Topical minoxidil is one of the most well-known and researched treatments for hair regrowth. But you may be surprised to learn that minoxidil also comes in an oral tablet form.
While topical minoxidil is readily available over-the-counter, the oral version for hair regrowth is a prescription-based, off-label use. Both delivery methods can help you regain your hair, but one may be a better fit for your needs and lifestyle.
In this article, we’ll explore what minoxidil is, how the topical and oral versions work, and which one may be better for you.
What is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil wasn't originally intended to stimulate hair regrowth. This medication was first developed as an oral tablet to treat high blood pressure. However, patients taking the med for blood pressure discovered a surprising side effect: they started growing hair. This led to the creation of topical minoxidil solutions, which are now FDA-approved for treating hair loss in both men and women. 1
Despite its popularity and widespread use, the exact mechanisms behind minoxidil’s ability to boost hair growth are still not fully understood. But researchers found that it has the following beneficial effects on hair growth:
- Increases blood circulation around hair follicles.
- Pushes hair follicles into the active growth phase
- Increases the amount of time hair follicles spend in the growth phase 2
What is Topical Minoxidil?
Topical minoxidil first came about after researchers saw how well oral minoxidil stimulated hair growth. They realized that a topical version could directly target thinning hair to treat androgenic alopecia in both men and women. 1
Topical minoxidil comes in many different concentrations. Typically, the higher the concentration, the more hair growth you may experience. However, higher doses also tend to cause more side effects. 3
In one study comparing 2% minoxidil to 5% minoxidil, researchers found that the 5% formulation generated 45% more hair growth than the 2% version. However, it also caused noticeably more side effects. 3
The takeaway is to find the sweet spot with topical minoxidil. The goal is to find a concentration that gives you hair regrowth without triggering intolerable side effects that make you want to stop treatment.
How to Use Topical Minoxidil
Topical minoxidil from mailMymeds comes in an easy-to-use dropper bottle. Follow these steps for proper application:
- Start with a clean and dry scalp.
- Fill the dropper with the prescribed amount of minoxidil.
- Section your hair in areas where thinning is noticeable.
- Tilt your head back slightly to prevent the solution from dripping onto your forehead or eyes.
- Use the dropper to apply minoxidil on your scalp.
- Massage the solution into your scalp.
- Allow the solution to dry before styling your hair. 4
What is Oral Minoxidil?
While topical minoxidil is the go-to for treating hair loss, more doctors are exploring the oral version of this medication.
The FDA has only approved oral minoxidil to treat high blood pressure, but it's increasingly prescribed off-label to combat thinning hair. That's because, for some people, an oral tablet is more convenient than a topical med. 5
Of course, oral minoxidil is not for everyone. Like any drug, it carries potential side effects, including low blood pressure and heart palpitations. 5 Work closely with your doctor to see if trying this oral treatment makes sense for your hair loss goals.
How to Use Oral Minoxidil
When used to treat hair loss, minoxidil tablets are typically taken in low doses ranging from 0.25 milligrams to 2.5 milligrams. These low doses minimize side effects while still being effective for hair growth. 6
To achieve the best results, the minoxidil tablets should be taken twice a day, with or without food. It’s important to take the tablets consistently and as prescribed. 6
Should I Choose Topical or Oral Minoxidil?
So, should you take minoxidil tablets or use the topical solution? There are pros and cons to both options.
Oral minoxidil offers a convenient solution for those who don't want the hassle of applying a topical medication. Taking an oral med can be done on-the-go and doesn’t require as much planning as a topical med.
On the other hand, topical minoxidil is a simpler approach for those with minimal hair loss and who don't mind applying a liquid medication. Topical minoxidil has been used for decades and is available over the counter, so it may feel like a more familiar option for some. It also allows for direct application to the areas where hair loss is occurring.
At the end of the day, the choice comes down to your personal preferences and needs. Talk to your doctor about which option may be right for you based on the severity and pattern of your hair loss.
Conclusion
Minoxidil can be an effective option for treating hair loss, whether you use the oral or topical version. Both formulations help stimulate hair regrowth.
Typically, topical minoxidil is the first line of treatment. It's easy to use and apply directly to the scalp where needed. However, if you find applying a topical treatment challenging or it's not producing the desired results, talk to your doctor about oral minoxidil. They can assess your medical history to decide if the oral version is appropriate for you.
The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical conditions, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
