How To Get Past The Minoxidil Itch?

[DKC]

It has been well documented that Rogaine Minoxidil 5% Liquid gives some users a crazy itch. Whereas, the foam version does not. People say its the Propylene Glycol in the liquid.

In my experience though, the foam is not nearly as effective, it dries too fast and not much of it reaches the scalp. Throughout 3 years, I have mostly used foam, but also have done small periods of time on the liquid.

Many people stop the liquid because of the itch, but could the itch actual suggest its working?
Reasons why people stop:
*The itch is unbearable
*Scared that the inflammation/irritated scalp is causing further hair loss.

It would be interesting to hear from people using the liquid version and hear about your opinions. I'm currently on 1 week back using the liquid and yes the itch is back and my scalp is red, I'm thinking about staying on it, fighting against the itch and seeing if i'm seeing an improvement.

Anyone else in a similar scenario that can shed some light on liquid v foam, etc?

 

[yetti]

I don't think the itch is necessarily an indication that it's working. Many users seem to have no itch, but it's effective.

Have you thought about switching brands? I've seen posts that one liquid minoxidil causes an itch while another doesn't. Maybe try Kirkland?

 

[DKC]

That's true, I've used PG before in a 3% RU-588 mix, but that never gave me itch. Its something about the Rogaine Liquid that everytime I try use it, it gives me a itch that builds up until I eventually go back to the foam. I think, if I'm about to go 3-4 months wtih the liquid, I could also respond very well to it but the max I've ever done is 1 month (not enough time to grow hair).

I will probably try another brand yes, that might be helpful. I just feel somehow, the itch can be a 'good' itch as opposed to the standard DHT irritation.

 

[yetti]

That's true, I've used PG before in a 3% RU-588 mix, but that never gave me itch. Its something about the Rogaine Liquid that everytime I try use it, it gives me a itch that builds up until I eventually go back to the foam. I think, if I'm about to go 3-4 months wtih the liquid, I could also respond very well to it but the max I've ever done is 1 month (not enough time to grow hair).

I will probably try another brand yes, that might be helpful. I just feel somehow, the itch can be a 'good' itch as opposed to the standard DHT irritation.

Maybe so. Anyway, if you do try another liquid, please post about it! There are very few posts/reviews out there comparing the various 5% liquid minoxidils.

 

[DKC]

I'm sure even a good review about liquid minoxidil in general would be an interesting read for many people. Since, in my own search I have not seen any up-to-date discussions on the efficiency of foam v liquid, liquid v liquid etc.

 

[4myfuture]

DKC..I melt my foam into liquid form and then apply...I could not use the liquid because the PPG tore up my scalp..

 

[DKC]

The only issue with that for me is that its extra effort and it seems that after dissolving, there is hardly any liquid. I would go through 1 can in 2 weeks!

I also find while the liquid version makes me itch, this time round, its not as itchy as the times in the past that I tried it, and it stays on the scalp longer then the foam which dries up super quick.

 

[Hang90]

my itch was not that bad, but i did get rid of if with nizoral and castor oil. but thats just me

 

[DKC]

my itch was not that bad, but i did get rid of if with nizoral and castor oil. but thats just me

I have used coconut oil massage and it calms the itch on the one day a month that I do it so it helps but I can't really oil my hair everyday since it takes so long to get it out after.


I'm on about 2-3 weeks of changing to the liquid, massive shedding as expected, I look as bald as baseline. The times I have done this before I shed a lot then regrow, so I'm not that worried. I did take some pictures to see though and yes, my front and midscalp (where I have been applying) has shed a lot, however, there is very very little redness and it suggests that its not really inflamed, however, my scalp where I have been applying the minoxidil is itching like crazy and its a constant battle against the itch.

Like I said, I have used foam and liquid before and the liquid always makes me itch like crazy, so I have never used it for longer then a month before going back to the foam. This time, I'm going to really fight the itch and go for as long as possible because I really feel that the liquid actually can grow hair (for me).

 

[zarazakka]

I have used coconut oil massage and it calms the itch on the one day a month that I do it so it helps but I can't really oil my hair everyday since it takes so long to get it out after.


I'm on about 2-3 weeks of changing to the liquid, massive shedding as expected, I look as bald as baseline. The times I have done this before I shed a lot then regrow, so I'm not that worried. I did take some pictures to see though and yes, my front and midscalp (where I have been applying) has shed a lot, however, there is very very little redness and it suggests that its not really inflamed, however, my scalp where I have been applying the minoxidil is itching like crazy and its a constant battle against the itch.

Like I said, I have used foam and liquid before and the liquid always makes me itch like crazy, so I have never used it for longer then a month before going back to the foam. This time, I'm going to really fight the itch and go for as long as possible because I really feel that the liquid actually can grow hair (for me).

Do you think you shed when switching to liquid from the foam, because the foam has not been effective for you? Essentially you're experiencing the shed you would expect when starting rogaine from scratch?

 

[DKC]

Yes Zarazakka,

That is what I think, because whenever I have used the foam, I apply it, and only 30% probably reaches my scalp, the rest stays on my diffuse hair and in 3 minutes it has already dried up so I always feel its not that useful. The liquid, I spray onto my scalp and rub slightly and it seems to get into my scalp alot more.

I really feel that the liquid could work because at least its doing something (shedding + itching), which for now is pretty bad, but I'm hoping that in another 2 months I will see some changes.

 

[zarazakka]

Yes Zarazakka,

That is what I think, because whenever I have used the foam, I apply it, and only 30% probably reaches my scalp, the rest stays on my diffuse hair and in 3 minutes it has already dried up so I always feel its not that useful. The liquid, I spray onto my scalp and rub slightly and it seems to get into my scalp alot more.

I really feel that the liquid could work because at least its doing something (shedding + itching), which for now is pretty bad, but I'm hoping that in another 2 months I will see some changes.

Yeah that makes sense. Although if you're using spray I'd really recommend using the dropper as it's so much easier to get good scalp coverage with it. If the itching gets too bad, you could just go back to foam for a day or two, then restart liquid, take mini breaks. Or use foam in the morning and liquid at night. Hope it works out for you, good luck!

 

[DKC]

Yeah that makes sense. Although if you're using spray I'd really recommend using the dropper as it's so much easier to get good scalp coverage with it. If the itching gets too bad, you could just go back to foam for a day or two, then restart liquid, take mini breaks. Or use foam in the morning and liquid at night. Hope it works out for you, good luck!

Thanks for the advice, I'm actually using it once a day anyway but you're right, if the itch gets completely unbearable i'm going to go off the liquid for a day or two, to give my scalp a break. As for using the sprayer, that works for me because I normally separate my hair to expose as much scalp as possible, because I'm quite a severe thinner this seems like its the best way to get coverage.