Minoxidil for hair loss

How it works

Minoxidil leaves the hormones alone and works on the follicle itself — widening blood vessels and keeping hairs in their growth phase longer, so they come in thicker and last longer. Since it pushes growth rather than blocking DHT, it's typically run with finasteride or dutasteride.

Topical or oral

• Topical 5% (foam or liquid): available without a prescription, used once or twice a day.
• Low-dose oral (off-label): a daily pill from a doctor — simpler to keep up with, though it needs monitoring for issues like fluid retention.

Results and timing

Roughly 84% of people respond in some way, and about 60% get regrowth worth having. Expect a brief shed in the first weeks, real change around the three-to-four-month mark, and the full effect by a year. It works only as long as you keep using it.

The fine print

Topical can dry or irritate the scalp or cause stray facial hair; oral can bring on fluid retention, dizziness, or extra body hair. Running it with a DHT blocker or microneedling gets more from it.