Does Minoxidil Work for Beard Growth?

When it comes to treating scalp hair loss, minoxidil is the MVP. But what about facial hair? Is it possible to use minoxidil for beard growth?

The short answer: Probably. But there’s relatively little research on using minoxidil for facial hair, and it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects.

Minoxidil is an over-the-counter topical treatment for hair loss. Research shows that it’s effective: Not only can it slow down hair shedding, it might even help with hair regrowth.

Minoxidil might be worth a try for those guys who wish they had a thicker, fuller beard.

Read on to learn more about the basics of minoxidil and how to use it for beard growth.

Minoxidil is a topical hair growth medication, and it’s the active ingredient in the brand name hair loss treatment, Rogaine^® . It acts as a vasodilator, which means it relaxes and dilates blood vessels, which can help deliver blood and oxygen to the areas where it’s applied. Minoxidil also seems to stimulate hair follicles to enter the anagen phase — that is, the growth phase – of the hair growth cycle. So, instead of resting in the telogen phase, your hair grows for a longer period of time.

Topical minoxidil for hair loss has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration since the late eighties (it was first introduced in the 1970s as a medication for high blood pressure). Minoxidil is one of only two FDA-approved medications for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness. (The other FDA-approved medication is finasteride.) Topical minoxidil is available over-the-counter.

In order for minoxidil to work, you need to apply it regularly (usually, twice a day). It’s important to note that minoxidil stops working if you stop using it.

You may wonder, “Can I use minoxidil for beard growth?”

Well, you certainly can try!

There isn’t a ton of research on the use of minoxidil for facial hair growth, but there was one study published as a letter to the editor in a 2016 volume of The Journal of Dermatology.

In it, researchers detailed their observations in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of a 3% minoxidil formula among 48 men over a period of 16 weeks.

Throughout the study, patients applied 0.5 ml of the formula (or a placebo) on the chin and jawline twice daily. The men’s results were then analyzed using photographs and hair counts every four weeks.

After 16 weeks, the photograph scores were significantly different for the men using minoxidil, as were the changes in average hair count.

That data is in keeping with what we’ve seen from other topical minoxidil studies — just a little lower on the head than the others.

Unfortunately, there’s little other research on minoxidil and beard enhancement.

But if you’ve noticed thinning hair around your chin or are self-conscious about patchy beard hair, it may be worth a try.

Overall, minoxidil is considered pretty safe, but some people do experience side effects.

According to the above-mentioned study on minoxidil and beard growth, side effects among participants were “mild” and not considered significantly different from those experienced by the placebo group.

The most common side effects of minoxidil use are:

• Skin irritation or rash

• Itching

• Slight burning sensation

• Dry skin

You may also experience hair growth in areas where you didn't apply minoxidil. It’s also possible to experience allergic reactions.

Since your facial skin might be more sensitive than your scalp, it’s good to proceed with caution and keep an eye out for any rashes or itching.

Applying a small amount of minoxidil to your skin as a patch test before going all-in is a good way to check whether you’ll experience an adverse reaction.

If the skin around your beard area tends to get dry, look for a product (like our minoxidil foam)  that doesn’t contain propylene glycol (which can be extra drying). It’s also a good idea to invest in a quality moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.

So, you’ve decided to try using minoxidil for beard enhancement. Great!  But how exactly do you use minoxidil for your beard?

Try the following:

• Firstly, clean your beard area — both the hair and the skin.

• Pat your beard with a gentle towel so that it’s completely dry before applying the solution.

• Massage the recommended amount of minoxidil into your beard area using your fingers.

• Wash your hands thoroughly.

• Leave the minoxidil solution on your beard. It may take a while to dry.

How often should you apply minoxidil to your beard? Because of the lack of research on minoxidil for beard growth, there’s no hard-and-fast rule here. But in the randomized trial mentioned above, participants used minoxidil twice a day.

As always, we’d recommend seeking medical advice before using a medicated hair loss treatment — especially if you have sensitive skin.

The exact length of time it takes to start seeing beard gains from minoxidil will vary by person. However, one study on 48 men ages 20 to 60 found that using a 3% minoxidil liquid solution twice daily led to a “statistically significant increase in hair count” within the 16-week trial.

Googling, “Rogaine for beard” or “Does minoxidil work for beard?” We see you. Here’s what to remember.

• Minoxidil may be able to grow beard hair. There aren’t many studies on minoxidil for beard growth, but the available research is pretty promising.

• Careful, though. Some people experience side effects of minoxidil, like skin irritation and allergic reactions.

• There are other ways to encourage beard growth. Healthy habits and a skincare routine can support beard growth. This guide on "what does aftershave do" is a helpful start.

One final thing to remember about minoxidil and beard growth: If you stop using minoxidil, it may stop working — which means the patchy beard hair you had before treatment can return. Unless you’re keen to try a clean-shaven look, try to use minoxidil consistently.

If you’re ready to bring the patchwork together, though, we can help you connect with a healthcare provider so that you can get some solid medical advice on coping with hair loss and patchy beards.