Hair thinning? Here’s what experts say on choosing the right minoxidil for women’s hair growth

Hair growth can be a long and complicated journey.

Perhaps, you’ve already cycled through countless serums, shampoos, conditioners and masks — and maybe even tried red-light therapy — yet nothing works.

According to Tracy Evans, MD, MPH, Board Certified Dermatologist and Medical Director of Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology, a normal hair cycle is quite lengthy. The hair growth phase, known as anagen, can last anywhere from two to seven years for scalp hairs.

However, one breakthrough drug has been shown to offer serious results. According to Evans, most minoxidil users will see improvement after six months to a year. Currently, minoxidil is available in several forms, including serums, foams, and oral medication — and it works for both men and women.

Evans explained that minoxidil, which was previously used as a medication for high blood pressure, helps hair grow longer and thicker by increasing blood flow to the hair follicle, which brings more oxygen, nutrients and growth factors essential for hair growth.

“It also modulates the hair growth cycle by shortening the rest cycle of the hair (telogen phase) and prolonging the active growth cycle (anagen phase),” said Evans. “Additionally, some patients experience increased hair growth of their eyelashes, eyebrows and other body hair.”

Many men opt for minoxidil over finasteride treatment, as finasteride blocks the sex hormone DHT and can potentially lead to sexual side effects. However, Evans also highlighted that minoxidil could be especially useful for women, who are also seeking a hormone-free option.

“For women, it has the added benefit over other medications like oral spironolactone of not affecting the menstrual cycle,” she shared. “Minoxidil is an easy medication to take with very few side effects.”

That being said, minoxidil can still cause potential side effects. For more information on how to choose the right minoxidil brand and what to expect during your treatment, head to our FAQ section below.

While the FDA-approved topical minoxidil concentration for women is 2%, many experts — including Evans — suggest starting with a higher dose. Brands like Ulo offer a strong 7% minoxidil formula, which could be the right choice for someone looking for visible results. Ulo also offers support from licensed prescribers so women can receive personalized care. The formula is completely customizable; users can choose to add growth stimulants like cetirizine (1%), melatonin (0.01%), and caffeine (0.2%). These unique additives target hair loss from different angles by stimulating blood flow and supporting a healthy growth cycle. Plus, the optional tretinoin can make it easier for minoxidil to penetrate the hair follicles and get to work. While a slightly stronger formula could cause some side effects, Ulo’s formula intentionally excludes propylene glycol, which helps reduce typical side effects like flakiness and scalp irritation. It’s a compelling choice if you’re after a prescription-strength topical.

Active Ingredients: Minoxidil, tretinoin (optional) | Expected Results: Results in three to four months

For those seeking a lower-dose option, Hers offers a 2% minoxidil formula. This over-the-counter concentration is generally gentler than prescription alternatives, making it a great choice for women just starting minoxidil. A 2% concentration may help users avoid unwanted side effects, such as facial hair growth and scalp irritation, and Hers also includes a liquid dropper for precise application, ensuring the formula reaches the scalp directly. Keep in mind, however, that a lower dose may not be as effective for everyone as higher-strength options.

Active Ingredients: Minoxidil | Expected Results: Results in three to six months

Rogaine’s popular minoxidil solution follows Evan’s recommendation for 5% minoxidil — and it’s a well-known name brand with strong user reviews. While both foams and serums are effective options, the foam can be gentler on sensitive skin. Rogaine’s formula does not use propylene glycol, an ingredient found in many liquids that can cause scalp irritation like itching and dryness. While this can be a huge draw for some users, the foam format could also be more difficult to apply directly to the scalp than a dropper or spray. Some of the product could be wasted, and it’s possible that the formulation won’t absorb as well into the scalp.

Active Ingredients: Minoxidil | Expected Results: Results in two to four months

While some women prefer starting with a lower-dose, Evan’s recomends a 5% minoxodil formula for effective hair growth. RootStim offers that 5% concentration, plus it’s infused with another key botanical that could help maximize results. The inclusion of rosemary oil can help mask the chemical scent and may provide soothing properties to help reduce scalp irritation. Aditionally, the simple spray application can be easier and less messy to apply than traditional dropper serums. As far as a budget-friendly formula goes, Rootstim’s minoxidil is a solid choice.

Active Ingredients: Minoxidil | Expected Results: Results in three to six months

For women who have not responded well to typical foams or liquid minoxidil treatments, oral tablets could be a stronger option. Happy Head’s prescription-strength oral solution is fast-working and absorbed effectively in the liver, which could be more effective for women struggling with severe hair loss issues. Taking a once-a-day pill could also be easier than application, and users can avoid some of the typical scalp side effects like dryness and itchiness. 

Since the drug must travel all the way to the liver to work, the tradeoff is that oral minoxidil comes with potential cardiovascular side effects. Some users have reported dizziness and lightheadedness. Temporary shedding is also possible due to the higher potency of the oral format.

Active Ingredients: Minoxidil | Expected Results: Results in three to six months

Best Minoxidil Brands for Women FAQ

For guidance on minoxidil use for women, The Post consulted Tracy Evans, MD, MPH, Board Certified Dermatologist and Medical Director of Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology.

What should you look for in a minoxidil product?

For oral minoxidil, Evans recommends the generic 2.5 milligrams to be taken once daily by mouth. For topical minoxidil, she suggests an over-the-counter foam or solution that is at least 5%. Some women still may opt to use the 2.5% solution in hopes of reduced side effects.

“There are also formulations that have been compounded by pharmacies,” explained Evans.

These versions must be prescribed by healthcare producers — and may offer higher doses, such as 7% or 10% minoxoodil. Other formulas may contain ingredients that help to reduce scalp irritation from minoxidil, such as topical steroids.

Does minoxidil work for a receding hairline?

“Minoxidil works for all hairs over the body, including eyebrows, eyelashes, scalp, other body hair and a receding hairline,” she shared, while adding it works “best on the vertex scalp (top of the head).”

A receding hairline can be one of the more difficult areas to treat, according to Evans, if it’s receding over a long period of time. She suggests starting treatment early to prevent hair loss.

Are there minoxidil side effects?

While minoxidil is generally considered safe, Evans pointed out that there are some potential side effects. She stressed that patients with a history of cardiac problems should not use the oral medication. Oral minoxidil can lower blood pressure and interact with other medications.

“This is a medication that does have side effects, including: edema (swelling), hypertrichosis (excess hair growth in unwanted places), tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), headaches and dizziness, paradoxically, temporary hair shedding for some people as minoxidil shifts hair into a new growth cycle,” she explained.

For the topical medication, the most common side effect is irritation of the skin on the scalp. “Because of this, some patients will stop the medication. Using a compounded formula, such as an anti-inflammatory, like a topical steroid prescribed by a healthcare provider, can prevent this irritation.”

Is minoxidil safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

According to Evans, Minoxidil is not considered safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding because there is no data to support it. She also pointed out that there have been some case reports of minoxidil causing damage to the fetus.

How is men’s minoxidil different from women’s minoxidil?

Evans explained that women are often steered toward 2.5% Minoxidil rather than the 5% version used by men. As she previously highlighted, one of the potential side effects of minoxidil is the risk of hypertrichosis (unwanted facial hair). A woman may opt for a lower-dose in hopes of avoiding this risk.

However, Evans believes that a slightly higher dose is still the most effective at treating hair loss. “I always recommend that patients use the higher dosage,” she said. “For the oral dosing, we start at half a dose, 1.7 milligrams  for one month, and then increase it to 2.5 milligrams each day for both men and women.”

How long does it take for minoxidil to work?

Evans warns that it’s rare to see quick changes in your hair.

“A normal hair cycle is very long,” explained Evans. “The growth phase, anagen, can last for two to seven years for scalp hairs.”

According to Evans, most minoxidil users will see improvement after six months to a year.

What happens if you stop using minoxidil?

Once you stop using minoxidil, Evans explained that it is very likely the hair will return to the state it was before starting the treatment. However, she has seen some patients who achieve regrowth that remains with them.

This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to the viral Oura Ring to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable toddler by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.