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What is the Difference Between Rogaine and Minoxidil? - Monday, April 27, 2009

Question:

My father is not bald at all. But he doesn't have hair on the crown (vertex). Likewise, I have been losing hair since when I was 21. I don't want to take Propecia, but I'd like to start using Rogaine or minoxidil. Which one is the best?

Answer:

The active ingredient in Rogaine is minoxidil. Therefore, whether you take brand name Rogaine or generic minoxidil, you will have the same benefit. Topical Rogaine (minoxidil) works by penetrating the scalp, stimulating hair follicles and potentially causing hair regrowth of miniaturizing hairs. However, minoxidil doesn't do anything to block DHT, the hormone responsible for genetic male pattern baldness.

Though Propecia (finasteride) comes with the risk of side effects, Propecia reports they only occur in a small percentage of patients and are reversible upon stopping the hair loss drug. If you want the best regime to potentially stop and reverse hair loss, considering using both Propecia and Rogaine.

Bill (Falceros)
Associate Publisher/Editor