¹Lucky, Anne W., et al. "A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil Solutions in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, vol. 50, no. 4, 2004, pp. 541–53. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15034503/.
Using topical minoxidil is pretty straightforward. Essentially, you apply it to your scalp and gently massage it in.
But there’s still a process you need to follow—and some things to bear in mind. Here’s how to use topical minoxidil for women.
Key Takeaways
- Topical minoxidil comes in 2% and 5% doses, and is applied directly to the scalp.
- Women should use it once or twice per day, depending on the dose.
- Both strengths of minoxidil are available over the counter in the UK.
What is topical minoxidil and how does it work?
First things first: topical minoxidil is a hair loss medicine that’s applied directly to the scalp.
Minoxidil encourages hair growth by improving blood flow to your hair roots. It also extends the growth phase of your hair cycle, which slows hair loss.
Good to know: topical minoxidil is the only approved treatment for female pattern hair loss (aka hereditary hair loss) in the UK. Though it’s sometimes used off-label for other types of hair loss, too.
2% vs 5% topical minoxidil
Topical minoxidil for women usually comes in two strengths: 2% and 5%. There's a common misconception that 5% is too strong for women—but both tend to be well tolerated, and some research suggests that 5% minoxidil may produce better results for some women.
If you're unsure whether a higher strength is right for you, one of our clinicians can help. They'll take into account your hair loss pattern and medical history to find the best option for you.
Support is on the way
Our expert-led hair treatment plans for women are launching soon, designed to reduce shedding and restore thickness in just a few months.
How to apply topical minoxidil for women
Okay, but how do you actually use minoxidil? Follow these steps:
1. Start with a clean, dry scalp and hands
Minoxidil absorbs best when there's no moisture or product in the way.
2. Apply to the affected areas
Spray directly onto the areas of your scalp where hair is thinning.
3. Massage it in
Gently work the solution into your scalp with your fingertips. This helps it reach the hair follicles where it does its job.
4. Wash your hands again
Once you're done, wash your hands thoroughly to remove any residue.
5. One last thing
Try to keep your scalp dry for at least four hours after applying—this gives the minoxidil time to be properly absorbed
What’s the best time to apply minoxidil?
It doesn’t matter what time of day you apply minoxidil. What’s important here is consistency: ideally, you want to use it at the same time each day. So, choose a time that’s convenient and that you’re likely to remember.
How long do you have to use topical minoxidil for?
If you want to maintain your results, you’ll need to keep using topical minoxidil indefinitely.
That’s because it’s a treatment, not a cure. It acts on the scalp to encourage growth but doesn’t treat the root causes of hair loss, such as your hormones in female pattern hair loss.
How often should women use topical minoxidil?
That depends on which product you’re using:
- 2% minoxidil solution is applied twice per day. Leave at least 12 hours between doses.
- 5% minoxidil is generally applied once per day.
How to get topical minoxidil in the UK
5% topical minoxidil for women is available on prescription. At Voy, one of our clinicians can assess whether it's the right treatment for you and, if so, prescribe it directly
Feel like yourself again
Female hair loss is common—in up to 50% of women, it’s genetic. But there are things you can do about it.
Our team of experts at Voy can put together a personalised plan to get your hair back, based on the latest scientific evidence. And we’ll be right there with you every step of the way.
