Minoxidil for Beard Growth

Minoxidil, also commonly referred to by its trade name, Rogaine, is a blood-pressure medication that was once taken orally. After noting the side effects of extra hair growth, it was adapted into a topical solution to help regrow hair on the vertex of the scalp.

Because of its ability to help grow hair, minoxidil is often used by men to promote facial hair growth. 5% minoxidil is used the most in regards to beard growth, and some men have experienced progress while using 3%. It is not recommended to use anything higher than 5%, but many use those as well. Be careful if choosing to go over 5%, not only for the possibility of additional side effects, but also that mixtures above 5% tend to have DHT blockers included in the ingredients, rendering it suboptimal for the purpose of beard growth.

Minoxidil promotes growth by causing hair in the telogen phase to enter anagen, these being part of the hair cycle. As well, minoxidil opens potassium channels, which allows additional nutrients to reach the follicle. These two actions combined help hair grow full and strong; not only on the scalp, but also in the beard area of the face.

Contrary to the belief of some, minoxidil itself is not a DHT blocker. It does not inhibit the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, so its mechanism of growth is not what some believe it to be. One easy way of realizing that minoxidil is not a DHT blocker is to look at certain products; at times, they will include DHT-blocking ingredients and a higher percentage of minoxidil. This is for those that are using minoxidil on the scalp and don't find it effective in regrowing their hair.

When a man has a predisposition to male pattern baldness, it is indeed DHT that is the cause of the balding in many cases.

These men do not bald, however, from having higher levels of DHT than men that are not prone to balding. In fact, men that are not prone to male pattern baldness tend to have higher levels of DHT. Baldness will happen with normal levels of DHT, because if a man's scalp is sensitive to androgens due to genetics, he will naturally go bald in his lifetime, as a certainty. Aggressively blocking DHT with prescription drugs may considerably help scalp regrowth, at the cost of libido and other aspects of male health.

The same does not apply to the beard and androgen sensitivity is welcomed when it comes to the facial area. More DHT is always good, not only for facial hair but overall health.

As it is now, minoxidil is used successfully for areas of the scalp other than the vertex. But because scientific tests can cost a large amount of money, it has only been specifically tested and approved for sale of use on the vertex by the FDA. This does not mean that minoxidil can work on solely the vertex, it is simply that the product must specify such, as per testing only that area.

Of course, use caution when applying minox — whether to your scalp or face. Remember, doctors in many countries won't advise the use of minoxidil on your face, because it would malign with the FDA and what's been thoroughly tested. However, many dermatologists and doctors, particularly outside of the United States, have expressed the positivity of minoxidil promoting facial hair growth.

A clinical trial conducted by the Department of Dermatology, at The School of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine in Thaliand, the found minoxidil to be safe and effective for beard enhancement¹⁾.

• Headache
• Bloating (water retention)
• Dry skin
• Itchiness
• Irritation
• Rapid heartbeat
• Hair growth in areas of the body other than the application area

In relation to applying minoxidil to your face, the list above is not to be expected, but things to be aware of. Not everyone gets side effects, nor do they always get multiple if they have one (usually dry skin).

Consult with a doctor if you experience any drastic side effects.

The Minox Beard Spot (TMBS) is a closed Facebook group which was created on June 3rd, 2015, by Basik Ali Coe. Now hosting thousands of members, the intention of the group is to discuss the usage of minoxidil for the purpose of growing more facial hair.

From men with little to no facial hair at all, to transgender individuals, to men that just want to improve the growth they already have, TMBS has seen minoxidil journeys from a large variety of people.

While minoxidil has been used for years before The Minox Beard Spot was founded, it stands as the largest English-speaking group that focuses primarily on minoxidil beards.

• Guide on using minoxidil for beard growth
• The Minox Beard Spot on Facebook
• The Beard Solution on Youtube