Foligain Minoxidil Lotion 2% for Women

One millilitre, twice a day, morning and evening.

1. Start with dry hair and a dry scalp. Minoxidil absorbs poorly on wet hair.
2. Part your hair to expose the thinning area.
3. Fill the dropper to the 1 ml mark.
4. Apply onto the scalp along the parting, not onto the lengths of your hair.
5. Spread it evenly with a fingertip.
6. Wash your hands straight away.
7. Let it dry fully, around two to four hours, before styling or going to bed.

Use 1 ml twice a day whether the thinning area is small or large. Going above 2 ml a day does not speed anything up.

Two things worth knowing:

• Apply after colouring rather than before, and leave around four hours before washing your hair so the dose is not rinsed out.
• Give the evening dose time to dry before bed — wet minoxidil transfers onto pillowcases and from there onto faces.

The lotion is flammable while wet — keep it away from open flame until dry. For external use only. Adult women. Not for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Read the package leaflet before use.

Active ingredient: Minoxidil 2% w/v

Other ingredients: Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Purified Water

Propylene glycol carries the minoxidil into the scalp and is the usual cause of the dry or itchy scalp some women notice in the first weeks. Minoxidil foams do not contain it.

Formulations are occasionally updated by the manufacturer, so check the ingredient list on the packaging you receive.

Is 2% strong enough to do anything?

Yes. It is the strength women's minoxidil was established on, applied twice a day. Comparing percentages across products with different application frequencies is not a like-for-like comparison.

Can I use the men's 5% lotion instead?

Not without medical advice. The men's twice-daily 5% routine is not the approved regimen for women, and higher doses raise the risk of unwanted facial hair. If you want 5%, use a women's 5% foam once daily as directed.

Should I buy three or six months?

Three if you are starting out, since it reaches the first honest checkpoint. Six if you already know it suits you — lower cost per month and no interruption partway through.

My hair is shedding more since I started. Should I stop?

No. Extra shedding between weeks two and eight is expected and settles on its own. It shows the hair cycle turning over rather than damage, and it is the point where most people abandon a treatment that was working.

Can I use it while pregnant or breastfeeding?

No. Minoxidil is not for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor if you are planning a pregnancy.

Is it safe, and are there side effects?

It is an approved over-the-counter treatment and is safe when used as directed. Scalp dryness or itching can occur, mostly early on. Unwanted facial hair can result from transfer, which washing your hands prevents. The leaflet lists everything — if you are unsure, speak to your pharmacist or doctor first.

• Formula Strength: 2%
• Form: Topical solution
• Application: Twice daily
• Sizes: 3 or 6 month supply