Monoxidil (Topical)

PEPTIDES+ MEMBERS ONLY

INDICATIONS FOR USE

Minoxidil is FDA-approved for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss). It is also used off-label for other forms of hair thinning, such as telogen effluvium and traction alopecia, and for promoting beard growth in men.

ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION

  • Topical: Applied directly to the scalp or target area as a liquid solution or foam.

FORMULATIONS AND PRICING

FormulationPrice
Minoxidil 5% / Finasteride 0.1% topical solution (30mL)$65
Minoxidil 5% / Finasteride 0.1% topical solution (90mL)$145

COMMON INITIAL DOSING REGIMENS

  • For scalp hair loss: Apply 1 mL of 5% solution or half a capful of foam to the affected area of the scalp twice daily for men. Women are typically advised to use a 2% solution twice daily or 5% foam once daily.

  • For beard growth: Apply a small amount of 5% solution or foam to the desired area once or twice daily.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

  • Minoxidil acts as a vasodilator, increasing blood flow to hair follicles by widening blood vessels. This improved circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients to the follicles, supporting their growth. Additionally, minoxidil prolongs the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle and reduces the telogen (resting) phase, leading to thicker and longer hair over time. Minoxidil may also directly stimulate follicular epithelial cells to enter the growth phase.

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

  • Topical: Scalp irritation, redness, dryness, and itching are the most frequently reported side effects. In some cases, users may experience a temporary increase in hair shedding during the first 2–8 weeks as follicles transition to the growth phase.

  • Systemic Absorption: Rarely, systemic absorption may lead to unwanted effects such as low blood pressure, dizziness, or increased heart rate. Facial hair growth in unintended areas has been reported due to migration of the product.

  • Severe Effects: Allergic contact dermatitis due to propylene glycol in the solution. Foam formulations, which lack propylene glycol, are often recommended for sensitive skin.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • Absolute: Hypersensitivity to minoxidil or any excipient in the formulation.

  • Relative: Patients with scalp infections, irritated or broken skin, or cardiovascular conditions should use minoxidil cautiously, as absorption may increase in such cases. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using minoxidil due to a lack of safety data.

ADDITIONAL NOTES ON EFFICACY

  • Minoxidil is often most effective when combined with other treatments for hair loss, such as finasteride or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. Results typically take 3–6 months to become noticeable, with consistent application being critical for success. Discontinuation of use generally results in the loss of newly regrown hair within 3–4 months.

MORE INFORMATION

  • FDA Safety Data Sheet for topical minoxidil may be found here.

  • Penha MA. Oral Minoxidil vs Topical Minoxidil for Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Dermatol. 2024 [PubMed Link]

  • Ramos PM. Minoxidil 1 mg oral versus minoxidil 5% topical solution for the treatment of female-pattern hair loss: A randomized clinical trial. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020 [PubMed Link]

  • Stoehr JR. Off-Label Use of Topical Minoxidil in Alopecia: A Review. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2019 [PubMed Link]

  • Gupta AK. Minoxidil: a comprehensive review. J Dermatolog Treat. 2022 [PubMed Link]

  • Suchonwanit P. Minoxidil and its use in hair disorders: a review. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2019 [PubMed Link]

  • Olsen EA A randomized clinical trial of 5% topical minoxidil versus 2% topical minoxidil and placebo in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2002 [PubMed Link]

  • Chen L. The Efficacy and Safety of Finasteride Combined with Topical Minoxidil for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2020 [PubMed Link]

  • Valentim FO. Efficacy of 5% topical minoxidil versus 5 mg oral biotin versus topical minoxidil and oral biotin on hair growth in men: randomized, crossover, clinical trial. An Bras Dermatol. 2024 [PubMed Link]

  • Goren A. Minoxidil in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Dermatol Ther. 2018 [PubMed Link]

  • Messenger AG. Minoxidil: mechanisms of action on hair growth. Br J Dermatol. 2004 [PubMed Link]

  • Suchonwanit P. A randomized, double-blind controlled study of the efficacy and safety of topical solution of 0.25% finasteride admixed with 3% minoxidil vs. 3% minoxidil solution in the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2018 [PubMed Link]