The White Residue

[FlyTags]

Hey all. Just started using Rogaine Foam a few days ago. My hair started thinning slightly back in high school (I'm 26 now), but has started to accelerate in the past year or so, and my hairline has finally started the slow march towards the back of my head. I figured that I'd give it one shot before I lose it forever, hence why I picked up the Rogaine. I'm actually pretty surprised with the ease at which it goes on and the stuff smells rather decent, I think.

Anyway, since I still have a reasonable amount of hair on top of my head, I've noticed that after I apply the foam, I get a white "powdery" look to my hair. From reading the forums, I gather this is dried, unabsorbed minoxidil. My question is... How do avoid having this happen? It makes me look like I have some sort of dandruff problem and right now I'm weighing which I dislike more: Thinning hair vs. Dandruffy-looking hair.

Is there a method to applying the foam that avoids the hair whitening? Should I just skip the foam and use the liquid instead, since the applicator allows a more direct application to the scalp (I assume)? I think the Rogaine manual or website said something about not washing my hair until 4 hours after the application - is this truly the case?

Any input on the subject would be much appreciated. Thanks ahead of time!

-FlyTags

 

[Cassin]

you don't avoid it.

You just get as much as your scalp as you can.

 

[FlyTags]

Alright, so the solution to the foam problem is "deal with it." Fair enough.

Does anyone have a particular technique that lessens the amount of white stuff in their hair afterward? I'd be interested to hear it. I'm also considering switching over to the liquid so I can fire it directly onto my scalp, rather than getting it all over my hair instead. My only concern is how greasy my scalp would look. When people say the liquid is greasy, just how greasy is "greasy?" Are we talking, "run your hand through your hair and you're forced to wash it" or "just a bit damp?"

Thanks.

 

[Cassin]

Your best bet is Dr Lees item #500 from http://www.minoxidil.com. You can apply it directly to the scalp and it dries extremely fast.

I use both the foam and dr lees. I just randomly rotate them.

 

[FlyTags]

Ah, that sounds like a winner. The Dr. Lee's website mentions something about having a consultation before purchasing. Is this actually the case? Or can I just go ahead and order the #500 Minoxidil and not worry about it?

And thanks a bunch for the info, Cassin. You've been a great help!

-FlyTags

 

[Cassin]

You have to pay a one time $20 consultation fee with him and sign a document.