Minoxidil for Hair Loss: How it Works and What to Expect

Even if you don’t think you’ve heard of minoxidil, you probably have. Minoxidil is the generic name for the active ingredient in Rogaine. It’s the only FDA-approved topical hair loss treatment, and it’s clinically proven to combat hair loss.

Minoxidil is FDA-approved for safety and efficacy in treating early stage hair loss. And while topical minoxidil is conveniently available over-the-counter, it still yields excellent, powerful results. Minoxidil is clinically proven to stimulate hair growth in both men and women. When used consistently and as directed, it can help grow hair and slow down further hair loss.

If you’ve just started noticing early signs of hair loss and you’re looking for a way to manage it, minoxidil is an ideal first-line treatment. 

Learn more about how minoxidil works, how it compares to other hair loss products and treatments, and whether using minoxidil to promote hair regrowth might be a good idea for you.

How Does Minoxidil Work for Hair Regrowth?

Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow at the scalp, delivering essential nutrients to hair follicles, and shortening the hair’s telogen (or shedding) phase, thereby promoting a longer anagen (or growth) phase. With consistent use, this can increase the diameter of existing hair follicles and prevent additional hair loss, leading to denser, healthier-looking hair. Most users begin to experience visible results within 8-16 weeks.

Effectiveness of Minoxidil

Minoxidil is clinically proven to regrow hair and slow down further hair loss. It can continue to do so long-term… as long as you use it consistently over the long-term. Topical treatments like minoxidil work for a receding hairline, but they are not a permanent hair loss solution – hair growth effects caused by minoxidil gradually decrease when you discontinue use. That being said, minoxidil is inexpensive, readily available, and an easy addition to a daily hair care routine. 

Tips for Maximizing Effectiveness

• Aim for your scalp, not your hair. Topical minoxidil treatment must come in direct contact with the scalp – the medicine will not work if it is applied only to the hair without reaching the scalp.
• Use minoxidil as directed. Topical minoxidil should be applied 2x a day, morning and night. Minoxidil formulated for women may only need to be applied once a day – check the label.
• Don’t make a mess. Minoxidil can stain fabrics – apply minoxidil two hours before bedtime to allow the medication to fully absorb.
• Apply minoxidil to a dry scalp. Wait at least four hours before getting your hair wet after applying minoxidil.
• Check the percentage. The most common percentages you’ll see on the market are 2% and 5%. 5% formulations have a higher concentration of the active ingredient minoxidil and have been observed to offer faster results. Both are FDA-approved. If you see any hair loss formulations include more than 5% minoxidil, know that those are not FDA-approved. (Plus, early studies have shown that minoxidil 10% doesn’t tend to perform better than 5%, anyway!) Women’s minoxidil tends to be formulated at 2%. 
• Stay consistent. Make room for minoxidil in your daily routine – it works best when used every single day as directed.

Application Methods

Minoxidil is available over-the-counter as a topical foam, spray, or liquid. It’s also available as an oral medication with an off-label prescription, just minoxidil by itself or as a combination pill with spironolactone.

Comparing Minoxidil with Other Treatments

Minoxidil is most commonly compared to finasteride, an FDA-approved medication that’s clinically proven to treat male pattern baldness. Unlike minoxidil, finasteride works as a DHT hormone blocker and is a prescription medication that’s only suitable for men. It’s best for treating hair loss on and around the hairline, though it promotes hair growth on the entire scalp. Also known as generic Propecia, Finasteride can be ingested orally as a pill or applied topically to skin as a liquid, serum, cream, or gel. If you’re having a hard time choosing between minoxidil and finasteride, you don’t have to – BosleyRx’s HiGrowth Hair Formula is a topical solution that blends finasteride and minoxidil to stop hair loss and stimulate hair growth.

Related: Which Hair Loss Medication is More Effective: Rogaine or Propecia?

Minoxidil can help existing hair follicles grow and slow further hair loss, but it’s not going to make hair grow where there isn’t any. If you’re looking to address significant recession or bald spots, a hair transplant is the way to go – it’s the only permanent solution to hair loss.

Related: What is the Best Hair Loss Treatment for Men?