There is no guaranteed shortcut for beard growth, especially if your beard is naturally sparse or slow to develop.
One of the most discussed options is minoxidil, also known by brand names like Rogaine and Regaine, along with generic versions such as Kirkland, Equate, and Tugain.
Minoxidil may help improve beard growth and make existing facial hair look fuller in some users, though results vary.
It can sound surprising at first, but many men have experimented with minoxidil for beard growth and reported visible improvements from weak or patchy starting points.
“I’m intrigued, yet skeptical, please tell me more?”
Okay, so Minoxidil is the active ingredient in Rogaine, the World’s #1 Dermatologist recommended OTC (that’s prescription-free) hair-loss drug.
Millions of men have used it for scalp hair loss, and it has been studied extensively for safety and efficacy in that context. Research suggests it may support hair regrowth by influencing follicle activity, blood flow, and hair growth cycling.
As you can expect, some men eventually started to wonder if they could apply Rogaine to the face and grow facial hair as a result.
At first, beard use was a niche topic and there was very little serious discussion about it online.
Today, there is a much stronger case that minoxidil may help beard growth for some users.
There are large online communities of men using minoxidil for beard growth, along with a limited amount of beard-specific research suggesting it may help with beard enhancement.
After the use of Rogaine for beard growth skyrocketed in popularity, the narrative of the nay-sayers switched from “it doesn’t work” into claiming that “the results aren’t permanent”.
Many users report keeping at least some of their gains after stopping, but permanence is still better discussed as a possibility rather than a guarantee.
“So can you use Minoxidil on your face to grow a beard?”
Short answer:
Yes, many men do use 5% minoxidil off-label on the beard area, often starting conservatively and applying it consistently over time. Some users notice meaningful improvement within a few months, while others need longer or see only modest results.
Long answer:
For the longer answer, you will have to take some time and read our full article below, which explains…
- Exactly how Minoxidil grows the beard.
- Lists all the known side effects of beard Minoxidil.
- Explains what users mean when they talk about long-term or possibly lasting results..
- Shows you some impressive before-after pictures.
- Teaches you how to apply Minoxidil to the beard.
- And explains the details about the Minoxidil beard study.
If you want the full breakdown on how minoxidil is used for beard growth, the possible side effects, and what results to realistically expect, continue below.
How Minoxidil May Help Beard Growth
Even after tens of years of research, the real reason why Minoxidil is so effective at growing hair is still not 100% clear.
What is known are these facts:
- Minoxidil activates potassium channels in the beard area and boosts facial hair follicles circulation
- It also increases prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels, which is known to help hair growth through multiple mechanisms.
- The use of Minoxidil converts more dormant hair follicles into the active anagen growth phase.
- Once the follicles are shifted to the anagen phase, Minox keeps them there for a longer duration than normal.
- Regular use of Minoxidil results in angiogenesis, which is a fancy term for new blood vessel generation.
For years, the only evidence that suggested you could use Rogaine for the face to grow a beard was that there were dozens of successful studies where it had been used on the scalp-hair.
That all changed a few years ago when a group of researchers from Thailand decided to test a 3% Minoxidil solution against a placebo liquid in the beards of 48 test subjects.
(click here for the full study which opens in a new window as a .pdf).
After the 16-week study period, the researchers looked at each participant’s 3cm test areas to see whether there was any new beard growth that took place.
The results suggested that minoxidil increased new facial hair growth compared with placebo, supporting the idea that it may be effective for beard enhancement in some users.
And this was with a 3% solution, while many beard users choose a 5% version. That does not automatically mean better results for everyone, but it is one reason 5% products get so much attention.
“The exact mechanism of Minoxidil in promoting hair growth is still unclear but there are many hypotheses. In conclusion, Minoxidil 3% lotion is effective and safe for beard enhancement.” – Ingprasert et al.
Minoxidil Beard Before-and-After Results
Applying minoxidil to the face has become much more widely discussed in recent years, with large online communities sharing routines and results.
Before-and-after photos can be encouraging, but they should still be interpreted carefully.
Many beard growth serums, oils, and pills rely more on marketing than convincing visual evidence, which is one reason users often compare them unfavorably with minoxidil.
In the case of minoxidil, there are many before-and-after examples online that suggest it can help beard growth in some users, although anecdotal photos still have limits.
Minoxidil Side Effects and Safety for Beard Use
After extensive testing for scalp-hair use, minoxidil was considered safe enough to be sold over the counter.
That does not mean it is side-effect free, and because beard use is off-label, it makes sense to be especially mindful of how your skin and body respond.
The side effects below are taken directly from the Rogaine packages instructional leaflet, with few exceptions that are compiled from known case studies and online reports.
Common Side Effects
The common side effects occur (according to McNeill corporation) in 1 out of every 10 users on average.
- Skin dryness – especially with liquid Minoxidil, skin dryness is a very common side effect. This is caused most likely by the combination of the alcohol and propylene glycol which act as carrier agents. They are necessary for absorption, but also dry out the skin. In many cases, this can be managed with a gentle moisturizer or a beard-friendly skincare routine.
- Body hair growth – since some minoxidil may enter systemic circulation, some users report increased body hair growth, though this does not happen equally for everyone.
- Hair and beard shedding – it may sound ass-backward that a hair-loss drug could result in more hairs falling off, but it does commonly happen and it’s not a bad thing at all. The reason for the “Minoxidil shedding phase” is simple; as the drug transitions more and more of your hairs into the active anagen growth phase, more and more of the hairs in the telogen resting phase will shed to make room for a new hair fiber growing from the same tunnel.
Less Common Side Effects
The less common side effects occur in 1/100 users on average (according to the manufacturer’s safety studies).
- Fatigue – rarely, some users report a slight feeling of fatigue, especially when starting the use of Minoxidil. This usually doesn’t persist, but if it does, it’s best to quit using it and talk to a doctor.
- Heart palpitations – Minoxidil was originally formulated to be an oral blood pressure medication, and since its a vasodilator (enlargens blood vessels) you can occasionally notice small changes in your heart rate. Use of nicotine products, stimulants, caffeine, etc can make these more common.
- Dizziness – due to changes in your blood flow, blood pressure, and heart rate that can come with Minoxidil use (again, it’s a vasodilator) you may occasionally get a sense of light-headedness.
- Acne – the skin drying ingredients alcohol and propylene glycol can increase the likelihood of acne and pimples in people prone to getting them.
- Water retention – some people report that Minoxidil causes “bloated looking face”, this can be caused by the water retention which has to do with its potassium-channel altering effects. Sticking to reasonable amounts may reduce the chance of this side effect, but it cannot rule it out completely..
Serious Side Effects
The serious side effects are very rare and occur in 1/1000 users on average, according to the leaflet provided by the original Rogaine manufacturer.
NOTE: If you experience any of these side effects when using Minoxidil to grow a beard, discontinue the use immediately and consult a medical expert.
- Allergy symptoms – it’s very rare but possible to have an allergic reaction to Minoxidil. Symptoms of this include rapid weight gain, nausea, vomiting, rashes, and the swelling of different body parts like the hands, ankles, and your lips.
- Worsened eye-sight – since Minoxidil may increase your blood pressure, it can also impact the blood flow and pressure within the eyes and result in things like temporary optic neuropathy as seen in this case study. The discontinuation of Minoxidil completely resolved the issue, so if you ever experience any vision changes, stop using it and don’t take any risks.
- Severe chest pain / irregular heart rate – if you have long-term pre-existing cardiovascular issues, then the use of Minoxidil, which is a vasodilator, may either help or worsen your condition. If you experience chest pain and irregular heart rate, stop using Minoxidil immediately and seek the help of a medical professional.
“You said minoxidil was safe, this sounds very dangerous to me?”
It is widely sold over the counter for scalp use, but like any drug, it still comes with possible side effects.
It is true that many users tolerate minoxidil reasonably well, but side effects still matter and should not be brushed aside.
Using reasonable amounts may help reduce the chance of side effects, but it is still important to monitor your response carefully.
How to Use Minoxidil for Beard Growth
If you decide to try minoxidil for beard growth, the next question is how to apply it in a way that is consistent and not overly aggressive.
The most common questions are how much to use, how often to apply it, and how long to leave it on.
Here is a practical breakdown of the basics.
First, here is the basic application process:
How to Apply Minoxidil to the Beard Area
Step 1: Wash Your Face
The first step to applying Minoxidil is to simply wash your face. You may use just water or a gentle facewash for this.
Step 2: Pat the Beard Area Damp
It has been shown in one study that Minoxidil works best on a towel-damp face. To be clear, your face should not be dripping with water, but it should not be completely dry either.
Step 3: Apply Minoxidil to the Target Areas
Measure out 1ml of minoxidil with the dropper and apply it across the areas where you want beard growth to improve.
Step 4: Spread It Gently Across the Beard Area
Once you have applied the minoxidil, gently spread it across the target areas with clean fingers. You don’t have to use much pressure at all, just make sure there’s a thin layer on the areas of the skin you want more facial hair on.
Step 5: Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after applying minoxidil.
How Often Should You Use Minoxidil on the Beard?
The most common recommendation is to apply Minoxidil to your beard twice per day, preferably in the morning and evening and not too close together. This is the official recommendation that is same for scalp-hair use as well.
Twice-daily use is commonly recommended, but perfect timing matters less than staying consistent.
That is why many users aim for twice per day when practical, while adjusting the routine to fit real life.
You can also use it once per day, and some users still report progress that way, although results may come more slowly.
How Much Minoxidil Should You Use on the Beard?
The official recommended amount is 2ml per day divided into two doses, so 1ml per application.
Most Minoxidil bottles come with a dropper cap, and these should have a line indicating the 1ml mark. If you use the spray nozzle, the 1ml will be around 6-8 pumps, and for foam, the recommendation is to use roughly half of the cap.
How Long Should Minoxidil Stay on the Beard Area?
In a Rogaine absorption study on the scalp area, it took four hours for 75% of the active ingredient to get into the hair follicles. Because facial skin may absorb products differently than scalp skin, four hours is usually treated as a practical minimum rather than an exact guarantee.
After applying minoxidil to the beard area, wait around four hours before washing it off or applying moisturizer or beard oil.
How Long Does Minoxidil Take to Work on the Beard?
Every man responds differently to Minoxidil and we all have different starting points. It’s simply impossible to say accurately how long will it take to grow a beard with Minoxidil.
Even so, user reports and limited research do make it possible to give a rough estimate.
In many cases, noticeable results take several months, and more substantial improvement may take anywhere from roughly six months to two years of consistent use.
If you already have some beard growth and respond well hormonally, your results may come faster.
If you are starting from very little facial hair, results may take longer to show.
Genetic differences can also affect response speed, which is another reason not everyone sees the same timeline.
Are Minoxidil Beard Results Permanent?
You may have seen some big news outlets publishing their own Minoxidil beard stories recently, such as The Daily Mail, The Sun, and Men’s Health.
Many articles agree that minoxidil can work for beard growth, but they often present permanence as more certain than it really is.
At the same time, many users report keeping most – if not all – of their gains after stopping minoxidil, myself included.
So if Minoxidil beard is indeed permanent, then why do all these news say it will fall off once you stop?
One reason for the disagreement is that permanence is hard to discuss with certainty, especially when different sources are working from different assumptions and incentives.
If widespread full loss after stopping were common, you would expect many more users to report it.
Many of the long-term success stories involve users who continued long enough for more hairs to mature and then reported that a good portion of those gains remained.
Reports of losing gains seem more common when users stop early, before more of the new thin vellus beard hairs have had time to mature.
Which Minoxidil Is Best for Beard Growth?
Minoxidil is, like said many times by now, a hair loss drug. The original brand is called Rogaine (or Regaine in the UK) but there are also multiple generic brands like Kirkland, Equate, Tugain, Foligain, Mintop, etc.
Which of these is the best choice for beard growth, and should you be using Minoxidil liquid or the foam? Let’s examine. ↓
Rogaine vs Kirkland vs Other Minoxidil Brands
A common question is which minoxidil brand makes the most sense for beard use.
In most cases, the brand matters less than the formula strength and how well your skin tolerates the product, since many options use the same active ingredient at similar concentrations.
“You should use the brand of minoxidil that is easiest to get and the cheapest choice for you in your current location.”
For users in the US, Kirkland is often one of the most affordable options. (here’s almost a year’s supply for less than 200 bucks).
If you live in the UK, you probably need to get the original brand (Regaine) which is the same stuff, but just much more expensive.
In many parts of Europe, the original brand may be easier to find, although it is often more expensive than generic options.
NOTE: The only thing you need to look for is that the Minoxidil you buy does not have any extra ingredients in it like azelaic acid or saw palmetto. Those added ingredients may make the product less appealing for beard-focused use.
Liquid vs Foam Minoxidil for Beard Use
Some users feel that liquid minoxidil works better for beard growth, but available evidence does not clearly show a major effectiveness gap between liquid and foam.
Liquid Minoxidil is cheaper and it’s also easier to measure in the dropper. Whether it’s really more effective is up for debate.
Foam minoxidil is often preferred because it dries faster and tends to be easier on the skin.
A practical approach is to start with whichever version is easier for you to tolerate and use consistently.
Where to Buy Minoxidil for Beard Growth
Minoxidil is the Dermatologist most recommended over-the-counter hair loss drug. It’s massively popular because of that, which means that there’s no shortage of it.
A quick summary of different options:
You can usually find minoxidil in many drug stores and major online retailers.
Most generic brands are also available in stores like Walmart and Target, even in some gas stations.
If you are looking at stronger concentrations such as 10% or 12.5%, availability may be more limited depending on your country.
(do keep in mind that these might not be legal to import to your country if you order them abroad).
I would generally stick with a standard 5% product first, since higher strengths may increase the chance of side effects without guaranteeing better beard results.
My go-to recommendation is this Kirkland 5% from Amazon, which is the lowest price I’ve seen in a while.
Ways to Support Better Minoxidil Beard Results
Are there ways to support better minoxidil results? Possibly, yes.
The common sense things like making sure you’re not deficient in any key beard vitamins, sleeping well, exercising, and maintaining a balanced beard-friendly diet are some that everyone knows…
But the methods below are best viewed as supportive additions, not guaranteed ways to dramatically accelerate results.
Minoxidil and Peppermint Oil for Beard Growth
Minoxidil often dries out the skin under the beard, so many users look for a moisturizer to offset that.
One option some users try is a properly diluted peppermint essential oil in a jojoba carrier, mainly as a moisturizing add-on with speculative growth upside.
The easiest way to do this is to get a 1 oz. dropper bottle, fill that with jojoba oil (good brand) and then drip in approximately 18 drops of peppermint essential oil (good brand).
Then just use that as a moisturizer/beard oil after the 4-hours of Minoxidil’s absorption time has gone by.
Why do some users find peppermint oil interesting here?
There is a rodent study suggesting that a 3% peppermint oil dilution promoted hair growth under those test conditions, but that is still very different from proven beard results in humans.
It is possible that peppermint oil has some relevance to beard growth in humans, but the evidence is far too limited to make strong claims.
Minoxidil and Microneedling for Beard Growth
Microneedling the beard area with a derma roller is another approach some users test alongside minoxidil.
You need to use a roller with 0.5 to 0.75mm needle-length, as this allows you to create micro-punctures that will reach the epidermis of the skin.
When done properly, microneedling is usually intended to create controlled micro-injury rather than significant damage, but it still needs to be approached carefully.
Using a Derma Roller may help create a healing response that some users believe supports hair-growth routines. The idea is that more nutrients and hormones would circulate around the area of the micro-injury.
This combination has been studied more on scalp hair than on beard growth, but one study did find that microneedling plus minoxidil outperformed minoxidil alone in that context.
I recommend and personally use this 0.75mm Derma Roller from Amazon.
NOTE: When using the Derma Roller and Minoxidil in conjunction, always take a 24-hour break from Minoxidil after you have micro-needled the skin to avoid systemic absorption of the drug.
L-Carnitine and Minoxidil for Beard Growth
L-Carnitine L-Tartrate (LCLT) is an amino acid that is best known as a lipid transporter in the body.
There are two reasons some users think it may help support beard growth and complement minoxidil.
- It may increase androgen receptor sensitivity, which is one reason it gets discussed in beard-growth circles. (source).
- It is also discussed for its possible effects on follicle energy metabolism, though that should not be treated as guaranteed follicle activation. (source).
Some users experiment with LCLT either orally or topically, but because this moves beyond standard minoxidil use, it is best approached more cautiously than the basics.
Minoxidil Beard FAQ
How long do I need to use Minoxidil on my face?
Many users report seeing lighter vellus hairs first, with darker and thicker hairs appearing more gradually over time. Noticeable results often take several months, and larger changes may take longer.
Can you shave while using Rogaine on the beard?
Some users shave while using it and others do not, and there is no strong sign that shaving itself determines whether minoxidil works.
Will the facial hair fall off if I stop applying Minoxidil/Rogaine?
Not necessarily. Many users report keeping a good portion of their gains after discontinuing use, but outcomes can vary.
One common theory is that once more hairs have matured, majority of those gains may persist even without continued minoxidil use, and such has been the case with my own beard.
In other words, some minoxidil beard gains may be long-lasting, but I would still describe permanence as uncertain rather than guaranteed.
How often do I have to use Minoxidil on my face to grow a beard?
1ml once per day may be enough for some users, while twice-daily use is the more common recommendation.
Some users push frequency much higher, but I would not treat that as a smart default.
How long should you keep Minoxidil on the face?
According to one scientific trial, 75% or more of the Minoxidil will be absorbed into the hair follicle within 4-hours, this seems to be generally recommended as the optimal time.
Can I use Tugain 10% Minoxidil for the beard?
A lot of men with patchy beards consider moving up to stronger concentrations.
Is this smart? Not in my opinion. The 5% solution should be enough to stimulate facial hair growth, and by doubling the amount of active ingredient, you are also doubling down on the possible chances of getting the above-mentioned Minoxidil side effects.
Minox Beard Hall of Fame and Other Resources
I first heard about Minoxidil for beard growth about 6 years ago, and back then there was almost no information at all for its off-label beard use.
At that point, most of the information online was fragmented and inconsistent.
Now, years later, there’s the 50,000+ member Minox Beard Spot group on FaceBook, which was started by Basik Ali Coe (the original pioneer of the Minoxidil beard).
There are some great admins in that group, such as Cemmos from BeardProfile.Com, Adam Siddals (who runs the Beard Solution YouTube channel) and Sam Beckwith (who runs the Beardology YouTube channel).
All of those can be useful resources for users who want to learn more about how the beard community approaches minoxidil.
Minoxidil Beard Infographic
Conclusion
Minoxidil may help beard growth for some men, and that is why it remains one of the most discussed off-label options in this space.
There will always be disagreement around off-label beard use, especially because results and tolerance vary so much from person to person.
But there is enough evidence and user experience to say that minoxidil is a plausible beard-growth tool, even if it should be discussed with more caution than hype.
So if you are considering minoxidil for beard growth, start with realistic expectations, understand the side effects, and choose a simple 5% product you can use consistently.
Can you still use minoxidil, even if you already have facial hair grown already ,or will the minoxidil cause the hair that you already have grown to thin or fall out?
Hey there and thanks for all the great info. Quick question, as a married man and a father to a small child, how worried do I have to about transferring or rubbing minox off onto my wife or child if we’re cuddling or sleeping together? That is, should it be fully absorbed (i.e., 4 hours) or should it just be dry to the touch before I can have physical contact with my family?
Hi, thanks for the great article!
Since we concluded here that beard growth from using Minoxidil can become permanent if we wait till it is terminal hair, some the same apply for scalp hair or is it different?
I saw many videos of guys using Minoxidil for head hair and reporting they lose it once they stop.
Hey man very knowledgeable article thanks of you for this information. But I have one confusion to use of papermint nd jojoba oil. My question is which time of interval I should use this essential oil ?
After use or before use of minoxidil pls rply me
Please tell me these answers below:
– Can i add a carrier oil like CASTOR OIL to mix with above JOJOBA and PEPPERMINT OIL ?
– Is it safe to use LCLT powder or mix it with minoxidil ?
They say it will fall off because that’s what happens with male pattern baldness. Facial hair is not subject to male pattern baldness. It will not fall off.
I tried Minoxidil for around 5-6 months, I already have quite an amount of facial hair, but I wanted to fill in a couple of gaps and give it more body. I stopped once I was I was satisfied with my beard, also after I had quite a few number of unwanted hairs on my arms and chest and back.
After stopping Minoxidil, the new hairs on my face died, but they did not disappear. I thought they were terminal, but I must have misjudged it, I was unsure how to determine a terminal hair. They do not grow anymore but just sit there are stubble. Will something like a derma-roller help them grow again or is my only option to start up the minoxidil for longer this time? I’ve seen people counter the effects of baldness with just a derma-roller and nothing else.
Ali,
I just did a a 4 chart search on essential oils dilution. 1 of the 4 charts I searched said for a 3% solution use 18 drops of essential oil per 1 oz. (30ml) of carrier oil. The other 3 of the 4 charts I searched said use 27 drops essential oil per 1 oz. (30ml) of carrier oil. Perhaps the 18 drops to make a 3% solution is incorrect?
Peter
Hmm, that’s strange, I know that 1 oz (30ml) of oil is 600 drops, and so 3% of that would be approximately 18 drops. That’s how I calculated it. It should be correct unless the 600 drops number claimed in many places is incorrect.
Yeah, I agree with you, that’s the math: 600 x .03 = 18. So I don’t know either, but one of the charts that said to use 27 drops is a very reputable essential oil manufacturer: https://www.rockymountainoils.com/dilution-rate/
I just did the math on the 27 drops and that works out to a 4% solution. I agree with you, it should be 18 drops, so just delete my comments so it doesn’t confuse your readers.
I’m using Equate brand of Rogaine. Is that still gonna work?
Yeah, as long as it has the basic ingredients (minoxidil, alcohol, and propylene glycol) it should work just as well as any other brand. Just make sure it doesn’t have any DHT-blockers like saw palmetto or azelaic acid in it.
If you want to destroy your sexuality go ahead and apply minoxidil. Minoxidil does not affect hormones such as testosterone or DHT, but it does suppress androgen receptor expression. Read the study here:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4039155/
My story: I used 5%minoxidil for two years on my face. My libido was decreasing, I had dull orgasms, loss of interest in sexual activities, and soft erections. I thought it had to do with my medication. As I withdrew from some of my drugs, my conditions didn’t change. I still didn’t think it was the minoxidil. Then I read how other minoxidil users had the same problem as me on some forums. That is when I decided to stop minoxidil. A year has passed now, but I still have some problems with my sexuality. Those who don’t agree with my are probably so obsessed with their beard journey that they have forgotten how their sexuality was before and what it is now. As a side not, I have grown a beard, from absolutely NOTHING, but I don’t think it was worth it.
Thanks for your response. I have heard a similar case as you’ve experienced a couple of times now, but this is the first time I see a study that would back up the effects. I will be adding it to the side effects section.
Considering the number of people who’ve used Minox without reporting sexual side effects, it’s likely that they’re very rare. However, they should not be glossed over. I’ve seen people who say they had negative side effects been ridiculed at many minoxidil groups online, and as you said, it’s pretty obvious that they’re so obsessed with the great results beard-wise that they’re ready to ignore all evidence of possible side-effects.
In case you didn’t know, you can upregulate the androgen receptors to some extent with mucuna pruriens (coactivator protein), forskolin (which stimulates protein kinase C, and therefore AR), caffeine (also increases cAMP), carnitine, and lifting heavy weights regularly. If the issue is caused by minoxidil induced AR downregulation, then those should all be helpful.
I drink coffee every morning and do intermittent fasting and HIIT. I’m not sure I can take l carnitine as I take levothyroxine. L carnitine is a thyroxine antagonist and blocks T3 and T4. I’m seriously considering LCLT but I’m not sure what to do. The reason I have a mild underactive thyroid is that I’m on Lithium carbonate and that is why I also take levothyroxine. Is there any way to stimulate thyroid hormones without medication, like diet, exercise, or a natural supplement? Maybe I can stop taking levothyroxine and start taking LCLT that way. BTW, My height is 181-82 and I weigh 82.5 kilos.
Have you heard of the work of Dr. Ray Peat? He has some really interesting stuff catered mostly towards optimizing the thyroid. I’m aware of carnitine having a slight anti-thyroid effect but so far I haven’t noticed any hypothyroid symptoms while using it (cold hands & feet, etc).
In your case, I would probably shorten the fasting window or try eating some breakfast every morning to see if that helps with the thyroid. Personally, I’ve found it to be better for me than IF, which I did for almost 4 years or so before (and still do occasionally).
I used to drink 2 cups of black coffee every morning without eating for several hours, but later on, I’ve realized that I was probably just pressing the gas pedal without having any fuel. Nowadays I start my mornings with the same amount of coffee, but I put plenty of sugar or honey in there as well with a bit of full-fat milk, then drink a glass of orange juice with about 10 grams of gelatin mixed in there. I haven’t had a thyroid test done in a long time but this way my body temps increase and hands/feet get really warm, which is a tell-tale sign of increased T3.
Thank you for your response. Maybe I should IF sporadically instead of everyday. And about ray peat, yes I know all about his protocol. Basically, he says you should consume a lot sugar, salt, milk, coffee, anything with natural fructose such as fruits, drink little water, avoid PUFAs, and especially drink a lot of orange juice. I do follow some of his guidelines. Anyway, thank you that really helped.
I BOUGHT REGAINE 5%, but they have mentioned there on the bottle. this is only for scalp. can i use it for beard?
Yes you can, it was just designed for scalp.
Hello
I was wondering which is better either the Foam or Liquid form.? I am using Minoxidil 5% cream for almost three months now and I have notice new hair growing around my chin. I want to change now to the Rogaine Foam because the cream is kind of grease. Have you had any testimonials of which one is more effective either foam or liquid .. Thanks
They both work well but the liquid is often seen as slightly more effective. However, the downside is that it can also cause skin dryness more easily. So if you find that the liquid dries your face up too much or doesn’t absorb as quickly as you want, then definitely give the foam a go.
Hey man,
Great article
I want to ask if I use it for hair and beard to so usually i use something like 3/4 for hair and 1/4 of 1ml to beard. Do you think its enough for both?
Yeah, if you’re consistent with the applications, even a small dose will work wonders over time.
Ali,
You said, “1 ml once per day is enough, but 1-2ml twice per day is better and will likely get you faster results.”
You also said that using minoxidil 10% solution is not a good idea because “by doubling the amount of active ingredient, you are also doubling down on the possible chances of getting the above-mentioned minoxidil side effects.”
So my question is, by using 2 ml of minoxidil twice a day (your recommendation), aren’t you then doubling the amount of active ingredient that you just advised against, and aren’t you also doubling your chances of having minoxidil side effects? In other words, isn’t 2 ml of 5% active ingredient applied twice a day (what you recommend for beard growth) the same as applying 1 ml of 10% ingredient twice a day (what you recommend against)? Thanks.
Yeah, I worded that poorly. What I mean is that you should use 2ml 2x per day of the 5% for faster results, but 2ml of 10% 2x per day might be unnecessary and come with more risk of side effects with not much more to gain. If someone is to try a larger dosage, I would rather split it up to more applications per day with lower amount of minox at once rather than continuing to use it 1-2 times. I’m probably being even more confusing now but for example; 2ml 4x per day would be more preferable than 4ml 2x per day.
I probably worded poorly myself the first part of the lead up to my question by not providing the full context of your quotes. So the bottom line then, for someone who is going to stick to the 5% minoxidil solution, 2ml 2x per day will likely see better results, but it is still within the safe daily dosing range where you’ll still be less likely to have side effects?
I’ve been using the standard 1ml 2x per day, but minoxidil is cheap enough that I’d like to bump it up to 2ml 2x per day if my skin can tolerate it. BTW, I do moisturize, but I also have sensitive skin.
Thanks Ali for all of the great information.
I sweat a lot during summer. When i apply minoxidil on my face, I start feeling warm. I start sweating as well. If I sweat, will it make minoxidil less effective?
Slightly, if it drips off the face. If most of the solution stays on for a couple of hours, you should be good.
Hey, wouldn’t the Dexpanthenol clog the pores if you gonna put this on before applying minox ?
Try to find one that is light lotion instead of creamy / vaseline lotions and you should be good.
Hey, if you put any mosturizer on before using minoxidil wouldn’t it clog the pores and the skin can’t absorb the Minox ?
As long as it’s not creamy or vaseline-based you should be good.
Most of this article just seems like a copied version of the minoxidil article on Simple Skincare Science. It’s literally even formatted the same way.
This article has been published originally in 2016, before the Skincare Science one (which is why there are 400k+ views already). The date is updated with each update of the article, and the headline formatting is done in a way that pleases Google’s algorithm and user search intent, which is probably why it’s similar.
“Improving upon previous content” is basically how most websites work (and have to work due to the nature of Google rankings) to stay on top. If you take a look at my article on beard growth supplements and compare it to Simple Skincare Science’s findings on beard growth products (again written after mine) you may see some similarities. Why? He probably found some of the products by reading my article as part of his research.
I’m not at all salty about that and think it’s a great website which deserves authority status as evidence-based skincare content and it’s not the same as flat-out copying stuff either so I’m perfectly fine with that.
Thank you for the deep insight.
A guy from Asia. I have been using kirkland minoxidil 5% since Jan, 2018. It’s been year now and I have consumed only 7 bottles (4Liquid+3Foam) from my stock. I can see results on my facial area but i am not much satisfied though..Is there any relationship between number of months & number of bottles consumed.
I really want to expedite the progress and need a fuller beard by the end of two year mark.
Guidance and any suggestion is much appreciated.
With either the liquid or the foam, you should be using one bottle every month. You said yourself that you have used 7 bottle in one year, You should be using 1 bottle of 5% minoxidil solution every month (12 bottles in a year), at a minimum ( dosing at 1 ml 2 times a day), and from what Ali wrote in this article, you could be using up to 2 bottles of 5% minoxidil solution every month (24 bottles in a year), dosing at 2 ml 2 times a day. If I’m understanding you correctly, you are only using 1/2 of what the recommended MINIMUM daily dosage is.
Also, being an Asian guy, read Ali’s articles on “awakening” your androgen receptors. Good luck!
Can I apply minoxidil over the dexpanthenol lotion?
Yeah, I’d wait 15-minutes and then apply it over.
Hey, I already have a minoxidil here but has inactive ingredients of Ethanol and Hydroxypropyl cellulose. Is these DHT blockers or not?
No those are carrier agents to make sure it penetrates the skin and reaches the follicles.
Hello,
So when washing it off, how should I do it? Just regular soap and water?
Hello there. How to use this Minoxidil Oil together with Beard oil? Any suggestions? My beard oil is all natural with almond oil,jojoba oil,grape seed oil,virgin coconut oil and vitamin E. Thank you
I would change the beard oil to something that has no almond and grapeseed oils, they’re both polyunsaturated and can actually suppress DHT on the skin (read our article on testosterone and beard growth for more info on this), causing weaker facial hair growth and reducing the positive effects of minoxidil. It’s best to use a combination of jojoba oil and dexpanthenol moisturizer with minoxidil to replace the natural oils lost (jojoba is closest to the natural oils of skin) and to preserve the face from drying due to the minoxidil carrier agent (dexpanthenol cream is best for this I believe).
Thank you very much for a detailed review about Rogaine. I am interested to cover the patches in my beard. The growth of my beard is very slow and I am not satisfied with thickness too. Do you think Rogaine will work for me?
Yeah it works for most guys, as long as you keep at it until the new growth turns to terminal hair.
Hello Sir, I’ve been using Kirkland minoxidil for both for my scalp(1ml) and facial(0.5ml) twice a day and I notice a good improvement, but is that ok or safe?