minoxidil: going from twice a day to once day?

Raz

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I am posting this thread mainly to see if there're any people in here who are on minoxidil and used to apply it twice a day, but then hopped onto doing it only once a day.

I am mostly interested in asking these questions of people who are on the big three or a DHT-inhibitor (finasteride/dutasteride) in addition to being on minoxidil, because in the event of someone being on a "minoxidil-only" -regimen; any losses of gains can potentially be attributed to that and the male pattern baldness itself getting more aggressive.

I have this vague recollection of reading that it's sufficient if minoxidil is used once a day, but mainly for maintenance purposes. This sort of sparked my curiosity, as I am 8½ months into minoxidil use and have found out that the gains are likely to peak at around the 10-14 month mark. Meaning, after that much time of minoxidil use has elapsed, simply maintaining those gains would be enough.

So with that out of the way:

1) Is it enough if I apply minoxidil once a day for maintenance purposes? I am mainly referring to the 5% strength, whether liquid or foam.

At the moment, I am on the 5% liquid and doing it 2x a day (very religiously), but curious if I could omit the 2nd application of a day. Don't get me wrong, I don't intend to get too lazy with my regimen, but travelling, sporting etc. kind of become iffy at times if you have to apply minoxidil twice a day. If it's necessary I will keep doing it, as it is worth it. Simply trying to get some input here.

2) Is it likely that I will have a shed if I go from twice a day to once a day? Did you experience a shed upon going from twice a day to once day - or eventually lose some ground - after which you'd go back to applying minoxidil twice a day?

3) If I do go down the once a day -route, should I do it gradually over time or is there no point in that? (For example: doing minoxidil twice a day for 5 days a week for a month, then twice a day for 4 days of the week for another month and so forth, up to the point where I would be doing it once a day every day).

Those are all my questions, I think! Like I said, I don't intend to become lazy, but if I can be cost-efficient with my regimen while not fvcking up my hair - that would be ideal. Any input in general very much appreciated, thanks! :)

PS. I am on the big three, currently more or less NW1.75ish, not sure, and used to be a NW3½v with some diffuse thinning too. minoxidil in general has been a lifesaver to me. You can check out my story thread here if you want to.
 

shreyaskini

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someone pls answer this question. Even i want to know as i could save some money after i regain all my hair.
 

resu

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After 2 bottles of minoxidil I'm just using 1x ml a day and it seems fine for now but if you have the money just use liquid at night and foam in the morning for peace of mind.
 

benjt

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Currently, I'm using minoxidil mostly once a day (maybe once a week twice), and so far it's doing a rather good job at keeping it. It doesn't keep hair forever, as I've recently noticed through photo comparison, but significantly slows things down for me.
 

Raz

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Currently, I'm using minoxidil mostly once a day (maybe once a week twice), and so far it's doing a rather good job at keeping it. It doesn't keep hair forever, as I've recently noticed through photo comparison, but significantly slows things down for me.
Are you on a DHT-inhibitor in addition?

Thanks for all the replies though, guys.
 

benjt

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Because of the non-complete halt, I added finasteride 1.5 months ago. My experience is from using minoxidil for more than 2 years. No additional effect or additional gains from I could notice from adding finasteride 1.5 months ago. Also too early to say whether finasteride gave a complete stop, but minoxidil alone did a considerable job at slowing baldness down.
 
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