Hair loss can adversely affect a person’s scalp, body and, most importantly, confidence. Most of the time, such a situation is either genetic or hereditary.
Rogaine and Minoxidil are two terms that are used extensively in the hair growth industry. The difference between them is very subtle.
Key Takeaways
- Rogaine is a brand name for a hair loss treatment product, while minoxidil is the active ingredient in Rogaine.
- Rogaine and generic minoxidil products stimulate hair growth and slow hair loss.
- Generic minoxidil products can be less expensive than Rogaine, but both are considered effective.
Rogaine vs Minoxidil
Rogaine is an over-the-counter medication that is used to treat hair loss and encourage hair growth. Products with this ingredient are FDA-approved. Minoxidil is a common active ingredient present in hair loss treatment drugs like Rogaine. This medication treats high blood pressure and a pattern of hair loss.
Rogaine is the brand name of a drug that is used to treat hair loss and baldness. The treatment is approved by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States and is available over the counter.
Minoxidil is the generic name of Rogaine. It is also an active ingredient that is used in numerous hair treatment drugs that have come into the market these days.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Rogaine | Minoxidil |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Rogaine is a drug used to treat male and female hair pattern baldness. | Minoxidil is the active ingredient present in Rogaine as well as other hair treatment drugs. |
| Name | Rogaine is a brand name. | Minoxidil is a generic name. |
| Launch | Rogaine was launched in the year 1996. | Minoxidil came into the markets in the year 1986. |
| Effectiveness | Rogaine claims to treat hair loss within 4 months only. | Minoxidil claims to treat hair loss between 4-12 months of use. |
| Ban | Rogaine products are approved by the US FDA for sale and use. | The US FDA has currently put a ban on Minoxidil. |
What is Rogaine?
Rogaine is the brand name of a drug that is used to treat certain kinds of hair loss in men and women. It is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration and is available over the counter.
The medication is known to dilate blood vessels, as a result of which hair follicles on the scalp get enlarged. This promotes the lengthening of the ‘hair growth phase’.
Some of the common side effects of using this drug include scalp irritation, abnormal hair growth on the forehead and adjacent areas, as well as changes in hair colour and texture.
What is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil is the generic name of a hair loss treatment drug for males and females. It is the active ingredient in many other treatments, including Rogaine.
The drug is available in oral tablet form with prescription as well as in liquid and foam when buying over the counter.
However, some rare side effects, including itching, redness, irritation, and unwanted hair growth in other parts of the body, may occur.
Main Differences Between Rogaine and Minoxidil
- Rogaine claims to show results within four months of use, while Minoxidil claims to show effective results between four to twelve months of use.
- Rogaine is approved for sale and use by the US FDA, while Minoxidil is currently banned.
- https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/abs/10.7326/0003-4819-94-1-61
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1081/CLT-100102457
Last Updated : 07 September, 2023
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
Finally, an article that provides in-depth details on Rogaine and Minoxidil. Thank you.
The explanation was very thorough. I appreciate the comprehensive comparison.
Thanks for the informative article. I’m still deciding between the two products, but I feel more prepared to make a decision now.
This was a great read. I’ve been considering trying these products, and it’s good to have a better understanding of how they work.
Great article, I feel more informed about these products now.
The comparison table was particularly helpful. I appreciate the direct and concise information.
The information provided is very helpful, especially the references at the end. I’m looking forward to trying one of these products soon.
Thanks for the detailed and useful information.
Thanks for the detailed explanation. It’s always good to understand the scientific specifics of these products.
Informative post. The comparison between the two products is clear and helpful.
As someone who has been considering using these products, this was very helpful. I’ll share this article with my friends who are also interested.
I appreciate the clarification between the two products. This was a well-researched article.
I found the information very helpful. I’m still confused about the ban on Minoxidil, though. If that’s the case, I’ll stick with Rogaine.