Minoxidil beard is the buzz word nowadays but not everyone can grow a beard. Though there are men who grow coarse facial hair, others have a problem with sparse and uneven hair. In comes minoxidil, a product that was created to do something completely unrelated, but is now touted as a beard-growing miracle by the thousands of users online.So does minoxidil as a beard-growing product actually work? Is it safe? What then is the best way to use it? In this ultimate guide, we are going to discuss everything you need to know about the minoxidil beard experience.
What Is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil was first used in the medical world as an oral medication whose use was to treat high blood pressure but physicians observed an interesting side effect; hair growth. This finding gave rise to the creation of topical minoxidil (which is usually called by brand names such as Rogaine) to combat hair loss on the scalp.
The mechanism? Minoxidil improves the circulation to hair follicles, maintains them in the growing (anagen) phase and can reactivate dormant hair follicles. The same reasoning is now being used, off-label, to facial hair.
Does Minoxidil Work for Beard Growth?
The brief answer is, yes, it can work–but results are variable.
Online, thousands of men have posted their success stories, as they undergo transformation with minoxidil to grow their beards. Others transform practically overnight into full thick beards.
In 2016, the Journal of Dermatology published a clinical study examining how 3 percent minoxidil could help men with thin or patchy beards. The study revealed that there was statistically significant increase in beard density to that of a placebo group.
There is anecdotal evidence which is growing, but more studies are still required.
How to Use Minoxidil on Your Beard
1. Choose the Right Form
- Most people go with 5 percent minoxidil.
- Liquid solution is supposed to be stronger, but it can be oily and cause more dryness to skin.
- Foam version is dries faster and gentle on sensitive skin.
2. Application Routine
- Apply 1 ml product 2 times a day on to clean and dry skin.
- Apply using your fingers or dropper and target areas you would like beard to grow.
- Wear it On at least 4 hours prior to washing face or other product.
3. Stay Consistent
- Take it every day a few months.
- Passing over applications will drag the pace.
Managing Side Effects
Despite the fact that minoxidil is deemed safe to majority of the population, there is a chance that one may face:
- The itching, or redness
- Moisturizing a moisturized skin or beard every day with a moderate, not comedogenic, moisturizer, or beard oil.
- Burning sensation
In order to fight these effects:
- Moisturiser or an oil that is non comedogenic
- The treated ares should not be treated with other harsh skincare products.
- And in case you are feeling dizzy, having pains in your chest or heart beating unnaturally fastdiscontinue and seek medical help.
When Will You See Results?
What is key is the patience.
Let this be a very approximate chronology of what happens to most users:
- 1- 2 months: Darkening of the vellus (Slightly hairy peach fuzz) hairs pack
Hair Thinning reduces: - 3-6 months: It is visible thickness reductions and increase in density of locks
- 6 -12 months: Vellus- terminal (mature) hair changeover
The outcomes are genetic-based, regular, and the level of health.
Will the Results Be Permanent?
It is one of the questions that people are asking the most. So here is the deal:
After switching to terminal hairs, vellus hairs tend to remain when the use of minoxidil is discontinued.
But when you do not continue to full development the new hairs are likely to fall off.
Majority of the users will go further at least 6-12 months to lock their gains.
Tips for Best Results
You should maximize your minoxidil beard development by paying attention to the following instructions:
- Use a regime of moisturizing every day to avoid dryness and irritation.
- To see the progress, take photos every now and then to know the changes that take place.
- Eat a healthy diet that provides sufficient proteins, vitamins and minerals, but especially biotin, zinc and vitamin D.
- Sleep well and drink water, the body needs to rest in order to stimulate hair growth.
- Systematic shaving should be controlled to the occasional trimming; frequent shaving does not speed up the hair growth.
Final Thoughts
The growth of minoxidil beard is an individual thing. It is a game-changer to many people- it can help them grow the beard they desire. Although it is not a magic panacea, the science and anecdotes of those who have used it seem to indicate that it is worth trying out should you have trouble growing facial hair in a patchy or slow manner.
Like any treatment, research it, keep an eye on your body and see a healthcare provider (if you are worried).
FAQs
Minoxidil is a topical solution or foam that is used to treat hair loss and stimulate hair growth in such conditions as androgenetic alopecia.
The normal effect of regular application is seen in 3-6 months.
Yes, it is usable by both men and women, however, it may differ both by the formula and concentrations.
The most common side effects are itchiness, dryness or loss of the hair on the scalp within the first few weeks of use.
Stopping the use of minoxidil normally causes loss of regrown hair in few months.