Last verified: 20 days ago
Minoxidil
Also known as: Rogaine, Regaine, topical minoxidil, oral minoxidil, low-dose oral minoxidil, LDOM
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
FDA-recognized hair loss treatment. Clinically proven to regrow hair in men, women, and transgender men.
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What it does
Minoxidil is a vasodilating compound originally developed as a blood pressure drug that was found to stimulate hair growth as a side effect. Applied to the scalp as a 2–5% solution or foam (or...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
Topical: 2-5% solution/foam applied 1-2x daily; Oral: 0.625-5 mg/day depending on sex
What the Science Says
Minoxidil is a vasodilating compound originally developed as a blood pressure drug that was found to stimulate hair growth as a side effect. Applied to the scalp as a 2–5% solution or foam (or taken orally at low doses), it prolongs the active hair growth phase (anagen), increases hair density, and thickens hair shafts. Clinical trials show measurable improvements in hair density and diameter within 12 weeks of consistent use, with benefits seen in male and female pattern hair loss, chemotherapy-related hair loss, and even facial hair growth in transgender men.
What It Doesn't Do
Won't permanently cure hair loss — hair shed returns if you stop using it. Won't work overnight; expect at least 3 months before visible results. Won't regrow hair in scarring alopecia. Not a hormone blocker — it doesn't address the underlying DHT-driven cause of androgenetic alopecia. No evidence it works better than standard 5% when used at higher concentrations.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Minoxidil is a vasodilating compound originally developed as a blood pressure drug that was found to stimulate hair growth as a side effect. Applied to the scalp as a 2–5% solution or foam (or taken orally at low doses), it prolongs the active hair growth phase (anagen), increases hair density, and thickens hair shafts. Clinical trials show measurable improvements in hair density and diameter within 12 weeks of consistent use, with benefits seen in male and female pattern hair loss, chemotherapy-related hair loss, and even facial hair growth in transgender men.
Strong EvidenceEffective at: Topical: 2-5% solution/foam applied 1-2x daily; Oral: 0.625-5 mg/day depending on sex
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Moderate — topical absorption is limited but sufficient for scalp effect; systemic exposure is low with topical use. Oral low-dose formulations achieve predictable systemic levels, reaching steady state within 7 days. Combination foam formulations (e.g., with finasteride) show markedly lower systemic finasteride exposure than oral finasteride.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Initial increased shedding in the first 1–2 months is common and causes many people to quit prematurely — this is a known effect, not a sign it's failing
- Oral minoxidil can cause tachycardia, fluid retention, and edema — requires medical supervision
- Extremely toxic to dogs and cats — even small amounts of topical minoxidil can cause fatal cardiovascular toxicity in pets
- Facial hypertrichosis (unwanted hair growth on face/body) is a known side effect, especially with oral use
- Hair loss returns after stopping treatment — this is a lifelong commitment, not a cure
- Scalp dryness and irritation reported in up to 20% of users with topical formulations
Products Containing Minoxidil
See how Minoxidil is used in these analyzed products:
Research Sources
- PubMed
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-02