minoxidil is messy in the beginning because you haven't learned the best way to put it on yet, but after you get the hang of it isn't a big deal. And after 1-2 hours it's not wet enough to be noticeable, so it's not really that bad. You can't just squeeze the whole ml out at once. You have to dab it around and then rub it in a little. I have shoulder length hair, so yes, it's a little awkward when I first put it on, but it's worth it for the results.