Minoxidil

Minoxidil is an FDA-approved 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. However, minoxidil is not intended to treat a receding hairline because it does not target DHT, the main hormonal cause of a receding hairline and hair loss.

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 area of the scalp where it should be applied after 3-4 months of use, and in post-marketing studies 94% of men consider the treatment as effective to some degree. Minoxidil is only for hair regrowth on the top of the scalp and is not intended for other hair loss like a receding hairline.

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.

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, minoxidil and finasteride can be used together and have been shown to be more effective when used together than 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. You can get both finasteride and minoxidil, plus biotin and other hair health products, in our Hair Power Pack, if prescribed by a healthcare provider after an online consultation.

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 care instructions carefully. Minoxidil may be available OTC, 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 are 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.

Besides hair loss, minoxidil can be prescribed to treat other health conditions. While hair loss is treated specifically with topical minoxidil, minoxidil tablets can be prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).