Can women use 5 % Rogaine

[sarah56]

Hi everyone,

I'm back with another Rogaine question. Is it safe for women to use the stronger (5 percent) Rogaine that's marketed for men? I ask mainly because it sounds as if the foam is preferable to the original Rogaine for ease of application, less itchiness and irritation, etc., but the foam is only sold in the 5-percent formulation.

Why is the lower strength recommended for women? Will I endanger my health (or my hair!!) if I use men's Rogaine?

Thanks--this forum is great.

[Plum]

I have read on many sources that it is fine for women to use the 5% preparation. (As long as you aren't pregnant or nursing, which I suspect is likely not the case for you anyway, either concentration is fine for women.) In fact, I had read that Dr. Rassman recommends that all of his patients, both men and women, use the 5% formulation as it produces better results.

The reason behind recommending the lower concentration seems to be as a result of the potential for some women to have unwanted facial hair growth when using the 5%.

On another note, using the foam is preferred over the liquid solution because apparently styling is easier as it is not as oily.

I have only ever used the 2% solution (for men) but stopped it rather quickly as I did not like the way it made my hair feel. Apparently the 2% women's solution has an alcohol base which is supposed to make it less oily than the men's 2% solution which has an oil base. Perhaps had I tried the women's I would have had better luck and stuck with it.

[sarah56]

Thanks--this is very helpful. I think I'll give the 5 percent foam a try and see what happens --I'd rather have a little too much hair on my face than not enough hair on my head!

[Plum]

I wish you all the best with your hair growth (on your head of course)! You'll have to let us know what you think of the foam.

[sarah56]

Thanks! I certainly will report back to the forum on what my impressions, results, etc. are.

[SpencerKobren]

Hey Sarah,

Plum is correct. Most hair loss specialists recommend Rogaine 5% to both their male and female patients.

Good luck!

[jeansplease]

I am a 59 year old woman and several years ago I noticed my eyebrows were falling out. It was very distressing, and took me about 1/2 hour everyday to try and make them look "real" with eyebrow makeup. About 8 months ago I began using a generic form of liquid rogaine FOR MEN, twice a day on my eyebrows. Result: My eyebrows have grown completely back and I no longer need eyebrow makeup! I've noticed lately that the hair on my head is getting thinner. So I ordered the brand name Rogaine Foam for MEN, and began using it 2 days ago. I don't have any bald spots, but I'd love thicker hair!

[hoosier]

My derm said 5% was the only way to go.....She likes the foam....and told me it wouldn't hurt if I used a bit more than the recommended dosage if I needed more coverage of areas. I did have a bit of a shed when hit about four weeks......it continued for several weeks,,,,,,then I could see new hairs sprouting right around mid of third month, I would try the five....Yes, I do have a bit more facial hair. That is easily gotten rid of with facials......

[RobinSigismondi]

Dr. McAndrews recommends that all of his female patients use the 5% Rogaine. He recommends the foam because it is so much easier to apply and to work around regular styling. Because it is easier to use, patients are generally much more compliant with using it regularly and get better results.

[rachel]

I read women using rogaine in other forums, I want to use it too but still not sure if I should use it or not