Minoxidil is a well-known treatment for hair loss on the scalp. But did you know this popular hair loss drug also shows promise for boosting facial hair growth? While research on minoxidil for beards and mustaches is limited, early studies suggest it may be effective at stimulating new hair growth and filling in patchy facial hair.
In this article, we'll explore how minoxidil works, whether you can use it to boost your beard growth, how to apply it for the best results, and whether any new facial hair gains will last long-term.
What is Minoxidil and How Does It Work?
Did you know that minoxidil wasn't initially designed to regrow hair? In fact, it started as an oral tablet for high blood pressure. However, patients who were taking this med noticed an increase in hair growth as an unexpected side effect. 1
This discovery piqued the interest of researchers, who soon found that minoxidil could stimulate new hair growth in 60 to 80% of patients. This led to the development of topical minoxidil solutions specifically for treating hair loss. 2
In 1988, the FDA approved the first topical minoxidil product for regrowing hair in men suffering from male pattern baldness. In 1991, topical minoxidil also got the green light for use in women. 1
Researchers believe minoxidil helps hair regrowth in the following ways:
- Boosts blood flow around hair follicles
- Triggers follicles to enter the growth phase
- Increases the time hair follicles spend in the growth phase 3
Patience is key when using minoxidil. Results are usually seen after two months of consistent use. However, peak effects are seen after four months in most men. 4
Can You Use Minoxidil for Beard Growth?
While minoxidil is only FDA-approved for hair regrowth on the scalp, 5 it’s also commonly used off-label for stimulating beard growth. 6 Off-label use refers to using a medication for a purpose other than what it is officially approved for. 7
An intriguing study on identical male twins demonstrated minoxidil's beard-growing abilities. The twins started with similar, sparse facial hair. For over a year, one brother applied a 5% minoxidil solution to his beard area twice daily while his twin did not use any treatment. 6
The twin using minoxidil experienced noticeable improvements in his beard over time:
- Month 1: Emergence of new hair that was light and fine.
- Month 2: Noticeable increase in facial hair density.
- Month 3: Temporary shedding of hairs in the beard area. This is a common occurrence with minoxidil as dormant hairs are shed to make way for new growth. This phase eventually stopped, and facial hair growth continued.
- Month 16: Significant increase in hair count and density in the beard and mustache regions. 6
While this participant responded quickly to minoxidil, results can vary. Some men don't see noticeable growth until using minoxidil consistently for over two years. Patience and persistence are key. 6
How to Use Minoxidil for Beard Growth
Applying topical minoxidil to your beard is a straightforward process, similar to applying it to your scalp. When you order minoxidil from mailMymeds, it will arrive in a convenient dropper bottle. To use it, follow these steps:
- Start with a dry beard.
- Use the dropper to draw the recommended amount of minoxidil from the bottle.
- Part your beard hair to expose the target areas, then carefully apply the minoxidil using the dropper.
- Gently massage the solution into your beard area.
- Allow the minoxidil to dry.
- If applying minoxidil before bed, remember to wash your face the next morning to prevent dry skin. 8
Will My Minoxidil Beard Growth Last?
Minoxidil delivers lasting results, but only if you use it consistently. Any new facial hair you gain while using minoxidil will stick around as long as you keep applying it daily. If you stop using minoxidil completely, you'll lose the new facial hair as the follicles revert to their previous state. This is because minoxidil is not a cure for hair loss; it’s an ongoing therapy. 9
The good news is that studies show that minoxidil remains effective over the long term with no major side effects. In one 30-month study, participants saw continuous hair growth the entire time they used minoxidil. 10
Conclusion
Minoxidil offers promise for men seeking to grow facial hair. While research on its effectiveness for the beard is limited, studies show that men have success using minoxidil for facial hair.
However, to see results from minoxidil, you must commit to using it long-term. The regrown hair will only last if you continue the treatment. Once you stop applying minoxidil, the new facial hair will fall out again. So, if you want to sport a fuller beard thanks to minoxidil, be prepared to make it part of your daily routine.
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.
