How to Apply Minoxidil?

Medically reviewedby Dr. Amy Revene M.B.B.S.
WrittenbyDr. Edna Skopljak, M.D.
Last updated

Dr. Amy Revene, M.B.B.S., is a general physician at New Hope Medical Center. She graduated from the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S.) degree. Read more...

Patient instructions are generally included with this medication. It is critical that you carefully follow the instructions.

You must take this medication exactly as prescribed. Please do not take more of it or take it more frequently than your doctor has prescribed. It's possible that doing so will enhance the likelihood of it being absorbed via the skin.

    How to apply liquid topical minoxidil?

    To use a topical minoxidil solution, follow these steps:

    1. Before using this medication, make sure your hair and scalp are dehydrated.
    2. Starting in the middle of the area to be treated, apply the amount suggested to the region of the scalp being treated. Use the applicator given by your doctor to apply the solution according to your doctor's recommendations.
    3. After using minoxidil, wait 4 hours before shampooing your hair.
    4. Please wash your hands immediately after using this drug to remove any medicine that may have gotten on them.
    5. After using the minoxidil solution, do not use a hairdryer to dry the scalp. Blowing on the scalp with a hairdryer may make the therapy less effective.
    6. Allow 2 to 4 hours for the minoxidil to dry completely after application, including before going to bed.
    7. If your hair or scalp isn't dehydrated after taking minoxidil, it might discolor clothes, caps, or bed linens.
    8. Avoid spreading the medication to other regions of the body while it is still moist. If the drug gets on your pillowcase or bed linens, or if you don't wash your hands after applying minoxidil, this might happen.
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    How to apply foam topical minoxidil?

    To use minoxidil topical foam, follow these steps:

    1. Match the arrow on the can ring to the arrow on the cap to open the container. Remove the cap.
    2. To reveal the thinning hair region on the scalp, part the hair into one or more rows.
    3. To get foam on your fingertips, turn the can upside down and push the nozzle.
    4. Spread the foam over the hair loss region with your fingertips and gently massage it into your scalp.
    5. Please wash your hands immediately after using this drug to remove any medicine that may have gotten on them.
    6. Wait for it to dry.

    Consult your doctor before using minoxidil if your scalp is irritated, inflamed, or burnt.

    Minoxidil topical foam or solution should only be applied to the scalp. Avoid getting this drug in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Rinse it out entirely with cool tap water if you get some in your eyes, nose, or mouth by mistake. If you're using the pump spray, be sure you don't breathe it in.

    Use the foam away from heat and open flames, as well as while smoking. The aerosol cannot be punctured, broken, or burned.

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    How much dosage of minoxidil should you apply?

    This medicine's dosage will vary depending on the patient. Follow your doctor's orders or the label's instructions. Only the typical dosages of this medication are included in the following information. If your dose differs, do not alter it unless your doctor instructs you to.

    The amount of medicine you take is determined by the drug's strength. In addition, the number of dosages you take each day, the duration between doses, and the length of time you take the medication are all determined by the medical issue for which the medicine is being used.

    How to store minoxidil?

    Keep the drug away from heat, moisture, and direct light in a closed container at room temperature. Prevent the freezer from freezing.

    What do you do if you missed a dose?

    If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule.

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      Dr. Edna Skopljak, M.D.

      About the Writer

      Edna Skopljak, MDUniversity of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine

      Edna Skopljak, MD is a clinical doctor at the University Medical Center Ljubljana and a PhD candidate in Biomedicine at the University of Ljubljana. She combines clinical work with research and medical editing, bringing a clear, evidence-based lens to patient education. Previously, she held roles in the pharmaceutical sector (product management and chief medical officer) and served as a medical production editor for the journal Biomolecules and Biomedicine.

      Dr. Skopljak’s publications span clinical topics, including urology and orthopedics. She has co-authored work affiliated with the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at University Medical Centre Ljubljana. She trained in medicine with early clinical experience in Slovenia, reflecting a long-standing focus on practical, patient-facing care.

      She strictly follows our Editorial Standards: All medical statements are grounded in authoritative guidelines, FDA labels, and peer-reviewed studies, with clear distinction between approved treatments and adjunctive options.