Any advice for dry scalp from minoxidil?

[cleverusername]

I've been on minoxidil for about a month now and its really dried out my scalp. I use nizoral which helps with the itch and the flakes but its drying as well. Any advice on keeping my scalp happy?

 

[JWM]

Use a good conditioner. Nightly Emu oil applications will help as well.

 

[Joey Ramone]

Did you start the Big 3 all at the same time? I ask because I found quitting propecia gave life back to my deathly dry scalp and I've kept using products which contain minoxidil since then.

As JWM mentioned, emu oil will help but only use a little - it's non-comedogenic so it shouldn't clog up your pores but from experience, you'll feel much better in the morning if you just apply a little and massage it through.

Cassin's suggestion of a Nizoral plus tea tree conditioner combo is also a good one. If you alternate this with a piroctone olamine shampoo you should see a decent reduction in dryness and hopefully even resolution.

Over time, your scalp should become more accustomed to the treatments as well.

 

[cleverusername]

I started finasteride about 2 weeks ago so 2 weeks after minoxidil. Thanks for the info guys I'll grab some conditioner and see if that helps before getting the emu oil. The less things I have in my hair when I sleep the better.

I was also using more than 1ml when applying minoxidil twice a day but since I've cut it back down it seems a bit better. Today it's not bothering me at all but a couple days from now who knows..

 

[cleverusername]

Just another quick question. How long after applying is it ok to wash your hair and stil make sure that the minoxidil is doing it's job? I only seem to get the itch after my morning application and I think its from the buildup of the nights application dried on my scalp. I can't imagine washing my hair twice a day could be good. I normally wash it after I get home from the gym at night but this buildup is gross and irritating. Maybe just rinsing it with water in the morning would be sufficient.

 

[Joey Ramone]

Yeah, just give it a rinse when you wake up and put it on a little while later. I found putting it on when my hair was slightly damp helped as well, which should also assist absorption.

 

[ali777]

How long after applying is it ok to wash your hair and stil make sure that the minoxidil is doing it's job?

Most of the information I've seen says we should allow about 4 hours before showers.