The Bottom Line
I'm your typical 42 year old male with a receding hairline and some thinning at the crown. For those who have read my pieces on hair loss,
you know I'm not a fan of rugs, drugs, creams, or schemes and much
prefer just letting nature take it's course. Staying healthy and getting
a haircut that works well with what you've got is always the best
option, in my opinion. That said, I do feel it's my responsibility to
test products and report my findings to you. After a failed attempt at
using the expensive HairMax Laser Comb, I've decided to give Men's Rogaine Foam a try. Following is my review of Men's Rogaine Foam.
Pros
- Early results of my test are promising.
- Very easy to use with little or no mess.
- Pleasant, neutral fragrance.
Cons
- Some users may experience side effects.
- Safety cap is annoyingly difficult to remove.
- Does not work for a receding hairline.
Description
- Men's Rogaine Foam is a foam for the treatment of hereditary hair loss in men.
- The company claims that in a clinical study of the product, 85% of men regrew hair in 16 weeks with twice daily use.
- For treatment of hair loss on the top of the scalp (the crown area), not for a receding hairline.
- Can be used with normal styling products.
Guide Review - A Review of Men's Rogaine Foam
Men's Rogaine Foamcontains
5% minoxidil (the same active ingredient in the Rogaine topical
solution), an FDA approved product for treating hair loss and works by
enlarging the hair follicle to reverse the shrinking that occurs over
time with hereditary hair loss. McNEIL-PPC, Inc., maker of Men's Rogaine
Foam, claims that in a clinical study of the product, 85% of men regrew
hair after using the product twice daily for 16 weeks. Whether those
85% regrew enough hair to make a difference in their confidence is
unknown to me. Men's Rogaine Foam is intended to be used to slow and/or
reverse hair loss on the top of the scalp, rather than to correct a
receding hairline. For me, I'm less worried about the thinning crown
than I am the receding front, so the product is not going to change my
life. However, I am impressed with the results I'm seeing in such a
short period of time. I am actually starting to see some new growth
after only six weeks on the prodcut. I wear my hair very short, so the
results are easy to see.
As for the product itself, it's very
simple to use. It comes in a foam form which is much easier to use than
the company's topical solution (which is applied with a dropper). If
you've ever used mousse as a styling product, it looks and feels about
the same. Men's Rogaine Foam has a pleasant smell as well. To apply,
simply disperse a grape sized amount onto dry fingers and massage into
the crown area twice daily. Allow the product to soak in for a few
minutes before applying any styling product. You may still blow-dry or
use your favorite styling products as they won't adversely affect the
performance of the product. My hair is worn very short and my hair is
fine, so I just spread the Rogaine Foam around a bit more and use it is
my styling product. When it dries, it does have a bit of a hold factor, which works just fine for me.
Of
course, some people may experience side effects (such as itching or
irritation) and the product should not be used by woman or those under
18. Of course, the lawyers would be thrilled to have me say that you
should always consult your physician before beginning any type of hair
loss therapy, so do that. I won't bore you with more of the side-effects
or legalese, but a trip to the Men's Rogaine Foam Important Drug Facts Page may be a good idea.
I've
concluded my six month trial. While I did notice some regrowth, it was
not significant enough to make me want to continue to use the product.
That said, I have had clients who experienced great results with the
product (as well as those who received no benefit at all). Every head of
hair and every body is different, so while the product may not work for
some, it may work very well for you. At around $40 for a three-month
supply, it's certainly more cost effective than many other treatments
out there. If hair loss is a concern for you, give Men's Rogaine Foam a try and judge for yourself.
By David Alexander
Men's Hair Expert
