Can I Color My Hair While Using Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is a popular hair loss treatment that can be used by both men and women. It comes in topical solution or foam that is applied directly to the scalp. While minoxidil is effective at stimulating hair growth, many users wonder if they can continue coloring or chemically treating their hair while using it.

Overview of Minoxidil

Minoxidil was originally developed as a medicine to treat high blood pressure. However, patients using it started reporting excessive hair growth as a side effect. Further research showed that applying minoxidil topically could help treat hair loss conditions like male and female pattern baldness.

Some key facts about minoxidil:

• It is available over-the-counter in 2% and 5% concentrations. The 5% version produces better results for most people.

• It takes at least 3-4 months of consistent use before you can expect to see results from minoxidil.

• To maintain results, you need to keep using it indefinitely. If you stop, any new growth will fall out after around 3 months.

• Common side effects include irritation or dryness on the scalp. Less common side effects include unwanted facial/body hair growth.

• It works by widening blood vessels in the scalp, improving circulation and delivering nutrients to hair follicles. This helps stimulate growth in miniaturized or dormant follicles.

Can You Dye Your Hair While Using Minoxidil?

Yes, it is possible to color or chemically treat your hair while using minoxidil. However, there are some precautions you should take:

Wash Scalp Before Coloring

Before applying any hair dye, bleach, relaxer or perms, wash your scalp thoroughly with shampoo to remove any minoxidil residue. You want the scalp to be completely clean before coloring.

Skip Next Dose After Coloring

Chemical treatments make the scalp more sensitive temporarily. To avoid irritation, skip the next scheduled dose of minoxidil after coloring your hair.

If you normally apply minoxidil twice per day, skip just the evening application after coloring. You can resume your normal schedule the next morning.

If you only use minoxidil once daily, switch to applying it in the morning on coloring day. Then skip the evening application and continue as normal the next day.

Let Scalp Dry Completely

Before reapplying minoxidil after coloring, ensure your scalp and hair are 100% dry. Any remaining dye chemicals or moisture can dilute or deactivate minoxidil, reducing its effectiveness.

Watch Out for Irritation

If your scalp becomes red, itchy or irritated after coloring, wait until it fully recovers before applying minoxidil again. Discontinue use and see a doctor if irritation is severe.

Some people with sensitive skin may not be able to tolerate minoxidil after harsh chemical treatments. Switch to an extra gentle, semi-permanent dye if this occurs.

Use Proper Application Technique

Applying minoxidil properly is important to maximize results and minimize side effects:

• Measure out the proper dose with the applicator and apply it directly to the scalp, not hair.

• Wash hands thoroughly after application to avoid transfer to other areas.

• Allow 2-4 hours for the solution to fully dry before going to bed or wearing hats.

• Use a once or twice daily schedule consistently, with no more than 24 hours between doses.

Be Cautious With Hair Extensions

Hair extensions and weaves are popular styling options for women with thinning hair. However, they need to be installed carefully in minoxidil users. Tight braids or cornrows can lead to irritation and follicular damage, impeding progress.

Some tips if you plan to get extensions:

• Do not chemically treat the hair (dye, relax, perm) close to the appointment date.

• Wash the scalp thoroughly and allow to dry before installation.

• Request a loose braiding pattern without excessive tension on hair roots.

• Use minoxidil carefully around the extensions to avoid depositing on the hairpieces.

• Remove extensions after 6-8 weeks maximum to avoid permanent damage.

Step-By-Step Guide

Here is a step-by-step guide to safely use minoxidil while coloring your hair:

Before Coloring

1. Apply minoxidil as usual in the morning. If you normally apply at night, switch to morning for coloring day.

2. Wait at least 2 hours after application before washing hair. Minimum 30 minutes if pressed for time.

3. Shampoo hair thoroughly to remove all traces of minoxidil from scalp and hair. Rinse well.

4. Pat scalp dry with a towel. Make sure it is completely dry before applying color.

5. Follow instructions to color your hair as desired. Leave on for recommended time.

After Coloring

1. Rinse hair until water runs clear according to color directions.

2. Dry hair completely with a towel. Make sure scalp is 100% dry.

3. Skip next scheduled minoxidil dose to allow scalp to recover from chemical treatment.

4. Resume normal minoxidil schedule the next day after coloring. Apply properly to dry scalp.

5. Monitor scalp closely next few days. Discontinue minoxidil if irritation develops.

6. Adjust schedule if needed based on scalp sensitivity. Consider switching to semi-permanent color.

Why You May Need to Alter Your Regimen

Everyone’s scalp reacts differently to chemical treatments like hair dye and relaxers. While most people can resume minoxidil shortly after coloring, some may need to alter their regimen due to increased sensitivity.

Signs you may need to adjust your minoxidil use around coloring:

• Moderate to severe itching, stinging or redness after applying minoxidil post-coloring.

• Increased shedding, flaking or dryness compared to normal minoxidil use.

• Acne-like breakouts or rash developing on scalp near application site.

• No improvement in irritation after skipping one or two doses after coloring.

If you experience any of these reactions, consider:

• Stopping minoxidil for 2-3 days after each coloring session to give your scalp added recovery time.

• Reducing application frequency to once daily instead of twice.

• Switching to a lower concentration minoxidil like 2% instead of 5%.

• Using an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream for 1-2 days after coloring to help soothe irritation before minoxidil.

• Trying a semi-permanent or demi-permanent hair color instead of permanent dye or bleach. These are gentler on the scalp.

• Asking your colorist to do a patch/strand test first. If you react to the hair dye alone, you may need to find a less harsh formula.

• Using an anti-inflammatory shampoo for 1-2 weeks after coloring to calm the scalp before minoxidil.

• Seeing a dermatologist if irritation is severe – you may need to stop minoxidil temporarily until scalp heals.

Mistakes to Avoid

When using minoxidil and hair dye together, be sure to avoid these common mistakes:

• Applying minoxidil right before coloring – it needs to be washed off first to prevent scalp irritation.

• Coloring over unwashed minoxidil – residue will react with dye chemicals causing sensitivity.

• Applying minoxidil too soon after coloring – skipping just one dose is often not enough rest for scalp.

• Using minoxidil without fully drying hair – dampness will dilute the solution and reduce effectiveness.

• Applying more minoxidil than normal to “make up” for missed doses – this can worsen irritation.

• Using hair bleach or permanent dye too frequently – these are harsher on the scalp than semi-permanent color.

• Leaving color on longer than directed – following exact processing time is important to prevent chemical burn.

• Dyeing hair yourself without first patch testing color – a reaction could indicate the formula is too harsh for your scalp.

• Applying minoxidil too frequently or aggressively around hair extensions – use care not to damage follicles.

The Takeaway

It is possible for most minoxidil users to color, highlight or chemically treat their hair safely. However, extra precautions need to be taken to prevent scalp irritation and maximize results:

• Always wash minoxidil off fully before applying hair dye or other chemicals.

• Let scalp recover by skipping at least one minoxidil dose after coloring.

• Wait until scalp and hair are 100% dry before reapplying minoxidil.

• Monitor closely for irritation or sensitivity – adjust regimen if needed based on your scalp’s response.

• Avoid over-coloring or use gentler semi-permanent dyes if scalp is easily inflamed.

• Apply minoxidil carefully around hair extensions to prevent damaging follicles.

With some minor adjustments, you can successfully use