin on the sides, like me, start at the thin spot closest to your ears and work up to the part last. Be very sparing with each finger full of foam, as you want it mostly on your scalp, not in your hair. It’s not a great styling product, but I generally use it, let it dry, then try to keep my other styling products about an inch out from the scalp, on the hair itself. On the “non-wash” days, I apply Rogaine foam, fluff the hair by blow drying the wrong direction, wait a few, then use a spray volumizer and dry or curl again. However, if I’m using the 2% liquid, I can apply, then use a blow dryer to blow the hair in the wrong direction and fluff it up, so kind of the same difference. SIDE EFFECTS: In studies, the 5% foam is about half as likely to cause itching than the 2% liquid. Only 1 in 20 women report increased dandruff with the foam, compared to about 1 in 5 for the liquid. I do feel some “tingles” with both, but nothing unpleasant. I have not noticed any dandruff but my scalp definitely feels a little more oily. TRAVELING: Technically, over the counter medications are exempt from TSA rules, so the 2.11 oz foam aerosol can should be OK. However, I really don’t want to argue in public about TSA rules concerning my hair regrowth product. And, if I lose the argument, I don’t want to take the chance of losing a $20+ item. So, I only take 2% liquid in a 2 oz bottle when I travel. Overall, I like the foam better for daily ease of styling and the look of my hair after using it. However, I do use the liquid when I’m in a hurry or when traveling for reasons listed above.