The Benefits of Topical Minoxidil for Facial hair

Topical Minoxidil helps Facial hair Growth

Many males value good facial hair growth. Growth patterns are strongly genetically determined. There is a tremendous amount of information online about using topical minoxidil to enhance facial hair. Despite all these anecdotal reports, few studies have been done. An important study to note was a 2016 study by Ingprasert et al. This was a randomized study of 48 males using 3 % minoxidil for facial hair growth (…to review, click on the link).

Shokravi and  Zargham, 2024

In a new study, the authors present a case showing the potential benefits of topical minoxidil for facial hair. What was unique in this report was that the patients were identical twin males. One used minoxidil, and one did not. The twins had similar facial hair density before using minoxidil.

TWIN 1: used ¾ cap topical 5% minoxidil foam for over a year on the beard and mustache area

TWIN 2: did not use topical minoxidil

Results in Treated Twin

The study's authors described that the twin using minoxidil had improvements in facial hair that were not seen in the untreated twin. New, finer, lighter-colored hairs were noted by month 1. A modest increase in facial hair density was noted by month 2. The treated twin reported shedding of the hairs in the beard area approximately three months after initiating minoxidil.

Overall, after 16 months of use, the minoxidil-treated twin had a greater hair count and density in both the beard and mustache areas.

Photos show the differences in facial hair ten days after shaving.

SIDE EFFECTS

There were no major side effects.

Minimal mild side effects with foam minoxidil use included:

• Mild skin dryness

• hypertrichosis on the ears and forehead

• An increase in body hair (chest, abdomen, forearms, and legs)

Interestingly, the patient initially used minoxidil solution but switched to the foam due to DRY FLAKY SKIN.

CONCLUSION

This study concluded that topical minoxidil is one strategy to consider for males wishing to improve facial hair growth.

REFERENCES*

Shokravi A and  Zargham  H. Facial hair enhancement with minoxidil-an off-label use. SAGE Open Med Case Rep. 2024 Feb 23:12:2050313X241231490. doi: 10.1177/2050313X241231490. eCollection 2024.

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.