Minoxidil is a treatment for hair loss that takes 8 to 12 weeks to start working with consistent use. You can take it as a low-dose oral tablet, or a topical foam or spray. Minoxidil and finasteride are the only two approved treatments for male pattern baldness (also known as androgenic alopecia). If you’ve heard of the brands Rogaine and Regaine, minoxidil is the main ingredient.
Minoxidil doesn’t create new follicles, it revives dormant ones. Originally developed to treat high blood pressure because it widens blood vessels, minoxidil can treat hair loss because it improves blood flow to your hair follicles. This means more nutrients and oxygen reach your scalp. In turn, your hair follicles are stimulated and healthy, so you have more regrowth.
Let’s break down how long it takes for minoxidil to work on this cycle of regrowth.
Minoxidil timeline at a glance
If you want to see results more quickly with minoxidil, the key is to use it regularly. At first, you might wonder if it’s really working because there is usually an increase in hair shedding at first—but don’t panic, this is part of the process. Stay consistent, and it will pay off. Here’s what to expect:
Months 1 to 2: Possibility of more hair shedding. This means the treatment is actually stimulating new hair growth and pushing the old, weaker hairs out.
Months 3 to 4: Hair loss should slow down and you notice some regrowth with fine “vellus” hairs starting to appear.
Months 5 to 6: You start to see noticeable results, including more scalp coverage and thicker hair, with thinner areas beginning to fill in.
Months 9 to 12: If you continue your regular treatment plan, you’ll see consistently stronger regrowth, with thicker hair and improved texture.
How to tell minoxidil is working
You’ll be able to tell if minoxidil is working for you with a few key signs. Look out for:
- Initial shedding: Increased hair shedding at the start is actually a good sign. It shows the medication is working by pushing out weaker hairs to make room for new, healthier growth
- Reduced shedding: Fewer hairs in your shower drain, on your pillow, or in your brush as the shedding phase passes
- New growth: Short, fine hairs that appear along your hairline or crown that gradually get darker and thicker
- A disappearing scalp: Your scalp becomes less visible, especially around the crown or temples
It helps to take weekly or monthly photos to track your progress over time. Make sure to use the same mirror and lighting for the most accurate before-and-after photos. If you want to get even more precise, measure your part width with a ruler to monitor new growth.
Oral vs topical minoxidil: Which is faster?
Research shows that oral minoxidil tablets (only available on prescription) and topical minoxidil sprays or foams have similar effectiveness overall (see our guide on oral vs topical minoxidil for a full comparison), though oral minoxidil may produce results slightly faster in some people.
However, oral minoxidil is more likely to cause a wider range of side effects, including:
- Mild ankle or foot swelling
- Unwanted hair growth in other areas
- Lightheadedness
- Heart palpitations. This often improves after a few weeks and is not usually a concern unless you also have other symptoms.
If you experience any of these side effects with oral minoxidil, check in with your healthcare provider to review your treatment plan.
The side effects of topical minoxidil are usually milder and limited to your scalp.
How long does minoxidil take to work on your beard and eyebrows?
How long minoxidil works for beard and eyebrow growth can vary among users. Facial hair could respond more slowly or less predictably than scalp hair, which typically takes 6-12 months before you see noticeable changes.
Important: Minoxidil isn't licensed for beards or eyebrows, so don't apply it without speaking to a healthcare provider first. They'll need to review whether it's appropriate for you and may prescribe it off-label if they determine the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
Using minoxidil with finasteride: Does it speed up results?
Combining minoxidil and finasteride can speed up hair growth. It's more effective than using either treatment alone because they work differently.
Minoxidil stimulates hair growth while finasteride blocks the enzyme 5-alpha reductase (5AR). This stops testosterone converting to dihydrotestosterone; the main hormone that causes hair loss.
When using minoxidil and finasteride together on MANUAL’s complete hair loss plan, most men notice improvements within six months.
You shouldn’t mix minoxidil with other hair treatments without expert guidance. Purchasing it through MANUAL gives you access to our clinical team who will help to monitor your plan and any side effects.
Practical tips to see results sooner
Your hair won’t grow back quicker if you use more than the intended dose of minoxidil, or use it more often than you should. So stick to the prescribed treatment plan to minimise side effects.
You can improve your minoxidil results with a few practical steps:
- Apply consistently, skipping applications slows your hair growth progress.
- Wait at least 4 hours before washing your hair or scalp to make sure it’s properly absorbed.
- Combine minoxidil with a DHT blocker like finasteride.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, biotin, zinc, and vitamin D for healthy hair growth. Hair vitamins may help fill any nutritional gaps
- Chronic stress can cause hair loss. Regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and getting enough sleep can help to reduce stress.
Ultimately, consistency matters more than any single tip, so stick with your routine for at least six months.
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