Minoxidil for Beard Growth

Both topical and oral minoxidil are common treatments for hair loss conditions on the scalp. More recently, minoxidil has been used for beard growth. This safe, non-invasive beard treatment may be the key to restoring your looks and confidence.

Continue reading to discover more about using minoxidil for beard growth, including treatment options and common side effects.

Overview of Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a medication that is commonly used to treat thinning hair 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, which has been FDA-approved as a hair loss treatment for Androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Today, minoxidil is available in both topical and oral form 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. What they do know is that, during the treatment process, enzymes in the human scalp convert minoxidil into minoxidil sulfate. This active ingredient has several physiological effects, which are thought to result in a thicker, fuller head of hair.

The effects of minoxidil treatment include the following:

Dilation of blood vessels for increased blood flow around hair follicles
Shortening of the telogen phase and extension of the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle
Slowing and reversing of hair follicle miniaturisation

Efficacy of Minoxidil Treatment

The efficacy of minoxidil varies between patients. Most patients begin to see initial results after eight weeks of treatment, while four months is considered the timeframe for maximum results.

It’s important to note that consistent minoxidil use is essential for supporting hair growth in the long term. This means that patients’ hair thinning and loss will resume if they stop treatment. This usually occurs between 12 and 24 weeks after discontinuation of minoxidil.

Minoxidil for Beard Enhancement

Consisting of a collection of facial hair along the jawline and chin, a beard is regarded as a stereotypically masculine aspect of one’s appearance. Patchy beard growth, hair thinning or loss can have a major impact on self-confidence. Fortunately, there are several treatments available to promote beard growth, including minoxidil.

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, the studies that have been conducted have shown minoxidil can be an effective treatment for beard growth. In 2016, a double-masked placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of 0.5ml 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 growth 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 (growing) 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: In rare cases, minoxidil can cause 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 hair shedding for 4-6 weeks.
Hypertrichosis: Higher doses of minoxidil tablets 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: Minoxidil tablets were originally developed to treat high blood pressure and 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: Your body’s nervous system may automatically respond to minoxidil’s dilation of your blood vessels with an increased heart rate. Tachycardia specifically refers to a heart rate of over 100 beats per minute.

Topical Vs Oral Minoxidil for Beards

Here is an overview of some of the key differences between using topical and oral minoxidil for beard restoration.

Usage: Minoxidil cream for beard growth is applied directly to the affected areas, while minoxidil tablets are taken orally.
Availability: Oral minoxidil requires a prescription, while topical formulations are available over the counter. Although a prescription may be less convenient, it does mean your doctor will be keeping close tabs on your treatment and can adjust your dosage more easily if necessary.
Invasiveness: Only 1% of minoxidil topical solutions are absorbed into your bloodstream. This treatment method is much less invasive than taking minoxidil orally and can help reduce adverse physiological side effects.
Convenience: Taking oral minoxidil for beard growth is quicker and easier than applying a topical solution. This is more convenient, especially for patients with very busy schedules.

Are you considering using topical or oral minoxidil as a beard loss 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 hair.
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 (e.g., 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 and that this ingredient is not present in the foam solution. This makes it a good potential alternative for patients with sensitive skin.

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 those 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.

Increase your beard growth and thickness with minoxidil. Get in touch with us for more information about the
benefits of minoxidil treatment and whether it’s the right choice for you.

Dr Bonaros: A Hair Restoration Surgeon Who Puts Patients First

Based at his state-of-the-art clinic in Glasgow, Dr Bonaros is a leading hair restoration specialist. 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. Dr Bonaros carefully evaluates each patient’s hair loss to develop tailored treatment plans. This dedication helps ensure the best possible hair restoration results.

Restore your confidence when you use minoxidil for beard growth.
Make an appointment with Dr Bonaros and start your hair restoration journey today.