Minoxidil: What You Need to Know

What is minoxidil?

Minoxidil is a popular and widely used topical treatment for hereditary hair loss (also known as androgenetic alopecia) in men and women. 

Minoxidil is not intended for all types of hair loss. Therefore, it may be less effective for hair loss caused by crash dieting, stress, illness, or hormonal changes. 

Discover more about hereditary hair loss and the other types of hair loss in our article ‘Hair loss: Causes, symptoms, and treatments’.

How does minoxidil work?

Minoxidil is thought to support hair growth partly by aiding blood flow to hair follicles, which in turn helps to stimulate hair regrowth and aid in the prevention of further hair loss.

Who can use minoxidil?

Minoxidil is suitable for adults with androgenetic alopecia. It is thought to be more effective for adults in the early stages of hereditary hair loss. This could look like a mild receding hairline or slight hair loss in the crown area. 

Please speak to your pharmacist if you have concerns about minoxidil, and always read the patient information leaflet before use.

Who can’t use minoxidil for hair loss?

Topical minoxidil treatments for hair loss are available over the counter (OTC) without a prescription.

Although minoxidil is available OTC, it's always best to ensure you are suitable for the treatment by speaking to your pharmacist and reading the patient information leaflet.

Do not use minoxidil if:

• You have allergies to it

• You are under 18

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding

• You have high blood pressure

• You have a scalp condition such as psoriasis or sunburn

• You have a shaved scalp

If you have concerns about using minoxidil due to health conditions such as high blood pressure, you should consult your GP.

Always read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) supplied with your product before use.

How should you use minoxidil?

Minoxidil comes in different forms, and the way you administer it will depend on the product you choose. 

Types of topical minoxidil products for hair loss include:

• Foam

• Solution

• Spray

Many over-the-counter (OTC) minoxidil products are labelled for men or women, so make sure you pick up the correct one, or ask your pharmacist if you are unsure. 

An example is the minoxidil-based hair foam brand Regaine, which has Regaine For Men and Regaine For Women product ranges.

How long does minoxidil take to work?

The earlier in the hereditary hair loss process, the more likely you are to see visible results from using a minoxidil-based product. 

While results from using minoxidil vary from person to person and might not work for everyone, visible results can typically be seen within 3-6 months. 

How long minoxidil takes to work will depend on multiple factors. Such as:

• How early in the hair loss process you started treatment (the earlier you start hair loss treatment, the more hair follicles you should be able to preserve)

• The strength of your treatment (higher strengths may be associated with greater effects in some people, although results can vary)

• The severity of your hair loss (men and women with mild to moderate hereditary hair loss may find it easier to regrow hair follicles than those with severe hair loss)

What are the possible side effects of minoxidil?

Minoxidil products, whether in foam, spray or liquid form, will include a list of side effects on the label or patient information leaflet. 

You should always carefully read your patient information leaflet before use, making sure you follow the guidance for use. 

Possible side effects of minoxidil hair loss products include:

Very common (may occur in more than 1 in 10 people)

• Headaches 

Common (may occur in up to 1 in 10 people)

• Unwanted hair growth

• Itching, rash, and/or scalp irritation

• Weight gain

• High blood pressure

• Shortness of breath

• Swollen arms and legs

You can report any minoxidil side effects you develop via the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme. 

The following side effects can be serious, and you should stop using the product and seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Chest pain

• Facial swelling, including the lips or throat that make it difficult to breathe

• Generalised skin redness (not just in the area where the treatment was applied)

• Generalised itching

• Weakness, dizziness, or low blood pressure

• Increased heartrate

• Swollen feet or hands

• Sudden, unexplained weight gain

• Throat tightness

• Lasting scalp redness or irritation 

Is minoxidil suitable for everyone?

Minoxidil is generally well tolerated by eligible patients with male or female pattern hair loss when they use the product as outlined in the patient information leaflet. 

Minoxidil may be suitable for people who:

• Are aged over 18

• Are experiencing hereditary hair loss and are not completely bald 

• Don’t have certain scalp conditions (such as scalp psoriasis)

• Don’t have certain health conditions that are treated with blood pressure medication

• Aren’t pregnant or breastfeeding 

You shouldn’t use minoxidil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as there isn’t sufficient evidence to outline its effects in pregnant or breastfeeding women.

What happens if you stop using minoxidil?

You typically need to maintain use to continue seeing the effects of minoxidil. Hair growth seen during treatment is likely to gradually reduce over 3-6 months once stopped.

Can minoxidil be used long term?

Minoxidil is generally considered suitable for long-term use providing you meet the suitability criteria and don’t experience side effects.

Is minoxidil a suitable option for me?

Minoxidil is generally a well-tolerated treatment for men and women over the age of 18 with hereditary hair loss. Always read the Patient Information Leaflet before first use and if you’re unsure whether it's a suitable option for you, speak to your pharmacist for advice.