Seeing as most people have heard of Rogaine hair loss treatment, and it is a leading brand in the market, I felt it was time for a review.
Even though it is an FDA-approved product, I don't generally recommend it for people suffering from some types of hair loss. However, there is no doubt that for some people who meet certain criteria, it is an effective hair loss treatment.
Why do I not recommend it then? For one it is not Rogaine itself that is FDA-approved, It is the Minoxidil that it contains, and there are much cheaper ways to buy Minoxidil if you really want to buy a product that contains this ingredient.
You can pick up generic Minoxidil quite easily for much cheaper than Rogaine, for instance, you can pick up the Kirkland brand of Minoxidil foam from Costco relatively cheap as a 6-pack sells for $16.99 on their website.
Does Rogaine Work?
The key ingredient in Rogaine is Minoxidil and it is perhaps the most famous hair growth ingredient, although it was originally designed to treat high blood pressure.
It isn't a miracle cure as clinical studies show it leaves 16% of people with no regrowth when used on the crown of their head, and a further 36% report minimal regrowth.
One Minoxidil product manufacturer said:
“Minoxidil is better at stopping or slowing hair loss than regrowing hair”¹
Minoxidil is only really designed for people who are losing hair on the crown of their head, and is also not for people who have a receding hairline².
There are no claims or indeed results showing hair growth results in other places of the head. This means you need to buy a separate product in order to successfully treat your entire head.
How Rogaine Works: Mechanism of Action
Rogaine (minoxidil) works by stimulating hair follicles and increasing the blood flow to the scalp, which in turn delivers more oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles. Here’s a breakdown of its mechanism:
Increased Blood Flow: Minoxidil dilates blood vessels in the scalp, allowing better circulation and increased delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles.
Prolongs Anagen Phase: It helps extend the anagen (growth) phase of hair, which means hair stays in the growth cycle longer and has more time to grow.
Stimulation of Dormant Follicles: It can help reactivate dormant or shrinking follicles, leading to new hair growth.
ATP Production: Minoxidil increases ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production in hair follicles, which is the energy source that supports cell division and follicle regeneration.
Rogaine's Effectiveness by Hair Loss Type & Location
Rogaine is effective for different stages and patterns of hair loss, but its results can vary depending on where the hair loss is occurring and the type of hair loss:
| Hair Loss Type | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Crown/Vertex Baldness | Most effective – Rogaine shows the best results in this area. |
| Receding Hairline (Frontal) | Less effective – results may take longer, or may be minimal. |
| Early-Stage Hair Thinning | Highly effective – better results are often seen when starting treatment early. |
| Full Baldness | Limited effectiveness – Rogaine is not a solution for complete baldness. |
Note: Rogaine is generally less effective for men with severe hair loss (e.g., completely bald areas).
It works best when hair follicles are still active and thinning has just started, as opposed to complete baldness.
Timeline and “Shedding Phase” Expectations
When starting Rogaine, it’s important to understand that initial hair shedding is common and actually a sign that the product is working. Here’s a general timeline of what you can expect:
| Week | Expected Results |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | Initial Shedding Phase: It’s common to lose more hair as minoxidil works to push out weak strands and stimulate new growth. |
| Weeks 5–8 | New Growth: Early signs of hair regrowth may appear, often as tiny, fine hairs. |
| Weeks 9–12 | Visible Improvement: New hairs begin to thicken, and you may see a fuller look. |
| 3–6 months | Significant Results: Hair density increases, shedding reduces, and regrowth continues. |
| 6+ months | Full Results: Hair can continue to grow and thicken over time, with ongoing use. |
Tip: If no results are seen after 6 months, it’s recommended to stop use and consult with a healthcare provider.
Side-by-Side Alternatives or Combo Strategies
While Rogaine is effective for many, it’s not the only option. Here’s a quick comparison of Rogaine with other common hair loss treatments:
| Treatment | Type | Effectiveness | Ideal For | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rogaine (Minoxidil) | Topical treatment | Best for early to moderate hair loss, works on the crown/vertex | Men and women with mild thinning | Requires continuous use; shedding is common early on |
| Finasteride | Oral medication | Effective for men with androgenetic alopecia | Men with moderate to severe hair loss | Potential serious side effects like sexual dysfunction |
| Hair Transplant | Surgical procedure | Permanent results, best for severe cases | People with advanced hair loss | Expensive, invasive, and long recovery time |
| Laser Therapy | Light therapy (devices) | Stimulates hair follicles, works well in early stages | Men and women with mild thinning | Requires consistent use, expensive devices |
| Profollica | Natural supplement + topical gel | Targets DHT, promotes scalp health, and prevents further loss | Early to moderate hair loss | Requires consistent use and patience |
Rogaine Side Effects
You need to be aware that Rogaine and Minoxidil-containing products aren't side-effect free (in reality, very few things are).
Side effects³ of Minoxidil include:
- Heart rate changes
- Bloating
- Boosted hair growth on arms, back, or face
- Numbness or tingling of hands and feet
- Swelling of legs or feet
- Rashes and itching
Although some of these are worrying, the side effect that many women, in particular, don't want to experience is the increase in body and facial hair.
Who Shouldn't Use Rogaine
Rogaine, although easy to get a hold of without a prescription, isn't for everyone. It is not recommended for use in the following groups of people:
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Men and women with patchy hair loss
- People who are losing hair and don't know why
- Under 18's
- People who have had an allergic reaction
- If you have broken skin or patches of irritation on your scalp
- Anyone with low blood pressure
- People with certain hair loss types
Rogaine is generally not effective for treating hair loss caused by conditions like alopecia areata, chemotherapy, or other medications.
It's always best to consult a healthcare professional before using Rogaine, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns. They can assess your individual situation and determine if it's safe and appropriate for you to use this hair loss treatment.
Best Rogaine Alternative
So I ask you, why buy two hair loss products when you can buy just one that treats the entire head, including a receding hairline?
My top-rated hair regrowth product, Profollica, does just that with a very high success rate, which may even be higher than the success rate of Rogaine.
It contains all-natural ingredients, unlike Rogaine, which includes ingredients and the essential vitamins and minerals needed to increase blood flow to the scalp to “wake up” dormant follicles and encourage the regrowth of hair.
And while Rogaine is effective for many, combining it with other treatments, such as Profollica, could improve results, especially if used early. If you’re looking for a non-invasive, cost-effective solution that also targets multiple causes of hair loss, Profollica is worth considering.
I have prepared a full Profollica review that details exactly how these natural ingredients work to give such a high success rate for all types of hair loss problems.
Click here to read my Profollica review