Does Minoxidil Help With Beard Growth?
Key takeaways:
Minoxidil (Rogaine) can treat thinning hair on the scalp. When you apply it to the beard area, it may also help grow a fuller and thicker beard.
You may have to use minoxidil for 4 months before you see more beard growth.
Topical minoxidil doesn’t cause many side effects, but some people may have skin irritation or itching.
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Table of contents
Minoxidil (Rogaine), is a topical over-the-counter (OTC) medication that helps to regrow and thicken hair in people with scalp hair loss. And minoxidil works for more than just the scalp. It can also help you grow a thicker and fuller beard.
Here’s what you need to know about using minoxidil for beard growth, including how well it works, how to use it, and what side effects to watch out for.
How does minoxidil work?
Minoxidil is FDA approved to regrow and thicken scalp hair in people with androgenic hair loss (hereditary hair loss). Experts aren’t entirely sure how it works. It likely works by opening blood vessels near the hair follicles, which stimulates them to grow.
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Minoxidil is available OTC in two strengths: 2% and 5%. It’s also available in different formulations — like solution, spray, and foam.
Does minoxidil work on beard growth?
Yes, minoxidil works on beard growth. More research is needed, but there’s evidence that using a 3% minoxidil solution twice a day improves beard growth. In a 2019 study, men between 20 and 60 years old had improved beard growth and hair count after 16 weeks.
Minoxidil is only FDA approved for scalp use, so using it on the beard is an off-label use. And keep in mind that minoxidil may not work to grow a beard for everyone. And it’s impossible to predict who will respond and who won’t. If you do experience regrowth, it will be lost once you stop using it.
How do you use minoxidil on your beard?
To use minoxidil for beard growth, apply it twice a day to your entire beard area. Avoid putting it on other areas, and wash your hands after applying it.
Studies have not looked at whether the 2% or 5% strengths also work for beard growth. For scalp hair regrowth, the 5% strength works fastest and best. So, for the best results, it may be worth starting with the higher-strength minoxidil on the beard area.
For some people, minoxidil foam may be easier to use than the liquid solution. That’s because there’s less dripping. The foam also absorbs and dries quickly.
If you’re concerned about allergic reactions, it’s worth knowing that the foam formulation doesn’t contain propylene glycol. This ingredient can cause allergic reactions in some people.
How long does it take for minoxidil to work on your beard?
Each person is different. So the time it takes for minoxidil to work for beard growth varies from person to person. A small study shows that people using a 3% strength solution of minoxidil twice a day for 16 weeks got a thicker beard. When using minoxidil on the scalp, it can take 2 to 4 months before you start noticing results. So expect to apply minoxidil to your beard area for at least 4 months before seeing results.
Remember that, for some people, minoxidil may not work for beard growth at all.
Is it safe to use minoxidil on your beard?
Minoxidil does seem to be safe to use on the beard area.
When people use minoxidil on their scalp, they may experience some side effects. Because minoxidil works the same way on beard growth, these side effects may also affect the beard area if you use it there.
Common side effects include:
Hair shedding at first (this is not permanent)
Skin irritation or itching
Unwanted hair growth
Changes in hair texture
In very rare situations, minoxidil on the scalp can be absorbed deeper into your body and cause systemic side effects. Stop using minoxidil and contact your provider if you experience a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or chest pain.
The bottom line
Minoxidil (Rogaine) is commonly used to treat thinning scalp hair. When used on the beard area, it may also help some people grow a thicker and fuller beard. More research is needed, but early studies show that people who use minoxidil twice a day on their beard area notice an improvement in beard growth and hair count.
It may take up to 4 months before noticing an improvement with minoxidil, so it’s important to use it consistently and to stay patient. So far, minoxidil appears safe to use on the beard area, although it’s not FDA approved for that use. You may experience some minor side effects, like skin irritation or itching, but serious side effects are very rare.
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References
Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep. (n.d.). Propylene glycol.
Ingprasert, S., et al. (2016). Efficacy and safety of minoxidil 3% lotion for beard enhancement: A randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study. The Journal of Dermatology.
Olsen, E. A., et al. (2002). A randomized clinical trial of 5% topical minoxidil versus 2% topical minoxidil and placebo in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Rauscher, M. (2007). Foaming Rogaine has advantages, expert says. Reuters.
Suchonwanit, P., et al. (2019). Minoxidil and its use in hair disorders: A review. Drug Design, Development and Therapy.
