FOLIGAIN® Minoxidil

What is minoxidil?

Minoxidil is a medicine that helps regrow hair in hereditary hair loss. Here is how it works, who it is for, which strength to choose and what to expect.

Strength for men with thinning on top of the scalp: 5%
Strength for women with thinning on top of the scalp: 2%
Applications a day, every day: 2×

The basics

A medicine for hereditary hair loss

FOLIGAIN® Minoxidil is a medicine you apply to the scalp. It helps regrow hair in people with hereditary hair loss, the kind that runs in families.

Minoxidil was first developed as a tablet for high blood pressure. Increased hair growth was noticed as an unexpected side effect. Although the exact way it works is not fully understood, clinical research has shown that minoxidil can help increase hair density and support regrowth when used consistently over time.

Active ingredientComes with a package leaflet. Read it before you start.
Made for the top of the scalpIt has established benefits for hereditary thinning on the top (crown) of the scalp.
Twice a dayApply 1 mL of liquid, or 2 pumps of foam into the palm of your hand and massage into the scalp in the target hair loss area, morning and evening.
Works while you use itContinued use is needed to keep and increase regrowth.

Shop minoxidil How to use minoxidil

Man holding a box of FOLIGAIN Minoxidil 5% hair regrowth treatment for men

How it works

What minoxidil does on your scalp

The exact way minoxidil works is still being studied. This is what research suggests.

More blood flow to follicles
Applied to the scalp, minoxidil is thought to widen small blood vessels. This increases blood flow around the hair follicles.
A longer growth phase
It may extend the growing (anagen) phase of the hair cycle, so hairs keep growing for longer.
Thicker, denser hair over time
Over months, thinner hairs can grow longer and thicker. That is why results are judged in months, not weeks.
Only while you use it
Continued use is needed to keep and increase regrowth. If you stop, new hair is usually lost over the following three to four months.

Is it right for you?

Who minoxidil is for

These points come from the package leaflet. Always read the leaflet in your own pack before you start.

It may suit you if
- Your hair loss runs in your family (hereditary)
- Your thinning is gradual and on the top of the scalp
- You are 18 or older
- You are a man using 5%, or a woman using 2%
- You can apply it twice a day, every day
Do not use it if
- Your hair loss is sudden or patchy
- You do not know the reason for your hair loss
- You have no family history of hair loss
- Your hair loss is different from the pattern shown on the carton
- You are under 18
- Your scalp is red, inflamed, infected, irritated or painful
- You use other medicines on your scalp
- You are a woman and the product is 5% (for use by men only)
Ask a doctor before use if you have heart disease.
Stop and ask a doctor if
- You have chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, faintness or dizziness
- You have sudden, unexplained weight gain
- Your hands or feet swell
- Your scalp becomes irritated or red
- Unwanted facial hair grows
- You see no regrowth after 4 months

May be harmful if used when pregnant or breastfeeding. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Flammable: keep away from fire or flame.

Sudden, patchy or unexplained hair loss should be checked by a healthcare professional. This page is general information, not medical advice.

Choose your strength

Minoxidil 5% or 2%?

Both are applied the same way. The strength depends on who it is for.

Comparison of FOLIGAIN Minoxidil 5% for men and Minoxidil 2% for women
	For menMinoxidil 5%	For womenMinoxidil 2%
Made for	Men with hereditary thinning at the top of the scalp (the crown)	Women with gradual thinning on the top of the scalp, such as a wider part
Active ingredient	Minoxidil 5%	Minoxidil 2%
How much	1 mL of liquid with the dropper, or 2 pumps of foam into the palm of your hand	1 mL of liquid with the dropper, or 2 pumps of foam into the palm of your hand
How often	Twice a day	Twice a day
Formats	Liquid, low-alcohol liquid and foam	Liquid and foam
Supply sizes	1, 3, 6 and 12 months	3, 6 and 12 months
Good to know	For use by men only.	The lower strength helps reduce the risk of side effects such as unwanted facial hair. Not intended for frontal baldness or a receding hairline.
	Shop for men	Shop for women

Foam or liquid?

Pick the format you will use every day

Foam and liquid contain the same active ingredient. The best choice is the one you will keep using.

Compare foam and liquid

Foam
Choose foam if you
- Want it to dry quickly
- Prefer a lightweight feel with little residue
- Have a busy morning routine
- Have shorter hair
Liquid
Choose liquid if you
- Prefer dropper application
- Want to target specific thinning areas
- Have longer hair
- Like a traditional liquid formula

What to expect

Your first year, month by month

Minoxidil works slowly. Knowing what usually happens helps you stay consistent and judge results fairly.

Weeks 0⁠–⁠2
No visible change
Build the daily routine and take starting photos.
Weeks 2⁠–⁠8
Some extra shedding
Some people notice more shedding. Keep going. It usually settles.
Months 2⁠–⁠4
Fine new hairs
Fine, soft new hairs may appear. Results may show from 2 months.
Months 4⁠–⁠6
First visible change
The first fair point to judge results. No regrowth after 4 months? Stop and ask a doctor.
Months 6⁠–⁠12
Hairs thicken
New hairs can thicken and darken. Compare with your starting photos.
After 12 months
Results level off
Keep using it to maintain your results.

About early shedding

A temporary increase in shedding in the first two to eight weeks is common. It happens as older, resting hairs are pushed out to make room for new growth. It does not mean the product is not working, and it usually settles within a few weeks.

If shedding keeps increasing after two to three months, or comes with irritation or discomfort, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.

See the full minoxidil timeline How to use minoxidil

Timelines are general guides, not a prediction for any one person. Individual results vary.

Use with TRIOXIDIL®

Minoxidil and TRIOXIDIL® fit into one routine

They do different jobs. FOLIGAIN® Minoxidil is a medicine that helps regrow hair. TRIOXIDIL® is FOLIGAIN’s drug-free cosmetic complex that supports a healthy-looking scalp and the look of thicker, fuller hair.

Many people apply minoxidil as directed and add TRIOXIDIL® shampoo, conditioner or topical treatment for extra cosmetic care.

Wash with TRIOXIDIL®Use the shampoo and conditioner when you wash your hair, 3⁠–⁠5 times a week.
Dry your scalpApply minoxidil to a completely dry scalp.
Let each product dryAllow minoxidil to dry completely before applying other products.
Follow each labelCombining products does not guarantee more regrowth than minoxidil alone.

What is TRIOXIDIL®?Shop TRIOXIDIL®

If you have a medical condition, a sensitive scalp or questions about combining products, speak with a healthcare professional first.

A man and a woman holding FOLIGAIN hair care products

Questions and answers

Minoxidil questions, answered

Still unsure which product is right for you? Our team can help.

Contact us Read all FAQs

What is the difference between FOLIGAIN® Minoxidil and TRIOXIDIL®?

Both are topical products for people concerned about thinning hair, but they work in different ways and belong to different product categories.

FOLIGAIN® Minoxidil is a medicine for hair loss. It contains the active ingredient minoxidil, which has clinically established effects for supporting hair regrowth when used as directed.

TRIOXIDIL® is a drug-free proprietary complex developed by FOLIGAIN®. It is a triple-action nutrient blend made with natural and bioactive cosmetic ingredients. It supports a healthy-looking scalp and improves the visible appearance of thinning hair, density and coverage.

Can women use minoxidil 5%?

No. The 5% strength is labeled for use by men only. Women should use FOLIGAIN® Minoxidil 2%, made for women with thinning on the top of the scalp.

Does minoxidil work on a receding hairline?

Minoxidil has established benefits for hereditary thinning on the top of the scalp. Results at a receding hairline, at the front of the scalp or on areas that have been bald for a long time are less certain. Minoxidil 2% for women is not intended for frontal baldness or a receding hairline.

What research has been done on minoxidil?

Minoxidil has been studied for decades as a medicine for hereditary hair loss. Clinical research has evaluated its ability to support hair regrowth and improve visible hair density when used as directed. Studies have also looked at long-term use, overall effectiveness and user experience.

Individual results vary. If you have questions about its use or whether it suits you, speak with a healthcare professional.

Is minoxidil safe?

Minoxidil is generally well tolerated when used as directed. Some people get mild scalp irritation, dryness or itching, and allergic reactions can occur in rare cases. Unwanted facial or body hair can appear if the product spreads beyond the area you apply it to. Minoxidil can be absorbed through the skin, so do not use more than directed.

If you have a medical condition, take other medicines, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak with a healthcare professional before use. If you notice unexpected side effects, stop use and get medical advice.

How long do I need to use it?

Hair loss is ongoing for many people, so minoxidil works best as part of continued use. If you stop, the thinning usually returns to your natural pattern over time. Regular, long-term use helps keep the visible improvements you achieve.

Can minoxidil be used for beard growth?

Minoxidil is approved for use on the scalp to support regrowth in hereditary hair loss. Its approval does not include use on the face or beard. Some people choose to apply it to the beard area off label, but results and experiences vary, and the safety profile may differ from scalp use.

If you are thinking of applying minoxidil anywhere other than the scalp, speak with a healthcare professional first.