Minoxidil

Minoxidil is an FDA-approved men’s hair loss treatment used to regrow thicker, fuller hair. Minoxidil can be used to treat several hair loss causes, including male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) and alopecia areata, an immune condition where your body attacks its own hair. It may also be used off-label (outside scope of FDA approval) for several other types of hair loss, such as speeding up regrowth after chemotherapy.

Oral minoxidil is also sometimes prescribed for hair loss (off-label use) as well as the management of hypertension (high blood pressure).

Minoxidil is proven to effectively treat hair thinning and male pattern hair loss (balding). Specifically, minoxidil has been shown to increase hair count on the top of the head or vortex (the area of the scalp where it should be applied per the instructions) after 3-4 months of use, and in post-marketing studies 94% of men consider the treatment as effective to some degree.

Although the FDA-approved use of minoxidil is the crown of the head and it's not typically used on hairlines, studies suggest that minoxidil can help hairline hair loss when applied to the hairline (or frontotemporal region). Read more about minoxidil for a receding hairline. Another great option to treat a receding hairline, especially if you have thinning on the crown as well, is topical finasteride & minoxidil spray.

Minoxidil typically takes at least 3-4 months of twice daily use to start seeing the effects. It is important to be consistent about applying minoxidil and to be patient while waiting to see results. Minoxidil’s lengthy timeline is due to the length of the hair growth cycle, which also takes months. It is also important to continue to use minoxidil even after you see results. Minoxidil’s effects will begin to disappear if you stop using the medication. Learn more about the effectiveness of hair loss treatments here.

Minoxidil topical solution is generally safe to use, but some men experience scalp irritation after applying minoxidil. If this is bothersome, consult your healthcare provider. However, if you use too much minoxidil, you may experience serious side effects, such as chest pain, faintness, unexplained weight gain, dizziness, headaches and irregular or rapid heartbeat. Seek emergency health care if you experience serious side effects. Learn more about minoxidil side effects here.

Yes, Rogaine® is the brand name version of minoxidil. Minoxidil is the active ingredient in Rogaine®, so you can get all of the hair regrowth minus the cost by using generic minoxidil. Both generic minoxidil and brand-name Rogaine® are topical treatments and are available as either a solution or a foam.

Yes. In fact, minoxidil and finasteride have been shown to be more effective when used together versus individually. Finasteride works by preventing the breakdown of testosterone into DHT, while minoxidil works as a vasodilator to stimulate blood flow to the scalp and generate increased hair growth. Combined, the two treatments can pack a one-two punch. Our topical finasteride spray contains finasteride and 6% minoxidil in one effective, easy to use product.

You can buy minoxidil over-the-counter from most drugstores, or you can order minoxidil without a prescription from Hims and have it delivered straight to your door. Minoxidil does not require a prescription in the United States, but you should still read the safety information carefully. Minoxidil may be available over the counter, but can still cause some serious side effects if you don’t use it correctly.

Long story short, no. Minoxidil should not be used to grow a beard. Minoxidil only has approval from the Food and Drug Administration for use on the vertex of the head (aka the scalp), and clinical trials for beard use are almost nonexistent. The one study that was completed for beard use of minoxidil found that there was minimal difference between the active ingredient and the placebo.

There is a risk of interaction between minoxidil and some medications including tadalafil, sildenafil, avanafil, and vardenafil. Systemic absorption of topical minoxidil is minimal in most patients when used as directed, however it is possible to absorb in the bloodstream and occasionally produce cardiovascular side effects such as decreases in blood pressure, swelling, and palpitation. Other medications that can also have these effects, when combined with minoxidil, can increase the risk. Signs of interaction may manifest as headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and or changes in pulse or heart beat. As always, seek medical attention from your healthcare provider in the event of unwanted side effects.

You should not use minoxidil if allergic to it or any of its ingredients. If you experience adverse effects such as allergic reaction, you should cease use immediately and seek medical attention. Prior to using minoxidil, a healthcare professional can screen for risks, such as if you have a history of kidney disease, heart disease, heart failure, or have a pre-existing heart condition, that may preclude a person from use.

If you miss a dose, make sure you apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for you to apply your next dose, go ahead and skip the one you missed altogether.