I'm 26 and just finally realized I've inherited my old mans bald gene. I've decided I ain't going down without a fight though. Anyways, I just picked up some generic 5% Minoxidil and was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to use this stuff effectivly. My thinning is the worst on the top of my head and the crown. Problem is I have kind of longer hair. Its about 5 inches long. I feel like when I use the spray its just spraying on my hair and not getting to my scalp very well, but when I tried the dropper it just got lost in the long hair and I couldn't tell what I doing. The directions with the stuff didn't really help out to much. Also I was curious about whether I have to wash hair products out of my hair before I put on the minoxidil at night time. I use styling gel and a pretty greasy pomade. And one more question, does anyone have any suggestions for what to do about fixing that crappy balding hair I've got on top of my head. You know the stuff. Its real course and strawlike. Is there any shampoo thats specially designed to help make that hair look better? I'd REALLY appreciate any suggestions!