Minoxidil for Beard Growth
Oral and topical minoxidil are common treatments for hair loss conditions on the scalp. More recently, minoxidil has been used for beard growth.
This non-surgical hair growth treatment is generally considered safe for most users when used as directed. However, as with any medication, it may cause side effects in some individuals. It is important to note that using minoxidil for beard growth is an off-label application. If you're struggling with patchy facial hair, minoxidil may help you achieve a fuller beard and restore your confidence.
Keep reading to discover more about using minoxidil to encourage beard growth, including treatment options, benefits and common side effects.
Reviewed by Dr Epameinondas Bonaros
Table of Contents
Overview of Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a medication commonly used to treat hair thinning and balding. Originally developed in the 1970s to manage high blood pressure, minoxidil’s ability to rejuvenate hair follicles and stimulate hair growth was discovered as a notable side effect.
This led to the development of topical minoxidil, under the brand name Rogaine. Topical minoxidil is FDA-approved as a hair loss treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA), also known as male pattern baldness. Today, minoxidil is available in both topical and oral forms and is used to treat a variety of hair disorders.
How Minoxidil Works
Researchers do not yet fully understand minoxidil’s exact mechanism of action to stimulate hair growth. However, they do know that during the treatment process, the enzyme sulfotransferase in the human scalp converts minoxidil into its active form. This active ingredient, minoxidil sulfate, may improve blood circulation and stimulates hair follicle activity, which is thought to result in a thicker, fuller head of hair.
The effects of minoxidil treatment are believed to include:
Improved blood flow around hair follicles by dilating blood vessels
Shortening of the telogen phase (resting phase) and extension of the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle
Slowing and reversing of hair follicle miniaturisation, commonly associated with thinning hair and hair loss
Efficacy of Minoxidil Treatment
The efficacy of minoxidil varies between patients. Most patients begin to see initial visible results after eight weeks of treatment, while four to six months is considered the timeframe for meaningful results.
It’s important to note that consistent use of minoxidil is essential for supporting new hair growth in the long term. While minoxidil can help hair grow thicker and fuller, it does not deliver permanent results. If minoxidil treatment is stopped, hair thinning and loss typically resume within 12 to 24 weeks after discontinuation.
Minoxidil for Beard Enhancement
A beard is regarded as a stereotypically masculine aspect of someone’s appearance. Patchy areas, staggered beard growth, hair thinning, or loss can have a major impact on self-confidence. Fortunately, several treatments are available to promote better hair growth.
Below is an overview of the results and potential side effects of using minoxidil for beard hair growth.
Results of Minoxidil for Beard Growth
One of the most common questions a hair loss expert hears is, “Does minoxidil work for beard growth?” Unfortunately, there has been limited research surrounding this treatment, making it difficult to provide a definitive answer.
However, limited but promising clinical evidence shows minoxidil can be an effective treatment for beard growth. In 2016, a double-masked, placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of 0.5 ml of minoxidil on 48 men between the ages of 20 and 60. The liquid solution was applied twice daily for 16 weeks and resulted in significantly enhanced facial hair density compared to placebo use.
Possible Side Effects of Minoxidil
When you begin using topical or oral minoxidil for your beard, some side effects may occur. Although this is relatively uncommon, it’s important to be aware of the potential symptoms you may experience.
Minoxidil Topical Treatment
Hair shedding: At the beginning of your minoxidil treatment, you may experience some hair shedding. This occurs when follicles shift from the telogen (resting) phase to the anagen (growth) phase of the hair growth cycle. It is nothing to worry about and usually only lasts for 4-6 weeks.
Skin irritation: Since it is applied topically, minoxidil can irritate the skin. This irritation usually presents as itchiness or dry skin.
Redness: Blood vessel dilation can cause redness to occur in areas where minoxidil is applied.
Rare symptoms: Rare but serious side effects include chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, difficulty breathing or weight gain. Please contact a medical professional immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Minoxidil Oral Treatment
Hair shedding: As with its topical counterpart, oral minoxidil can cause initial facial hair shedding for 4-6 weeks.
Hypertrichosis: Higher doses of minoxidil tablets for beard growth are more likely to cause excess, unwanted hair growth on other parts of the body. While this is not permanent, it often causes patient concern.
Low blood pressure: Originally developed to treat high blood pressure, Minoxidil tablets may cause those with regular blood pressure to experience slight blood pressure dips. This often presents as a feeling of faintness.
Swelling: Minoxidil can sometimes cause the retention of fluids (water and sodium) in your legs. This side effect is also known as lower limb oedema.
Tachycardia (Rapid Heart Rate): Your body’s nervous system may automatically respond to the medication’s dilation of your blood vessels with an increased heart rate. Tachycardia specifically refers to a heart rate of over 100 beats per minute.
Allergic reaction: Although uncommon, some individuals may experience allergic reactions. Signs can include skin rashes, facial or throat swelling, and difficulty breathing. If any of these symptoms occur, stop taking the medication immediately and contact a healthcare provider.
Topical Vs Oral Minoxidil for Beard Growth
Here is an overview of some of the key differences between using topical and oral minoxidil for beard restoration.
Oral Minoxidil for Facial Hair Growth
Usage: Minoxidil tablets are taken orally and work internally to promote beard growth.
Availability: Oral minoxidil requires a prescription, allowing your doctor to monitor your progress and adjust your dosage if needed.
Convenience: Taking oral minoxidil is quicker and more straightforward than applying a topical solution daily, making it a more convenient option for those with busy schedules.
Topical Minoxidil for Beard Hair Growth
Usage: Topical minoxidil cream is applied directly to the affected target areas on the beard.
Availability: Topical formulations are available over the counter, meaning they are easy to purchase without a prescription.
Invasiveness: Only around 1% of a topical minoxidil solution is absorbed into the bloodstream, making it a much less invasive option with a lower risk of systemic side effects.
Are you considering using topical or oral minoxidil as a beard enhancement treatment?
Book a consultation with Dr Bonaros for more information and expert advice.
FAQs About Minoxidil for Beard Growth
Learn more about how minoxidil can help restore your beard area.
Below are our answers to some frequently asked questions about minoxidil for beard hair growth.
How do I test my sensitivity to minoxidil?
Although allergic reactions to topical solutions of minoxidil are rare, they can occur. To avoid adverse reactions, you can test your sensitivity to minoxidil with a patch test before starting your treatment plan.
This process involves applying a small amount of the minoxidil solution to a subtle patch of skin (your inner arm or behind an ear) and observing it for 24 hours to see if any flare-ups occur. The most common allergic reaction to minoxidil is contact dermatitis. This typically presents as itching or redness.
It’s important to consult with a medical professional if you experience any adverse symptoms after using minoxidil. Please also note that minoxidil allergic reactions are often caused by propylene glycol, This ingredient is not present in the foam solution. This makes it a good potential alternative for patients with sensitive skin. However, sensitivity may still occur with the foam alternative as it contains alcohol.
Is minoxidil used for eyebrow enhancement?
Yes, although not common, minoxidil is sometimes used to regrow hair in the eyebrows. A clinical trial on the effects of minoxidil on facial hair growth showed that the medication helped increase the density and diameter of subjects’ eyebrows. These findings make minoxidil a viable treatment for people suffering from conditions like eyebrow hypotrichosis (lack of eyebrow hair density and growth).
Are there alternatives to minoxidil for beard growth?
Yes. If minoxidil is not right for you, there are other ways to restore your beard and improve hair growth, including a beard transplant.
This procedure involves harvesting hair follicles from another part of your body for implantation along the lower half of your face. However, please note that your eligibility for a beard transplant depends on various factors, including hair density in the donor area.
Other possibilities include combining minoxidil with different beard growth products and treatments as part of your hair restoration protocol.
Does using minoxidil for beard growth contribute to facial ageing?
There is currently no clinical evidence linking the use of minoxidil for hair growth to facial ageing. On the contrary, a 2024 pilot study suggested that applying minoxidil may have potential anti-ageing effects on the skin. However, the findings were based on a combination of human skin grafts and animal research. Further studies involving human participants are required to validate these early results.
Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow and prolonging the hair’s growth phase. These effects don’t directly contribute to facial ageing. Some people may experience temporary dryness or irritation, which can make their skin appear older. This usually improves with a gentler, yet consistent application or by adding a moisturiser.
Increase your beard growth and thickness with minoxidil.
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Dr Bonaros: Patient-focused Hair Restoration Treatment
Based at his state-of-the-art clinic in Glasgow, Dr Bonaros is a leading hair restoration specialist, committed to improving both hair health and confidence. He offers a variety of surgical and non-surgical hair loss treatments, including expert FUE hair transplants.
At our clinic, we pride ourselves on offering a patient-centric approach. Whether you’re looking to restore scalp coverage or considering Minoxidil for beard growth, Dr Bonaros carefully evaluates each patient’s hair loss to develop tailored treatment plans. This dedication helps ensure the best possible hair restoration results.
Using minoxidil for beard growth could help restore your confidence.
Make an appointment with Dr Bonaros and start your hair restoration journey today.
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