Beards and mustaches may be trendy, but only some people who try to grow facial hair are happy with the results.

That’s why some men consider using  Minoxidil to help their beards grow.

Minoxidilis well-known as an affordable, over-the-counter hair growth treatment for the scalp.

The primary benefit of  Minoxidilis is that it helps maintain existing hair growth. There 85% of males face hair thinning by the age of 50. 

However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only tested and approved it for treating a specific part of your scalp called the vertex, which is at the top of your head.

Even though beard hair naturally gets thinner as you get older.  Other things, like fungal infections or autoimmune disorders, can make it hard to grow the beard you want.

Minoxidilisn’t known to help with (or FDA-approved for) beard hair loss, but some people say it’s worth a shot.

Here’s what the research says about Rogaine as a beard treatment.

Minoxidil for beard growth

To understand how Minoxidil is supposed to work, it helps to know how hair grows:

  • Your hair starts to grow from cells in your hair follicles made of protein. Follicles are the little sacs in your skin that hold hair. This is the beginning of the Anagen stage.
  • The protein cells around the follicle are fed by blood vessels, which helps the hair grow longer. This is the second stage of the Anagen phase.
  • As the hair grows, it comes up and out of the skin. An oil gland in the skin lubricates the hair as it grows. This is when the hair enters the catagen phase when it stops growing.
  • Over time, the hair falls out of the follicle, and the growth cycle starts again. The name for this is the telogen phase.
Fact
This process takes years for scalp hair. This cycle lasts only a few months for hair on your beard and other body parts, like your eyebrows.

Minoxidil’s primary function is to open up blood vessels. 

This means it widens the blood vessels and makes the hair follicles bigger so the hair can grow during the Anagen phase.

Then, the hair falls out much more slowly, making the hair look thicker and more packed.

It is believed that it works even better and faster because the blood vessels in your face are more prominent than those in your head.

Minoxidil for mustache growth

Minoxidil for mustache
Minoxidil for mustache

Be careful if you choose to use Minoxidil on your mustache hair.

After puberty, both beard and mustache hair start to grow. 

Hormones like Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) have a more enormous effect on mustache growth than on scalp hair growth.

Minoxidil may affect mustache hair the same way it affects beard hair.

But research has yet to be done on this. It’s hard to say if the results of a similar trial would be the same. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Dermatology found that a 3% Minoxidil lotion worked better than a placebo.

How to use Minoxidil for beard

Minoxidil is a topical medication used to stimulate hair growth and can be used to promote facial hair growth, such as a beard.

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Here are some steps on how to apply Minoxidil for beard growth:

Start with a clean face

Before applying Minoxidil, ensure your face is clean and dry. 

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry with a towel.

Apply Minoxidil to your beard area

Applying beard oil
Applying Minoxidil

Using the dropper with the Minoxidil solution, apply 1 ml to the area you want to grow hair. 

You can use your fingers or a clean cotton swab to spread the solution evenly.

Massage the solution into your skin

Use your fingers to massage the solution into your skin gently. 

This helps the solution penetrate the skin and reach the hair follicles.

Let the solution dry

Allow the solution to dry completely before touching your face or applying other products. 

This usually takes about 4 hours.

Apply Minoxidil twice a day

To get the best results, you should apply Minoxidil twice daily, once in the morning and once at night.

Be consistent

It’s essential to use Minoxidil regularly and consistently to see results. 

It can take several months to see significant hair growth, so be patient and stick with it.

Warning
Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment.

Conclusion

Minoxidil works for treating hair on the vertex of the head. 

There is not much evidence that it can help the growth of beard as well. 

Before you use Minoxidil on your beard, you should talk to your doctor about the possible side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I rub Minoxidil in beard?

Yes, you can apply Minoxidil over your beard. Put 1 mL of liquid solution on the area where your beard is. A ” meniscus ” line helps you put on the right amount on the dropper dispenser.

Can I grow a beard with Minoxidil?

There isn’t much proof that Minoxidil helps your beard grow. Minoxidil can also be irritating if it gets in your eyes. Therefore, it is necessary to rinse them immediately once it happens.

How long do you leave Minoxidil on your beard?

After putting on the Minoxidil, let it dry completely for 2 to 4 hours, even before going to bed. If your hair or scalp isn’t parched after using Minoxidil, it can stain clothes, hats, and bed sheets.

Can I wash my beard after Minoxidil?

Minoxidil should be left on for at least 4 to 6 hours, but 8 hours is best. 75% of the minoxidil is absorbed after 4 hours. Wash your hands immediately after taking this medicine to eliminate any drugs on them.

Can I apply Minoxidil once a day?

Minoxidil works best when used twice daily, but it will still work if you only use it once daily. Many people find that taking medicine daily before bed is the easiest way.

Citations:
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