Minoxidil Spray is one of the most effective treatments available for male pattern baldness. But if you're investing time and money into it, you'll naturally want to make sure you're getting the best possible results.
The good news? A few simple changes can help maximise the benefits of treatment, from pairing Minoxidil with Finasteride to making sure you're applying it correctly.
Get the basics right
Before you even think about optimizing your hair loss routine on top of Minoxidil Spray, you should make sure you’ve got the basics right first – from the solution you’re using to your application.
- Make sure you’re using the right strength. Research shows 5% is the most effective concentration.
- Apply to dry scalp and hair.
- Apply solution directly to the scalp, not the hair itself. If you have long hair, you might need to section the hair to expose the scalp.
- Apply twice-a-day every day, morning and evening.
- Avoid getting the hair wet or using hair styling products for a couple hours after each application.
Pair with Finasteride
Minoxidil Spray is a licensed treatment for male pattern baldness which works well by itself. In one study, 97.1% of men using topical 5% Minoxidil for one year saw hair loss either improve or stabilise. Roughly 84% of users saw regrowth, and only 2.9% of users continued to lose hair.
However, Minoxidil Spray does not tackle the root cause of male pattern baldness.
Male pattern baldness is driven by DHT, a hormone that gradually shrinks susceptible hair follicles over time. Minoxidil helps stimulate growth and support the hair growth cycle, but it doesn't reduce DHT levels.
That’s where Finasteride comes in. Finasteride prevents the progression of hair loss by reducing DHT levels, whereas Minoxidil Spray encourages growth by supporting the hair growth cycle.
Research shows that outcomes are best for patients using both Finasteride and Minoxidil Spray together. In a recent trial, participants used either topical minoxidil, topical finasteride or a combination. While all the groups improved, the greatest improvements were seen in the combination group. They saw the greatest increase in hair count and hair diameter over 6 months.
Give it time
Research shows that one of the most common reasons for stopping treatment too soon is feeling that it’s not working.
As mentioned above, Minoxidil Spray is an effective treatment for male pattern baldness. But hair growth happens slowly, so it can take time and patience before you start to see changes. Results can become visible as early as 3 months into treatment, but for many best results don’t come until 6-12 months in.
Understanding the timeline and having realistic expectations will help you stick to treatment and give enough time to see it pay off.
Use a derma roller
If you’ve not heard of a derma roller, it’s an at-home microneedling tool.
Basically, it’s a hand-held device covered in tiny needles, which you can roll over your scalp to create micro-injuries which trigger the body’s natural wound-healing pathways. Research suggests combining Minoxidil Spray with regular micro needling sessions can be beneficial for promoting hair growth, triggering positive hair growth factors, and boosting the absorption of topical active ingredients like minoxidil.
Adding a derma roller two or three times a week to your usual haircare routine is an easy way to boost results.
All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.
