Rogaine (need help)

[skychief]

Hello everyone,

I am a norwood 3/4, and still have some of my hairline. I am really thinning on the top and the middle of my crown down to my hairline.

I recently made a purchase for 3 monthly supply of both a 5% rogaine foam, and a 5% rogaine liquid. Being in Canada I read that both of these versions are not yet approved here, and they might be too strong for me to start off with (is this true?)

So being a bit worried I went ahead and purchased a 1 month supply of rogaine 2% liquid. I am thinking to start off with this version.

Do people have good experience with 2% rogaine?, and it is better for me to start off with the 2%, then go into the 5%? Also can I use these products once per day at night? I really dont want to have to deal with this in the morning during due to dry waiting ect...

[jlantern]

Most people here will opt for 5% plus. In rare cases you can get bloating in the face etc. I would say most people start at 5% instead of 2% the only benefit is you can ease yourself into the initial shed you will experience. If you have a lot of miniaturized hair now and the topical works well for you expected lots of shedding for at least the first two months.

[skychief]

I appreciate the advice. What about using rogaine only once per day?

[PatientlyWaiting]

Rogaine is safe to use man, don't worry about it.

[Shan]

Most people prefer 5% Rogaine, and it is safe.
In the UK there is a much stronger version by Belgravia

[Tracy C]

I appreciate the advice. What about using rogaine only once per day?

Using Rogaine only once per day is better than not using it at all if you need it.

The 5% is safe, that's why the FDA approved it for OTC use. It is the higher blends that are more likely to lead to problems. That is why a prescription from a doctor is needed to get the higher blends legally. You need to be properly monitored by a doctor if you are going to use a higher blend. Personally, I do not feel the higher blends are even necessary. 5% will do the job if you respond to the med, especially if you are also taking an oral med to control your DHT levels.

I do recommend starting slow though. Use it once a day every other day for the first bottle. Then use it once a day every day for the next bottle. Then use it twice a day from then on. After a full year of using it twice a day you will know if it is working for you and you will also have a reasonable idea of how well it is working for you.

I personally use the foam in the morning because it is stealthy and I use the liquid in the evening because it is less expensive.

[skychief]

Using Rogaine only once per day is better than not using it at all if you need it.

The 5% is safe, that's why the FDA approved it for OTC use. It is the higher blends that are more likely to lead to problems. That is why a prescription from a doctor is needed to get the higher blends legally. You need to be properly monitored by a doctor if you are going to use a higher blend. Personally, I do not feel the higher blends are even necessary. 5% will do the job if you respond to the med, especially if you are also taking an oral med to control your DHT levels.

I do recommend starting slow though. Use it once a day every other day for the first bottle. Then use it once a day every day for the next bottle. Then use it twice a day from then on. After a full year of using it twice a day you will know if it is working for you and you will also have a reasonable idea of how well it is working for you.

I personally use the foam in the morning because it is stealthy and I use the liquid in the evening because it is less expensive.

Thanks for the input Tracy. Since I have both the 2% and 5% strengths, am I ok to start with the 2% in the manner you have explained? (every 2nd day), then the following month use the 5% twice per day?

I am also not taking any propecia, (i really thought of it but the side effect terrify me) I am currently taking jamison saw palmetto 125mg one pill per day.

[19nbald]

I have used Rogaine/Generic Minoxidil for years. I'd say jump right into the 5%. One thing I have noticed with using rogaine around the temples/hairline is I get really deep wrinkles on my forehead that go away with anti-aging cremes (better believe it!).
Also the pores on my forehead skin area are a LOT larger, but sometimes they look they are little black hairs growing........