Minoxidil for Women
Does minoxidil work for women with female pattern hair loss? Studies show minoxidil for women can result in improved hair density and strengthening across the scalp. Many female patients report visible improvements in hair thickness and scalp coverage when following their minoxidil protocol consistently.
Read further for more insights on using minoxidil for women’s hair loss, including possible side effects.
Table of Contents
Overview of Minoxidil
Also known by its brand name Rogaine®, minoxidil was initially developed as an anti-hypertensive medication for treating high blood pressure.
The medicine has gained popularity as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia (hereditary hair loss) and other hair disorders. Topical minoxidil was introduced in the late 1980s to address male pattern baldness but was later approved for use by women as well.
According to the Rogaine website, it is the only clinically proven treatment for female pattern hair loss.
Below, we will explore minoxidil’s mechanism of action and its effectiveness in managing female pattern hair loss.
How Minoxidil Works
Minoxidil works at the root level of the hair follicle. The medication has been found to promote hair follicle activity, whilst strengthening follicles in the affected area. This helps stimulate the hair growth phase (also called the anagen phase) to stop hair thinning.
Mechanism of Action
The pharmacodynamics of Rogaine as a hair loss therapy remains partially explained. Current evidence suggests the medication’s primary action involves dilating blood vessels in the scalp. This increases blood flow and provides essential nutrients to hair follicles.
Besides extending hair follicles growth phase, minoxidil also reactivates inactive follicles, reverses miniaturisation and stimulates vital roots through improved circulation.
Available Forms
Contemporary minoxidil formulations include topical solutions, foam preparations, and a minoxidil shampoo for women. Systemic administration of the medicine is available through oral formulations.
Instructions for Use
Here is an overview of how to take minoxidil tablets or apply minoxidil topical solution to your scalp.
Oral minoxidil should be taken once daily, or as prescribed by your doctor, with a glass of water as you would any drug.
For foam or liquid minoxidil, female patients should gently massage the solution into the affected scalp area. To avoid contamination, always wash your hands after the application. Do not wash your hair after administering the drug.
Efficacy of Minoxidil
If you are experiencing concentrated or diffuse hair loss, minoxidil could be an important part of your new hair growth plan.
This clinically proven treatment has helped many people regain their confidence through effective hair regrowth. Minoxidil’s ability to regrow hair is particularly evident in early to moderate cases of hair loss.
Clinical Evidence: Multiple controlled studies indicate that consistent minoxidil application stimulates follicle movement and reduces the progression of androgenetic alopecia. Clinical measurements show improvements in hair density and shaft diameter.
Expected Timeline for Results: Most patients notice positive changes around two to four months after starting the minoxidil solution. The full benefits usually develop over about a year of regular use. Patients following an oral minoxidil treatment plan can expect visible growth between six and 12 months.
Response Variability: Minoxidil treatment tends to work best for those in the earlier stages of hair thinning and hereditary hair loss. If you are just beginning to notice a receding hairline or other hair loss symptoms, you have a higher chance of seeing significant improvement.
Note: Following your doctor’s application or dosage instructions is key to achieving the best possible results.
Minoxidil for Hair Loss in Women
More than 10% of women experience female pattern hair loss by the age of 50, with the prevalence rising to over 30% by age 70. Doctors have prescribed minoxidil for hair growth in women for decades.
It’s important for potential users to understand that, while minoxidil effectively helps reduce hair loss, it does not cure the underlying condition.
Below are the clinical outcomes of using minoxidil for women’s hair loss, as well as potential side effects of the medication.
Minoxidil for Women: Results
Clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of minoxidil for treating female pattern hair loss and thinning.
Treatment Strength Comparison: An extensive multicentre study of minoxidil formulations evaluated both 2% and 5% versions using rigorous double-blind methodology. Both minoxidil groups showed improvements in hair regrowth and scalp coverage.
However, the strength of the formulation played a crucial role. Women using the 5% solution achieved the most significant results, while the 2% solution also outperformed the placebo group.
Measured Hair Growth Results: In another clinical investigation of women using minoxidil, patients who applied 2% minoxidil solution experienced an average increase of 12.41 hairs per square centimeter compared to placebo recipients. Researchers observed that hair density improvements typically reached their maximum around the 12-month mark.
Comparing Hair Growth Therapy Options: When compared to other non-surgical treatments, minoxidil has shown superior results. Clinical data indicates minoxidil outperforms platelet-rich plasma therapy in terms of promoting hair regrowth.
Combination Treatment Benefits: Minoxidil is more effective than low-level laser therapy (LLLT) alone, according to a study. However, combining minoxidil and LLLT as part of a treatment plan can produce enhanced results.
Note: Since pattern hair loss is progressive, maintaining minoxidil results requires ongoing treatment. Discontinued minoxidil use will eventually lead to renewed hair thinning.
Minoxidil Side Effects for Women
Is minoxidil safe for women? In most cases, the answer is yes. However, it may cause some side effects. Common examples include the following.
- Allergic reactions
- Chest pains
- Potential foetal deformities during pregnancy
- Potentially harm to breastfeeding babies
- Excessive hair growth in areas besides the scalp, also called hypertrichosis
Topical Minoxidil Side Effects
- Skin/scalp irritation or flaking
- Contact dermatitis
- Temporary hair shedding
- Hair colour changes
- Headaches
Oral Minoxidil Side Effects
- Inflammation or swelling
- An increased heart rate
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
Topical Vs Oral Minoxidil for Women's Hair Loss
Here is what you need to know about topical and oral versions of minoxidil for female androgenetic alopecia.
Oral Minoxidil for Women
Oral minoxidil is prescribed off-label to treat female hereditary hair loss and regrow hair. This medication is favoured for its effectiveness, particularly in the commonly prescribed dosages for women, which range from 1.25 to 2.5 mg.
In a Brazilian study of oral and topical minoxidil for women, a prescription of 1mg of the oral formulation was found to be more effective. Patients in the oral group experienced a 12% increase in hair density after 24 weeks, compared to 7.2% in the topical group.
The difference in effectiveness may stem from the inconsistent absorption of topical minoxidil, which requires conversion at the follicle level to become active. Some individuals lack the necessary enzyme to convert minoxidil to its active form, minoxidil sulfate, an issue that does not affect oral minoxidil.
Additionally, oral minoxidil is generally easier to take consistently than topical minoxidil, resulting in increased patient compliance.
Topical Minoxidil for Women
The minoxidil foam for women is the only clinically proven foam that promotes hair regrowth in women. A 2024 randomised controlled trial compared the therapeutic effects of topical minoxidil and 1 mg oral minoxidil.
Photographic assessments revealed an improvement in hair density in both groups, helping participants grow noticeably thicker hair. While the topical application group demonstrated slightly higher overall results, the difference in effectiveness between the two treatments was not statistically significant.
The active ingredient in the foam and the liquid solution is minoxidil 5%, with inactive ingredients including cetyl alcohol, ethanol anhydrous, citric acid, glycerol, lactic acid, purified water and stearyl alcohol.
Take the first towards stopping your hair thinning with minoxidil. Get in touch with us via info@drbonaros.com for expert advice.
Dr Bonaros: Advanced Women's Hair Loss Solutions
At the Dr Bonaros hair clinic, we’re here to listen to your hair loss concerns and guide you through your hair restoration journey with compassion and understanding.
Dr Bonaros brings the highest level of accredited expertise, holding membership in the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery (BAHRS). He is also Scotland’s sole member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS).
Whether you’re experiencing alopecia or gradual thinning hair, our caring team creates a comfortable, judgment-free environment where you can explore your treatment options. Our proven expertise and guidance can help you regain your looks and confidence.
Dr Bonaros can prescribe minoxidil for women experiencing hair loss and thinning. Schedule your consultation now to learn if minoxidil is the right solution for you.