So, you just started using minoxidil to treat your hair loss and you’re wondering how this will affect your daily hair styling routine.

Good news! You don’t have to make any big, dramatic changes (unless of course, you’ve been looking for an excuse to do so).

Instead, we spoke with hair loss expert and Keeps medical advisor, Antonella Tosti, on the five simple tips to styling your hair, whether you’re using minoxidil foam or minoxidil solution:

Tip #1: Cutting

Cut your hair whenever and however you want. Minoxidil does its work at the scalp-level, so it won’t be compromised by a fresh cut.

Tip #2: Washing

Wash your hair normally and with your preferred products, just keep in mind that to get the best results your hair shouldn’t be soaking wet when you use minoxidil (but it’s OK if it’s a little damp). Oh, and you should avoid getting your hair wet for four hours after applying it.

Tip #3: Blow drying

Keep on using that blow dryer if that’s what you want to do. In fact, you can blow dry immediately after applying.

Whether you’re using minoxidil foam or solution, it should only take about 15 minutes to dry. (The foam dries faster than the solution, but it isn’t a huge time difference.) A blow dryer is a great way to cut that time down, and using one won’t affect the medication.

One thing to keep in mind is that even if your head feels dry to the touch, you still shouldn’t get your hair wet for four hours after you apply minoxidil. That’s how long it takes for the medication to fully seep into your scalp.

Tip #4: Styling

Stock up on your styling products. Gels, foams, pomades (and anything else you like to put in there) are perfectly safe. Just make sure to wash them out before applying your minoxidil.

Now, some guys consider foam minoxidil messier than the solution, but neither one will get in the way of your preferred styling products. (Just make sure you’re putting your pomade on your hair, not your scalp.) That means the best option for styling is whichever one you prefer.

If you have specific questions about how the ingredients in your styling product might interact with minoxidil, just ask your Keeps doctor.

Tip #5: Coloring

Continue dying your hair if that’s what makes you happy — it won’t hurt your treatment. (But keep in mind that minoxidil can make dyed hair look a little lighter.) As far as bleaching goes, that’s safe too!

Tip #6: Clothing

Most guys have no problem applying minoxidil without it getting everywhere, but if you’re finding that to be tricky, this tip is for you.

If you’re using the solution, your first step should be making sure you’re not applying more minoxidil than you need. You only need to fill the dropper to the 1ML mark for each dose.

If over-applying isn’t the problem, you could try changing your morning routine. Applying your minoxidil early enough to let it dry before you get dressed (instead of getting dressed before applying minoxidil) is a simple change that might save some of your clothes.

Tried these tips and still can’t stand the drips? Switching to minoxidil foam might be your best bet in this situation.



The information provided in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely upon the content provided in this article for specific medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your doctor.

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