Minoxidil for Women and Hair Loss: What to Know Before Using the Hair-Regrower

Interested in trying minoxidil if you’re like us and dealing with hair loss? Before and after minoxidil transformation photos are amazing because it actually works for those dealing with a receding hairline, maintaining hair they currently have or facing a history of hair loss. And after all, minoxidil is the No. 1 recommended and FDA-approved treatment for hair loss that dermatologists and hair loss experts sing the praises of. Well, before you get started using the treatment, there are a few things to know about minoxidil for women and the minoxidil side effects. Maybe you didn’t know that at first you will lose some hair — don’t fret, this is a totally normal aspect of hair’s growth cycle and hair does grow back! To learn all you need to know before using minoxidil, keep scrolling.

Why is minoxidil so great for hair loss?

Really what is all the praise for minoxidil about?! The explanation behind how minoxidil works isn’t totally clear. But there are studies that back up minoxidil’s effectiveness when treating hair loss by increasing growth and resulting in thicker hair. It’s also worth noting that minoxidil for women can be used both orally and topically to stimulate new hair growth.

What to know before using minoxidil and some of the minoxidil side effects

When topically applying minoxidil, here are a few things to be mindful of.

1. Hair will shed when you first use minoxidil

Yes you read that right, you will lose some hair within the first weeks of using minoxidil. Mandy Buechner, trichologist and hair loss practitioner, insists that this is a common minoxidil side effect. The reason why this happens is, “Minoxidil can cause a shift from the telogen (resting or dormant) phase of hair growth to the anagen (active growth) phase,” she says. “This means that hairs that were in the resting phase need to shed to make way for new hair growth.”  

TikToker and dermatologist Aamna Adel touches on this and some of the other minoxidil side effects in her video below.

2. Using minoxidil is a long-term commitment

Another thing to be aware of when using minoxidil for women is that in order to maintain the results that come with using the treatment, you have to be committed to using it consistently. Dermatologist Sam Ellis, MD, explains in more detail in her video below.

3. Yes, you can use men's minoxidil formulas

Forget the formulas that are just marketed to men, women can and should use them too. They also often have a higher concentration of minoxidil, which can help you see results faster. Dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD, attests to this in her TikTok below. Note: Some women can deal with irritation when using a five percent formula of minoxidil versus a two percent one, so keep that in mind and adjust the concentration as needed.

4. When to add minoxidil to your hair care routine

You’ll want to use minoxidil twice a day to get the best results, so apply it both morning and night. It can be used on dry hair and should be the last step to any hair care routine. Dr. Adel shows the best way to apply it and some tips in her TikTok below.

5. Minoxidil is toxic to pets

For those that have furry friends in their home, this is an important minoxidil side effect to be aware of. There are reports that minoxidil is toxic to cats and dogs. So it’s best to be mindful about using and exposing pets to minoxidil when using the treatment. The good news is that pet deaths related to minoxidil exposure are low, but still be weary of using it around them.

6. There are ways to help minoxidil work better

Using minoxidil in tandem with scalp dermarolling helps boost hair growth as it allows the treatment to sink into the scalp better. Plus, it increases circulation to help hair get and stay in an active growth phase. 

Additionally, applying a retinol, specifically tretinoin, when using minoxidil for women is another way to encourage hair growth. That’s because this retinol increases the levels of a natural enzyme on the scalp that is imperative to converting minoxidil to its active form so it can reverse thinning.

7. Pairing minoxidil with other hair growth treatments will speed results

Another option to boost the benefits of minoxidil is to try it with laser hair therapy. Lasers have also been shown to prolong the growth phase of hair. TikToker @hyperthrill talks about this and a few of the tricks mentioned above in his video below.

See more tips that help with thinning hair:

6 Surprising Ways To Help Your Hair Grow and Reverse Hair Loss for Women Over 50

Best Hair Brushes for Thinning Hair: 5 Options That Work for All Hair Types and Promote Hair Growth

How Topical Caffeine for Hair Growth Works to Reverse Thinning and Hair Loss If You’re Over 50