The question isn’t can you use Minoxidil for beard growth but should you? Also known by the name brand Rogaine, Minoxidil is designed to stimulate hair growth on the scalp. However, although Minoxidil is FDA approved to regrow thinning hair on the head, it has not been approved for beard or facial use.
Of course, that hasn’t stopped men from using Minoxidil for beard growth. We’re here to provide information on using the product safely and when to stop. Look up Minox beard for both success stories and cautionary tales. Like any medication, results vary and some people experience overwhelming side effects from off-label product usage or no impact at all.
Should you try it? Here’s the basic information about how to apply Minoxidil to a beard, how to boost performance, and how to deal with side effects. How well it works will depend on your genetic ability to grow hair and how your body metabolizes the drug. You won’t really know unless you try it.
If you tend to suffer from drug side effects or already experience high blood pressure, use extra caution or don’t do it. Minoxidil was originally designed as a medication for hypertension. The additional hair growth is a side effect of the vasodilator effect, which widens blood vessels and improves blood flow.
If you’re already using Minoxidil on the head, it is not advisable to use it on the beard area at the same time. Applying Minoxidal to more surface area means more of the drug enters the bloodstream, which causes more side effects.
Here’s the best information we have about how to apply Minoxidil to the beard.
How to Use Minoxidol for Facial Hair
Give your body time to adjust to this drug by applying 1 ml once a day. After two weeks, increase to two applications a day, 12 hours apart, if there are no side effects, or side effects are manageable.
What is the best Monoxidil to use for beard growth?
The particular brand or formula doesn’t really matter as long as it contains 5% Minoxidil.
Liquid vs Foam Minoxidil?
Liquid and foam formulas are equally effective. It’s really a personal preference.
Liquid Minoxidil – On the plus side, liquid formulas tend to be cheaper. However, the liquid uses propylene glycol, which causes dryness especially when applied to the face.
- Rogaine Extra Strength 5% Minoxidil – When only the brand name will do.
- Kirkland Extra Strength 5% Minoxidil – The original generic version of Rogaine, this is the cheapest way to use Minoxidal. Get it through Amazon or Costco.
- Basic Care Minoxidil Topical Solution USP, 5% – Another generic version at roughly the same price.
- Just for Men 5% Minoxidal Solution Precision Sprayer – Another liquid formula with a spray pump.
Minoxidil Foam – The ingredients in Minoxidil foams can gentler on skin and some guys find this format easier to apply. However, it does cost more.
- Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam – With moisturizing agents, this formula may be gentler on facial skin.
- Kirkland Minoxidil Topical Aerosol 5% (Foam) – Although cheaper than Rogaine, this foam contains propylene glycol which can dry out skin.
How often to apply Minoxidil for beard growth
Ideally, Minoxidil should be applied twice daily, although research show that one application of 5% once a day is more effective than 2% twice a day.
The half life of Minoxidil is 22 hours so it can be reapplied after 12 hours. Also, the product should not be washed off for at least 4 hours, if at all.
How to apply Minoxidil to a beard
First, figure out what 1 ml of Minoxidil is from the dispenser. Then use the spray, dropper, or foam and rub it in. Wash hands immediately after.
How long does it take to work?
Most men see increased beard growth from Minoxidil in between 10-13 weeks of use but it varies.
What happens when I stop using Minoxidil on my beard?
There are two types of hair, fine vellus hair and established terminal hair. Terminal hair has deeper follicles and more blood flow. If you stop using Minoxidil for beard growth, any new terminal hairs will remain but vellus hairs will fall out.
How Long to Use Minoxidil for Beard Growth
Unlike scalp hair, using Minoxidil for facial hair growth isn’t forever. How long you want to/need to use it depends on the results and side effects more than anything. It takes most guys 2-3 months to see any change at all.
From there it can be another 6 months or 2 years to reach your peak beard. When the beard you want has gone terminal, with thick, coarse hairs, Minoxidil isn’t required anymore. Those hairs will not fall out.
It can be advisable to wean your body off Minoxidil to slow the shedding of vellus hairs. Use less each day for a few weeks, reduce the application to once daily, or apply it intermittently before stopping altogether.
Minoxidil Side Effects
Like any drug, Minoxidil can cause side effects. These are the most common side effects and how to manage them. If anything feels off or concerns you, stop using it and consult your doctor.
- Water Retention – Combat water retention by drinking more water and consume less salt.
- Heart Palpitations, Dizziness + Headaches – These are the most troubling side effects of Minoxidil. Start by using 1 ml once a day before increasing the dosage. If these side effects persist after 2 weeks, reduce the dosage or discontinue use altogether.
- Scalp Shedding – This is a common side effect for regular Minoxidil users as well. Basically, the new hair growth pushes out old hairs. While can be alarming, this is part of the process and not true or permanent hair loss.
- Hair Growth – Minoxidil often stimulates hair growth all over. This new growth is unlikely to go terminal and will fall out when you stop using the drug. Embrace being a hairier man or manage it with plucking, shaving, trimming, or waxing.
- Acne – Acne can be a reaction to dry skin, which causes glands to release more sebum. Some guys have a decrease in acne. If you’re going to treat acne with medication, stop using Minoxidil.
- Dark Undereye Circles -This side effect can be minimized with Vitamin C cream or concealer.
- Erectile Dysfunction – There is no evidence that Minoxidil causes ED.
More Ways to Stimulate Beard Growth
Derma Rollers
Also known as micro-needling, this involves rolling skin with ultra fine and short needles. The minimal damage to skin sets of the healing process to stimulate collagen production and hair follicle growth. A derma roller can be used with or without Minoxidil to improve hair growth as well as minimize acne scars and signs of aging.
Use a derma roller with .25mm or .5mm long needles. Anything bigger is too damaging to the skin.
A derma roller can be used once a week. However, do not apply Minoxidil for 24 hours afterward. The roller works by creating microabrasions in the skin, which stimulates collagen production for healing. Those tiny tears deposit Minoxidil directly into the bloodstream, causing more serious side effects, as well as causing stinging from the alcohol. Minoxidil may also inhibit collagen production.
To use a derma roller with Minoxidil, wait 4 hours after your last application. Then wash it off. Next, roll 10 times in 4 directions: side-to-side, up-and-down, and each diagonal in both directions. After 24 hours, reapply Minoxidil.
Shaving + Beard Trimming
You’re using Minoxidil to get the beard you want to have the beard you want, whether that means shaving or trimming. If you’re going to shave, use a blade instead of an electric razor.
It can be easier to apply Minoxidil to a shorter beard so you may want to keep it groomed for that time. If you do this, choose a quality set of beard trimmers for a sharper blade and less damage to facial hair.
However, longer hair does not decrease the absorption of Minoxidil so grow your beard as long as you want. Guys who use Minoxidil on their heads don’t shave it all the time and you don’t need to either.
DHT Blockers
The same DHT that causes hair loss on the scalp stimulates facial hair. Basically, use them for hair loss on the head and avoid them on the face.
Beard Oils
Beard oils are helpful for all men growing facial hair from the very beginning of the beard growing process. The oils soothe skin, prevent beard itch and dandruff, and condition hair.
There is some evidence that peppermint can contribute to beard growth. This at 3% concentration. Look for a beard product with peppermint oil or create your own. Keep in mind that anything above a 5% concentration of peppermint oil will burn your skin so more is not better.
More Minox Beard Information
Check out this video from an experienced Minox beard grower.
