Minoxidil for hair loss

What it does

Minoxidil doesn't touch the hormonal side of hair loss — it acts on the follicle itself, boosting blood supply and holding hairs in their growth phase longer so they come in thicker and last longer. Because it drives growth rather than blocking DHT, it's usually run together with finasteride or dutasteride.

Topical or oral

• Topical 5% (foam or liquid): sold over the counter, applied once or twice a day.
• Low-dose oral (off-label): a single daily pill from a doctor — easier to remember, but it calls for monitoring, fluid retention being one example.

Timeline and odds

About 84% of people respond to some degree, with roughly 60% getting regrowth they'd call worthwhile. An early shed in the first weeks is normal; look for visible change near month three or four and the full result by twelve months. The effect holds only while you keep applying it.

Trade-offs

Topical can irritate or dry the scalp or spark stray facial hair; oral can bring fluid retention, lightheadedness, or extra body hair. Stacking it with a DHT blocker or microneedling squeezes more out of it.