Minoxidil is a great tool in the battle against hair loss, or even hair regrowth.
Like I mentioned in another post, there are a multitude of ways to make the minoxidil even more effective. Like combining it with tretinoin and microneedling (dermarolling), for example.
Likewise, certain shampoos combat dandruff, redness, itching, scaling, and flaking of the skins, which are all common side effects from minoxidil usage. Even better is that certain shampoos such as ketoconazole shampoo contains hair growth ingredients.
That’s all good and well, but a couple of questions arise. Questions such as, “should I wash off minoxidil?” And if so, how often should I wash my hair while using Rogaine?
Let me explain what kind of shampoo you should use in combination with your topical minoxidil solution.
How often should I wash my hair when using Rogaine for hair growth?
Should I wash off minoxidil?
Generally speaking, yes, you should wash off minoxidil as this will prevent substance build up and limit side effects.
Of course, not washing your hair once in a while after applying minoxidil is not the end of the world either. However, regularly washing your hair and rinsing the minoxidil is advised.
Can I wash my hair when using minoxidil?
You can wash your hair when using minoxidil, just not immediately or a short while after appliance. Even more, washing your hair right before applying the product can be beneficial since minoxidil gets absorbed better when the skin is damp.
Do not use shampoo to wash your hair for at least 4 hours after applying minoxidil to your scalp. Likewise, don’t rinse your face for at least 4 hours after using minoxidil on your face for facial hair growth.
How often should I wash my hair when using minoxidil?
It is best to wash your hair every day when using minoxidil to minimize the possible annoying side effects of minoxidil. The most common ones being itching, scalp burning, flaking, and redness.
Leaving the ingredients of the minoxidil on your scalp or face can cause irritant contact dermatitis. Which is basically skin irritation that can produce itching, red skin, and a burning, stinging sensation. One can avoid contracting irritant contact dermatitis by avoiding minoxidil buildup. Avoiding Rogaine buildup is accomplished by washing the scalp frequently and at regular intervals.
How often should I wash my hair while using Rogaine on my scalp?
Since Rogaine is a brand of minoxidil, the same rules apply in regard to washing your hair as previously said.
To shortly summarize, it is best to wash your hair daily when using minoxidil to reduce residue build up and to minimize possible side effects.
Is it necessary to wash hair after minoxidil usage?
It is not necessary to wash hair after minoxidil usage, but it is highly recommended.
Again, washing your hair cleanses your scalp from minoxidil residue build up. This decreases the risk for annoying side effects such as flaking, scaling and itching.
What shampoo to use with minoxidil?
Every shampoo can be used together with minoxidil (as long as you don’t wash your hair shortly after you apply it, as this will also wash away the minoxidil solution.) But, it is useful to use a shampoo that helps you control dandruff, scaling and flaking which are common although harmless side effects of minoxidil usage.
Not to mention that it’s helpful to use a shampoo that promotes hair growth and will help to reduce hair loss.
Ketoconazole shampoo is such a shampoo since it promotes hair growth and eliminates dandruff, which is a common side effect from minoxidil usage.
Ketoconazole shampoo and minoxidil usage
Ketoconazole shampoo can be used like any other generic shampoo to wash your hair and to help you get rid of the minoxidil ingredients stuck on your hair/scalp.
What is ketoconazole shampoo?
Ketoconazole is an efficacious ingredient that adheres to your hair’s natural protein to eliminate dandruff, and is also used to treat fungal infections impacting the scalp.
Ketoconazole is available in both a cream and shampoo version that has to be applied to the skin.
The ketoconazole cream is typically prescribed for appliance once a day for 2 to 6 weeks.
It can be purchased over the counter and is usually advised to be used every three to four days for up to 8 weeks. Remember to always listen to your doctor’s instructions about how often to use ketoconazole shampoo or cream.
Advantages of Ketoconazole shampoo
- Promotes hair growth and helps reduce hair loss.
- Eliminates or helps keep dandruff in check.
- Reduces itching, redness, flaking and scaling of the skin.
Using ketoconazole shampoo to combat hair loss is something that you should talk through with your doctor and that you should only use with their consent.
How to use ketoconazole shampoo for hair loss
For hair growth/reducing hair loss usage, apply the shampoo to wet hair. Massage until a lather starts to form. Let the product soak into your scalp for at least 5 minutes before rinsing off.
After rinsing the shampoo, dry your hair like usual.
How to use ketoconazole shampoo to wash your hair
If you want to use the shampoo to treat the scalp and to reduce the negative side effects of minoxidil, simply dilute the shampoo with water and apply the shampoo on the scalp.
Massage until a lather starts to form. Let the product soak into your scalp for a short time before rinsing off. After rinsing the shampoo, dry your hair like usual.
Different types of ketoconazole shampoo to combat hair loss
Various types of ketoconazole shampoo to combat hair loss exist.
Some can be purchased over the counter without a prescription, and some require a prescription by a doctor.
If you want to use ketoconazole shampoo for hair loss, however, the 2% or more ketoconazole will be more efficient than the lower percentages products. However, the 2% strength or more wares require a doctor prescription to get the product.
Where to buy ketoconazole shampoo?
If you’re just starting out or if you don’t want to go through the hassle of getting a prescription, one can always try over the counter ketoconazole shampoos containing one percent of ketoconazole. It is available in online web stores, supermarkets, and your local pharmacy.
How to use topical minoxidil solution and ketoconazole shampoo together?
Using topical minoxidil solution and ketoconazole shampoo together is something that’s perfectly doable.
As a reminder, like we said in the beginning of the post, you shouldn’t wash your hair or scalp for at least 4 hours after applying minoxidil to your scalp. Thus, your options are either washing your hair before applying minoxidil, or a couple of hours after applying minoxidil.
I would recommend washing your hair with the ketoconazole shampoo, letting it soak for at least 5 minutes before rinsing it off, and then drying your hair. Afterward, apply 1 ml of minoxidil to your scalp.
Don’t apply minoxidil and ketoconazole shampoo at the same time
It is not recommended to apply minoxidil and ketoconazole shampoo at the same time, as the ketoconazole will interfere with the minoxidil absorption and wash it away.
When in doubt, consult with your doctor or dermatologist to find the right dosage and to find the treatment that’s best suited to your goals and overall health.
Conclusion
Any shampoo can be used in combination with minoxidil.
But the best shampoo will help to reduce the negative albeit often harmless negative effects from minoxidil usage while simultaneously promoting hair growth.
Ketoconazole shampoo, among many others is such a shampoo. It can also be found as a cream.
The 1% version is available for over the counter purchase, but if you want the most effective product which is the 2% strength or higher, you’ll need a prescription from your doctor, dermatologist, or general practitioner.
Remember to wash your hair frequently when applying minoxidil, preferably daily. Just make sure not to wash your hair immediately to 4 hours after applying minoxidil.