Rogaine Foam Vs. Liquid

Rogaine, also known as minoxidil, is an over-the-counter medication that helps regrow men's hair. Rogaine comes in either foam or liquid form and enlarges hair follicles that have shrunken from common male balding. If you're thinking of taking medication for your balding scalp, you'll need to decide which version works best for you.

• Thinning hair can cause low self-esteem.

Rogaine Foam

• Rogaine Foam is applied much like mousse and other hair-styling products. Used twice a day, it fits well into a daily grooming routine. To use, spray the foam in your hand about the size of half of the cap. Apply the foam to your scalp. Rogaine Foam contains extra strength anti-balding medication. It features 5 percent minoxidil, the active ingredient for regrowing hair.

Rogaine Liquid

• Rogaine Extra Strength Solution is the liquid form of the hair growth aid. It features 5 percent minoxidil and is used twice each day. Each morning and evening, apply 1 mL of the solution to the scalp using the supplied dropper.

Dangers

• Since the ingredient amounts are the same for both foam and liquid versions of Rogaine, they have the same warnings and side effects. Use Rogaine only for typical, hereditary hair loss. Avoid using it on other parts of the body and keep away from your eyes, nose and mouth. Side effects include chest pain, dizziness, unexplainable weight gain and unwanted facial hair growth. Consult a doctor or consider ceasing use of Rogaine foam and liquid if you experience these effects.

  While Rogaine has products for women, the traditional Rogaine Foams and Rogaine Solutions are created just for men. Women shouldn't use these products.

Ease of Use

• The biggest difference between Rogaine Foam and Rogaine Solution is the ease of use. Many users find it difficult to maneuver the dropper when applying the liquid solution. Since Rogaine Foam can be applied with the hands, it is generally easier to apply. The foam can melt quickly however, so you need to be quick in applying it to your scalp.

Cost

• Both Rogaine Foam and Rogaine Solution cost $29.95 for a one-month supply and $49.95 for a three-month supply. If you're looking to purchase an even larger supply, Rogaine Foam has an added deal. You can purchase a four-month supply for $59.95, which is a savings of about 42 percent. Rogaine Solution does not come with this deal and you can only order a three-month supply at most. Replacement droppers for the liquid Rogaine Solution cost $3.95 each. (All prices as of October 2009.)