Dry Scalp and Minoxidil

Dr, i just read a reply of yours saying that the dryness sometimes caused by minoxidil can cause hair loss. i am currently 21 and noticed thinning at 18 and have been taking rogaine/generic minoxidil for about 2 years with no success (hair is still thinning) and just started taking propecia 4 months ago. i’ve always had a probelm with having a dry scalp but if minoxidil could worsen this do you recommend that i stop using it and just continue with the propecia? thank you for your response and all the help your site has already provided.

Dry scalp will not cause hair loss in itself. A small number of people who use minoxidil have told me that they experience drying of the scalp secondary to the inactive ingredients that may irritate the scalp. Those users generally stop using the medication.

Minoxidil is a topical drug used for the treatment of hair loss so it should not cause hair loss. Furthermore, there is talk among clinicians indicating that using minoxidil in conjunction with finasteride (Propecia) may have a synergistic benefit. Finally, for those who may have dryness of the scalp secondary to the generic spray on minoxidil, there is a new foam/mouse formulation of minoxidil (Rogaine Foam). It is reported to be easier to use with less irritating effects.