Topical Minoxidil for Beard Enhancement: First Published Study

Study Shows Minoxidil lotion helps beard growth

Facial hair growth is important to many males. Despite the widespread use of topical minoxidil for use in androgenetic alopecia and many other off-label uses, there have been few studies specifically related to facial hair.

In 2016, authors from Thailand set out to review the benefits of topical minoxidil in facial hair growth

The authors conducted a 16-week randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study of forty-eight men aged 20– 60 who wanted to improve beard hair growth. Patients were instructed to apply 0.5 mL of the topical assigned solution on the chin and jawline twice daily.

Patients’ beard photographs were taken for global photographic score as a primary efficacy assessment every 4 weeks. Three physicians evaluated photographs on a 7-point scale (+3 to
3). The changes in hair counts and diameter from baseline served as a secondary efficacy assessment. The measurement landmark was 3-cm lower from the vermilion border of the lower lip at the midline.

What were the results ?

Forty-six of 48 patients completed the study. At week 16, the global photographic score in the minoxidil group was significantly higher than in the placebo group (P = 0.002). Patients also rated their improvement as greater in the treatment group. Hair counts increased more in the treatment group than in the placebo group (5.00 vs 0.35). There was no statistically significant changes in hair diameters

The conclusion of this study was that minoxidil 3% lotion is effective and safe for beard enhancement.

REFERENCE

Ingprasert S et al. Efficacy and safety of minoxidil 3% lotion for beard enhancement: A randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study. J Dermatol . 2016 Aug;43(8):968-9. doi: 10.1111/1346-8138.13312. Epub 2016 Feb 19.