Minoxidil Facial Hair

Minoxidil is a hypertensive vasodilator used to treat people with high blood pressure that is also used for hair loss treatment.

Minoxidil promotes hair growth by influencing the hair follicles to enter the growth phase of the hair growth cycle. Evidence also suggests that minoxidil has resulted in larger hair follicles and longer growth periods, resulting in thicker and healthier hair.

If you are wanting a pharmacy grade treatment, the price of a 180 mL 5% minoxidil solution can be around $79, worth three months of use. If however you would like a doctor prescribed treatment, personalised to your hair loss situation, this can cost from $29 a month.

Possible side effects of topical minoxidil include scalp irritation and itch, skin dryness and flaking, contact dermatitis, and hypertrichosis.[2] That is why you should only use it with the advice of a doctor.

Minoxidil is not the only hair growth treatment. There are other options for people to use as supplements or alternatives to it. When paired with a number of other treatments prescribed by a doctor, such as vitamins, shampoos, and other over-the-counter products, they can improve the effect on hair growth. Talk to your Mosh doctor about alternative and supplementary treatments for your concerns.

Topical minoxidil is primarily used to treat baldness on the scalp rather than the face. ‘But my face and crown are all on my head. Just inches apart,’ you might say. ‘Aren’t they the same?’ Well, despite what the search results for ‘minoxidil facial hair’ might tell you, the short answer is: not exactly.

 The follicles on your face aren’t usually affected in the same way by the hair loss that affects the top of your head. Unlike the follicles on your hairline and temples, which can be more vulnerable to the process of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) follicle constriction from the accumulation of the hormone over time, the hairs on your face are not sensitive to DHT.

 However, the process of ‘minoxidil beard growth’, where the follicles are fed nutrients through blood flow, works the same way for both the scalp and the face. Research has shown that topical minoxidil is both safe and effective for facial hair growth.[3]

Studies have shown minoxidil outperformed a placebo in terms of beard growth enhancement, with only minor side effects.[4] Some patients have reported experiencing side effects after using the product. The most commonly reported adverse reaction is irritant contact dermatitis, which causes itching and dry skin. But it is considered safe and effective in treating various hair disorders.

To avoid any unwanted ‘minoxidil facial hair’ side effects and to find out if you can actually benefit from using minoxidil, talk to a doctor about your condition and medical history. If needed, your doctor can devise a personalised treatment plan to minimise side effects and maximise effectiveness.

In some cases, patients reported experiencing increased loss of hair at the start of their minoxidil treatment. Don’t lose your head if you experience anything like this, as it is perfectly natural and only temporary. It is merely a phase of the medicine taking effect before the actual regrowth begins. Just think of it as shedding your old hair and replacing it with new hair growth.

Topical minoxidil can stimulate dormant hair follicles by feeding them with nutrients. It does not cause your body to generate new hair follicles and does not directly target the cause of hair loss.While ‘minoxidil facial hair’ effects may not be permanent, doctors usually prescribe minoxidil along with other medications to boost hair growth.

A topical minoxidil solution typically has a greasy or oily consistency, so you should wait for it to dry completely before going to bed, washing it off, or putting on any headgear or facemasks. If your hair or face is not completely dry after using the medication, the substance can stain clothing, hats, or bed linens and lead to accidental contact of the wet medicine with other parts of the body.[5]

Minoxidil is used to treat certain types of hair loss, but everyone’s body is different. ‘Minoxidil facial hair’ might not be suitable for your case. The medication’s effectiveness for facial hair growth treatment can vary from person to person. It is not a catch-all beard enhancer that anyone can just put on to stimulate facial hair growth when they feel like growing out mutton chops.

Don’t get too carried away by ‘minoxidil before and after’ or ‘minoxidil facial hair’ photos, and start self-dosing all willy-nilly. Someone else’s beard growth treatment can’t be used as a template for your own. Remember that the best treatments are tailored to your personal needs. This is why we recommend making use of Mosh’s men’s health services.

Mosh is an online men’s health clinic in Australia that offers medical treatment for hair loss, sexual health, skincare, and much more. We offer medical advice by AHPRA-registered Australian doctors who can give you an informed opinion on different hair solutions. You can chat with a psychologist online, learn about the causes of erectile dysfunction and how to last longer in bed, or get advice about weight loss.

At Mosh, we don’t believe stigmas should get in the way of treating sensitive issues, which is why we offer confidentiality and convenience. As soon as the doctor recommends it, you can get your medication for hair loss delivered to you discreetly without dealing with any waiting lists or salespeople. 

So if you want your questions about ‘minoxidil facial hair’ or ‘how to apply minoxidil’ answered, talk to us at Mosh.