When it comes to hair growth, experts often turn to FDA-approved Minoxidil to help regrow the hair you love. And while it has been proven to get results for many different types of hair loss, it has to be used properly to get the best results. To get you started on the right track, our hair care experts dish on some of the most common Minoxidil mistakes and how to avoid them.

Top 5 Minoxidil Mistakes

Giving up too soon.


Some of the best things in life really do take time—and hair growth is no exception. When applied twice a day, it may take 3–6 months to see visibly thicker, fuller hair with Minoxidil. 

“We recommend taking your own before and after photos to better assess your progress,” says Emily Manatan, licensed stylist and Senior Product Development Manager at eSalon. “When you look at yourself every day in the mirror, it can be hard to see the subtle changes happening in your hair. Taking photos is the best way to see the results in action.” 

Our rule of thumb? Patience pays off. While you may not see results overnight, you’ll likely see results in just a few short months. 

Sleeping before it dries.

Typically, Minoxidil treatments are applied to the scalp once in the morning and once at night. And after a long day, it can be tempting to apply the product and go right to sleep. However, you always want to give Minoxidil time to dry and soak into the scalp before hitting the hay. If you hit snooze right away, the product may transfer to your pillow or other areas of your face, not your scalp—and less product on your scalp may mean reduced effectiveness.

Applying to wet hair or scalp.

To get optimal results with a Minoxidil treatment, our experts recommend applying the product to a clean, dry scalp. If your scalp is wet, that can dilute the Minoxidil solution and reduce its potency—so make sure your scalp is fully dry before applying the product! 

You also want to make sure that the Minoxidil is completely dry (it should only take a few moments) before applying any additional serums or products. This allows the Minoxidil to work its magic uninterrupted.

Stopping when shedding starts.

It may seem a little worrying, but initial shedding is normal! It’s actually a good sign and means the Minoxidil is working. So why does this hair loss happen? 

“When you start using Minoxidil, the old, weaker hairs shed to make way for new growth,” says Manatan. “It might feel like you’re losing more hair than you’re growing, but you have to trust the process. New growth is right around the corner.”

So if you see some shedding happening, don’t panic. This is all part of your hair growth journey.

Skipping days.

The fastest way to stop your hair growth progress in its tracks is to skip days or take breaks with your Minoxidil treatment. Simply put, inconsistent use equals inconsistent results. The best advice we can give you is to stick to your hair growth routine—and to keep using your products even after you see results. In order to maintain your thicker-looking hair, it is essential to stay consistent and make Minoxidil a part of your everyday regimen.

When it comes to using Minoxidil, consistency and patience truly make the difference between stalled progress and visible results. By avoiding these common mistakes—like skipping applications, applying to a wet scalp, or stopping too soon—you’ll give your hair the best chance to thrive. Remember, initial shedding is a positive sign of new growth on the way, and sticking to your routine ensures long-term success.

Ready to start your hair growth journey? At eSalon, our licensed experts are here to guide you every step of the way with custom hair loss solutions designed for your unique needs.