What is Minoxidil?

Table of Contents

• Does Minoxidil Regrow Hair?
• Who is it Suitable For?
• Types of Minoxidil
• How Is It Applied?
• Where Can I Get Minoxidil?
• Does Minoxidil Have Side Effects?
• Is There a Better Alternative to Minoxidil?

Does Minoxidil Regrow Hair?

Minoxidil is classified as a vasodilator, a type of active ingredient found in medication which dilates or opens blood vessels. It was originally used to treat high blood pressure, but scientists noticed it also promoted hair growth. [2]

Used to treat androgenetic alopecia, Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow around the affected hair follicles and stimulating them to the growth phase. Scientists do not fully understand exactly how Minoxidil promotes hair growth. Minoxidil can also prolong the growth phase, resulting in fuller and longer hair. [3]

It can take at least 6 months to see hair growth results while using Minoxidil. For those using topical Minoxidil, results can be seen in as early as 4 months with consistent use. 

Who is it Suitable For?

Minoxidil can be taken by both men and women between the ages of 18 and 65 who suffer from androgenetic alopecia. 

It is not recommended for use by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. In addition, do not use Minoxidil if you have [4]:

• A history of sensitivity to Minoxidil, propylene glycol or ethanol
• High blood pressure (even if it is untreated)
• Heart disease
• A shaved scalp or completely bald 
• An inflamed, infected, sunburnt or irritated scalp
• Any kind of dressing or bandage on your scalp
• Uncertain or no family history of hair loss
• Sudden or unexpected hair loss
• Other creams, lotions or ointments to treat other scalp conditions

Types of Minoxidil 

Minoxidil comes in four different types:

• Topical 2% or 5% solution
• Topical 5% foam
• Topical 6% solution
• Oral prescription tablets

Minoxidil is available in a topical 5% solution or foam recommended for men or a slightly higher strength topical solution at 6%. A topical 2% solution or 5% foam is recommended for women. In other cases, men and women may be prescribed oral Minoxidil 2.5mg tablets.

Research shows that the topical 5% solution is more effective than the topical 2% solution in treating male androgenetic alopecia. 

In one clinical trial, 393 men aged 18 to 49 years with androgenic alopecia were randomly selected to test the efficacy of topical Minoxidil. 157 men applied a topical Minoxidil 5% solution, 158 men used a topical 2% solution and 78 men applied a placebo. After 48 weeks, the topical 5% solution was significantly superior to the topical 2% solution. 45% of men reported more hair regrowth than the topical 2% solution. The men who applied the topical 5% solution also reported an earlier response to treatment than those who applied the topical 2% solution. [5]

How Is It Applied?

Topical Minoxidil is applied directly to a dry scalp. For best results, part the affected scalp area, apply the recommended dosage, lightly massage it into the scalp and allow it to dry. 

For men, the recommended dosage for topical 5% solution is 1ml or half a capful of topical 5% foam applied twice daily. The slightly higher strength 6% solution has a recommended dosage of 1ml (6 sprays) applied twice daily, preferably in the morning and at night.

For women, the recommended dosage for topical 2% solution is 1mg applied twice daily or half a capful of topical 5% foam applied once a day. It is important to leave at least 12 hours between applications. Individuals must wash their hands after use to remove all traces of Minoxidil.

The dosage for oral Minoxidil can vary. In general, one 2.5mg tablet is taken daily. Make sure to read the product information leaflet on dosage or consult with your healthcare provider for the right dosage in your specific case. Taking the incorrect dosage can cause ineffective results and increase the potential risk of side effects. 

Where Can I Get Minoxidil?

Topical Minoxidil is sold over the counter as unbranded Minoxidil or under the brand name, Regaine in UK pharmacies and chemists. It is not available on the NHS, therefore, it can be expensive. [1]

The cost of Minoxidil depends on strength, quantity and brand. As of August 2024, leading UK pharmacies charge from £12 to £28 for a 60ml bottle of topical Minoxidil 2% solution or from £15 to £35 for a 5% solution. For a 73g can of 5% foam, the average cost can vary between £15 to £40. 

A 60-tablet box of oral Minoxidil 2.5mg is available through a private prescription and costs between £55 and £45.

Does Minoxidil Have Side Effects?

Minoxidil is a relatively safe and well-tolerated medication. Most individuals don’t experience any side effects. 

However, topical Minoxidil may cause potential side effects including:

• Initial hair shedding - during the first few weeks of use
• Scalp irritation - dryness, itching or burning 
• Contact dermatitis
• Unwanted hair growth 

As topical Minoxidil is applied directly to the scalp, it is less likely to cause serious side effects.

Oral Minoxidil may cause the following side effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headaches

Serious side effects include:

• Hypertrichosis (excess hair growth)
• Increased heart rate
• Sudden weight gain 

If you experience any serious effects, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Some individuals may have an allergic reaction after taking topical or oral Minoxidil. If you experience a skin rash, swelling, dizziness, or have difficulty breathing or swallowing, stop the medication and seek medical assistance immediately. 

Is There a Better Alternative to Minoxidil?

If you are looking for a better alternative to Minoxidil, consider Finasteride 1mg. It is a clinically proven prescription medication for male pattern baldness. Finasteride works by reducing DHF levels in the body, preventing further hair loss and stimulating hair growth. It is worth noting, FInasteride is only approved for use by men.

If you are struggling with male pattern baldness, Finasteride may be a more effective medication. On the other hand, if you are suffering from female pattern baldness, alopecia areata or telogen effluvium, then Minoxidil may be more suitable. You should always consult with your healthcare provider before taking Finasteride or Minoxidil to discuss your hair loss condition, medical history and other specific factors. 

Sources

1. NHS. (n.d.). Hair loss. Retrieved on 27th August 2024, from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hair-loss/
2. Stewart K. (2023). Minoxidil. Retrieved on 27th August 2024, from: https://www.britannica.com/topic/minoxidil
3. Suchonwanit P, Thammarucha S, Leerunyakul K. (2019). Minoxidil and its use in hair disorders: a review. Retrieved on 27th August 2024, from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6691938/
4. Regaine. (n.d.). Regaine for Women Patient Information Leaflet, Retrieved on 27th August 2024, from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.102.pdf
5. Olsen EA, Dunlap FE, Funicella T, Koperski JA, Swinehart JM, Tschen EH, Trancik RJ. (2002). A randomised clinical trial of 5% topical minoxidil versus 2% topical minoxidil and placebo in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men. Retrieved on 27th August 2024, from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12196747/

Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.