¹Lucky, Anne W., et al. “A Randomised, Placebo-controlled Trial of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil Solutions in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss,” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, vol. 50, issue 4, 2004:541-553. https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622%2803%2904317-2/abstract.
It’s best known as a treatment for male hair loss, but did you know that minoxidil works for women, too?
Yep—it can help slow hair loss and drive regrowth. Read on to learn more.
Key Takeaways
- Minoxidil works for women and is generally considered safe
- Topical minoxidil is the only licensed treatment for female pattern hair loss in the UK, but oral minoxidil may be prescribed off-label
- You may start to see results within 4-6 months
What is minoxidil and how does it work for women?
Minoxidil is a hair loss medicine that works by increasing blood flow to your hair roots. This encourages new hairs to grow. It also extends the growth phase of the hair cycle, which slows hair loss and allows your hairs to grow longer.
You can get minoxidil as a topical product or tablet. Heads up: topical minoxidil is the only approved treatment in the UK for female pattern hair loss, but tablets can be prescribed off-label.
Does minoxidil work for women?
It does! Let’s take a look at what the research says:
- Women who took 2% or 5% topical minoxidil for 48 weeks had higher hair count than those on placebo.
- Hair density and thickness improved in women taking a 0.25mg daily tablet or 2% topical minoxidil for 9 months.
- In one analysis of multiple studies, women on 2% minoxidil solution had, on average, 12.4 more hairs/cm² after 24 weeks compared to placebo.
- Regular use improves not only the number of hairs but also the thickness of your individual strands.
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Topical vs oral minoxidil for women
So, how do these two options stack up?
-
Topical minoxidil
Oral minoxidil
Active ingredient
Minoxidil
Minoxidil
Brand names
Regaine
Loniten
How it’s taken
Foam, spray, or solution
Oral tablet
Doses
2% or 5% applied once or twice per day
0.25mg-2.5mg daily
Results
Comparable
Comparable
Availability
Can buy over the counter
Private prescription. May be prescribed off-label
FYI: There’s more evidence behind topical than oral minoxidil for women. But the research we do have suggests that they can drive comparable results.
Is minoxidil safe for women?
Generally, yes—minoxidil is considered safe for most women to take.
But there are some caveats here. You shouldn’t use minoxidil if:
- You’re pregnant or breastfeeding (more on this below).
- You have complete hair loss.
- You have uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- You have a condition that affects your scalp, and if you’re using any topical products to treat it.
Your provider will advise on whether minoxidil is right for you. Let them know if:
- You have heart disease.
- You’re taking any other medicines, including blood pressure medicines.
- You aren’t sure if your scalp is healthy.
Is minoxidil safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Currently, we don’t have enough evidence to confirm that minoxidil is safe when pregnant or breastfeeding. That’s why it’s not recommended for women in either of those groups.
Minoxidil side effects in women
What about side effects? Like all medicines, minoxidil can cause side effects. It depends whether you take minoxidil as a tablet, or as a topical product applied to your scalp.
Topical minoxidil side effects
The most common side effects include scalp itching or irritation and unwanted facial or body hair growth.
Oral minoxidil side effects
Unwanted facial or body hair growth is more common with oral formulations. Less common side effects include lightheadedness, fluid retention, headaches, and increased heart rate. Most side effects are mild and manageable without stopping treatment.
Some people experience temporary hair loss during their first 2-6 weeks on minoxidil. This is normal: minoxidil extends the hair growth phase, but pushes your hairs from the resting to the growth phase faster. Initially, this can cause shedding—but it usually clears up on its own.
How long does minoxidil take to work for women?
You might start to see results after around 4-6 months on minoxidil. To maintain them, you’ll need to keep taking minoxidil indefinitely.
Where to buy minoxidil for women in the UK
Topical minoxidil for women is available over the counter (you don’t need a prescription). But it’s a good idea to speak with your provider before starting.
You will need a private prescription for minoxidil tablets, though. Make sure you’re working with registered, qualified clinics—there’s no guarantee that products you get through backchannels are genuine or safe to take.
Get your hair back
If you’re worried about hair loss—we see you.
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