Should You Wash Your Hair Every Day with Regaine?

Table of Contents

• Should you wash your hair every day when using Regaine?
• What if you leave Regaine in your hair?
• Alternative options to Regaine
• Is it okay to switch from liquid minoxidil to foam?
• Does using minoxidil once a day work?
• What makes our hair loss treatments worth trying?

Should you wash your hair every day when using Regaine?

No, daily washing is not required or generally recommended. While it may be tempting to do so, it can do more harm than good.

Regaine foam requires time to absorb and stimulate blood flow to your hair follicles, which means applying it to a dry scalp and leaving it in place every day.

If your scalp is washed too frequently, it can remove natural oils, which can lead to irritation and dryness. There’s a fine balance required so that you can effectively remove any build-up, dead skin cells, product accumulated and avoid clogged pores, whilst letting the treatment sit on your scalp for long enough to penetrate fully.

Washing your hair two to three times per week with a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo is usually recommended. This helps to maintain a clean scalp without causing unnecessary dryness.

A good way to tell if your scalp needs a wash is if you’re experiencing noticeable buildup, greasiness or itching.

What if you leave Regaine in your hair?

Leaving Regaine minoxidil in your hair is exactly how the treatment is meant to be used.

It is designed to be left on the scalp so that the active ingredient has time to penetrate the skin and stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles.

The dosage guidelines recommend leaving it on for at least four hours before rinsing, however best results are typically achieved when left on until your next wash.

Allow several days between each wash and limit cleansing to a maximum of three times a week. This is an ample amount of hair washing for you to remove any build up, grease or residue without disrupting the treatment and stripping away essential natural oils.

What is build up in hair?

Hair buildup is the collection of substances such as dead skin cells, hair products and sebum that pile up on the scalp and hair strands.

This can lead to clogged hair follicles, dullness, added weight and scalp irritation over time. It can also block the absorption of topical treatments like Regaine, which can affect the effectiveness and results.

Dandruff and scalp inflammation are more likely to occur when buildup in hair is present. Some people try to correct the issue by using harsh shampoos or over-washing the hair, which can lead to an increase in oil production and worsen the issues.

Maintaining a balanced routine, using gentle hair care products a few times a week, is the best way to manage hair buildup.

Alternative options to Regaine

While Regaine is a well-known option, it’s not the only method for achieving good hair health. Sometimes the side effects, dosage or results may not be right for you, and so it is worth considering other options such as natural remedies to other medical or cosmetic solutions.

Topical Hair Loss Treatment

Minoxidil Spray for Hair Loss is a popular alternative to Regaine. It’s a topical treatment that boosts blood flow to the scalp and has a lighter application compared to foams and lotions. Some people find it to be easier to use because of the spray formula, which helps to minimise a messy application.

Oral Hair Loss Medication

Oral hair loss medications are a good alternative for people who experience irritation with topical treatments.

Finasteride tablets are a prescription treatment used to treat male pattern baldness. It’s also prescribed for symptoms of an enlarged prostate. It works differently from topical hair loss treatments by blocking the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss.

Unlike topical minoxidil, oral formulations provide systemic treatment, meaning they travel through the bloodstream. Some studies suggest this may result in more consistent absorption and potentially better results for certain people.

A clinical trial comparing oral finasteride and 5% topical minoxidil concluded that both drugs were effective and safe in the treatment of mild to severe Androgenetic alopecia, although oral finasteride treatment was more effective.

Is it okay to switch from liquid minoxidil to foam?

Yes, it’s possible to switch from liquid minoxidil to foam.

This can be beneficial for people who experience sensitivity or prefer a specific type of formulation.

The active ingredient minoxidil is contained in both formulas, which helps with hair growth by increasing blood flow to hair follicles.

However, there is a difference between the two. Liquid minoxidil typically contains propylene glycol, which helps with scalp penetration but can sometimes cause irritation, dryness or itching in people who have sensitive skin.

Foam formulations tend to leave out propylene glycol and instead use ingredients like butane and cetyl alcohol. This makes the foam lighter and less greasy, which can be better tolerated by people with sensitive or dry scalps.

The benefit of switching to foam is that it can help to reduce scalp irritation because of its gentle formulation, but the choice between liquid and foam depends on your scalp's sensitivity, hair condition and personal preference.

Does using minoxidil once a day work?

Minoxidil is applied twice daily for optimal results. While using it once a day may offer some benefits, the twice-a-day application helps keep consistent amounts of the active ingredient penetrating the scalp, supports hair follicle stimulation and boosts hair growth.

There are some occasions when a once-a-day application is preferable and delivers results. For example, under medical guidance, people who have sensitivity may find that using daily is more manageable.

What makes our hair loss treatments worth trying?

At Chemist Click, we offer a selection of hair loss treatments, from clinically proven options like minoxidil 6% topical spray to convenient oral medication for hair loss.

All our treatments are backed by science, so you can feel confident in your results.

Don’t just take our word for it; our five-star customer reviews speak for themselves. With licensed UK prescribers, fast delivery, and personalised support, we make starting your hair loss journey simple, safe and stress-free.

Sources

• National Library of Medicine (2004). An open, randomized, comparative study of oral finasteride and 5% topical minoxidil in male androgenetic alopecia. Retrieved 23rd July 2025, from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15316165/

Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.