We know that minoxidil is efficient at treating androgenetic alopecia. But we also acknowledge that many people use hair products such as hairspray or hair gel to look their best before going out.
However, is it safe to combine minoxidil with hair products, hair dye, and sunscreen? To answer those questions briefly already, yes, it is considered safe to combine minoxidil with those hair products as long as they’re not applied at the same time and with enough time in between. This way, the products won’t dilute or interfere with each other.
Let me explain how minoxidil and hair products can be safely combined without any issues.
Can I apply minoxidil and hair products at the same time?
Minoxidil and haircare products can be combined, but should not be applied at the same time.
Applying minoxidil and haircare products at the same time will prevent the minoxidil from reaching the hair follicles, which will reduce the hair loss product’s effectiveness. Furthermore, haircare products can dilute the minoxidil, which will also reduce the efficiency of the minoxidil.
However, applying the minoxidil first, allowing it to dry for a while, and then applying haircare or hairstyling products is perfectly fine.
Make sure to wait for at least 15-20 minutes after applying the minoxidil, so the product has time to dry. The longer you wait, the better. Since waiting longer reduces the chance of the minoxidil and hair products interfering.
When used in this manner, the minoxidil will be applied directly to the scalp, and can actually be absorbed into the hair follicles. This allows the product to do its work.
Minoxidil is used directly to the scalp, and haircare products are typically applied to the hair shafts and ends of the hair. This means that applying them one after another with enough time in between will generally not interfere with each other’s working.
Can you dye your hair while using minoxidil?
Yes, you can dye your hair while using minoxidil.
Nevertheless, minoxidil should not be used on the scalp 24 hours before dyeing your hair.
Make sure to wash the minoxidil off your scalp before dyeing your hair to prevent interference of both products. Also take not of the fact that minoxidil can change your hair color ever so slightly.
Can you color your hair while using Rogaine?
Again, the same rules that apply to minoxidil apply to Rogaine.
This means that you can color your hair while using Rogaine. But, you shouldn’t use Rogaine 24 hours before coloring your hair.
Make sure to cleanse the rest over minoxidil residue before coloring your hair.
Can you use minoxidil on color treated hair?
Minoxidil can be used on dyed hair 24 hours after you’ve colored your hair.
This way, it won’t interfere with your colored hair or with the absorption of the minoxidil.
There is some evidence that minoxidil has the potential to lighten your hair color a little bit.[1]https://www.keeps.com/learn/hair-change-color-minoxidil-finasteride
That being said, it is an innocent side effect that will cause no further issues other than a slight change in appearance.[2]https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323951238_Loose_anagen_hair_syndrome_Treatment_with_systemic_minoxidil_characterised_by_marked_hair_colour_change
Can you use Rogaine on colored hair?
Once more, the same guidelines that are appropriate to general minoxidil apply to Rogaine as well. This means you can use Rogaine on colored hair.
But, you shouldn’t use Rogaine for 24 after dyeing your hair.
Rogaine, just like any regular brand of minoxidil, has the potential “side effect” of lightening your hair just a tad.
Can you use women’s Rogaine on color treated hair?
Yes, you can use women’s Rogaine on color treated hair.
But make sure to wait for 24 hours after coloring your hair to prevent interference with the women’s Rogaine.
Is minoxidil safe for color treated hair?
Minoxidil is considered safe to use on color treated hair.
Minoxidil is typically very well tolerated and causes few side effects in the majority of the users.
Nevertheless, some do experience minor side effects. And in rare occurrences, side effects can be severe.
Is women’s Rogaine safe for color treated hair?
Yes, just like any generic brand of minoxidil, women’s Rogaine is also safe for color treated hair.
But like with any other drug, there is still the possibility of side effects. Lightening of your hair is a potential concern, along with other mostly minor side effects.
Does minoxidil fade hair color?
Dr. Antonella Tosti describes the possibility that minoxidil can somewhat lighten your hair after multiple usages on colored hair. Evidence does seem to suggest that this can potentially be true.
The next study attributed hair discoloration to the usage of minoxidil lotion in its users.
That’s not to say that minoxidil is dangerous, however. On the contrary, minoxidil is one of the safest, most well tolerated products to combat hair loss.
Does Rogaine fade hair color?
Rogaine can also fade hair color when your hair is dyed as a potential side effect, since Rogaine is a brand of generic minoxidil.
Still, it’s important to note that this is a side effect that’s not prevalent in all users. Many users have anecdotally noted to have no color change in their hair.
Can you use minoxidil and sunscreen together?
Yes, it is possible to use minoxidil and sunscreen together.
As a matter of fact, it is even desirable to put sunscreen on the scalp when your hair is thinning to protect your head from sun damage. To further protect your scalp, consider wearing a cap for even better protection.
Just make sure not to apply the minoxidil and sunscreen at the same time, and everything should be just fine.
Check that you wait for an hour after applying minoxidil before you put the sunscreen on your scalp.[3]https://www.belgraviacentre.com/blog/can-you-apply-sun-cream-after-using-minoxidil/
Final note
Minoxidil and hair products can be combined, but should not be applied at the same time since this will dilute the minoxidil, which will reduce its effectiveness.
To counteract this interference, apply the minoxidil first and let it dry for about 20 minutes. When done in this manner, it should be no issue to apply your hair products afterward.
Just like minoxidil and hair dye can be combined, so can Rogaine and hair dye. However, make sure to cleanse your scalp thoroughly of any rest over minoxidil before coloring your hair.
Minoxidil can be used on colored hair, but not for the first 24 hours after dyeing your hair. Afterward, it’s of no concern. Still, using minoxidil on colored hair might slightly lighten your hair, although this is not always the case.
Minoxidil and sunscreen can also be combined. But again, not at the same time. Make sure to allow the minoxidil to dry before applying sunscreen on your scalp.
References
| ↑1 | https://www.keeps.com/learn/hair-change-color-minoxidil-finasteride |
|---|---|
| ↑2 | https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323951238_Loose_anagen_hair_syndrome_Treatment_with_systemic_minoxidil_characterised_by_marked_hair_colour_change |
| ↑3 | https://www.belgraviacentre.com/blog/can-you-apply-sun-cream-after-using-minoxidil/ |