What it’s for
- Treatment of pattern hair loss
Minoxidil applied to the scalp as a solution or foam.
Purpose, evidence and practical considerations.
Controlled trials support hair-growth effects with continued use. Results and directions vary by formulation; topical and oral minoxidil have different risks.
Confidence: strong
Common effects include scalp irritation, dryness and unwanted facial or body hair; temporary early shedding can occur. Stop and seek care for chest pain, faintness, rapid heartbeat, swelling or unexplained weight gain. Keep away from children and pets because minoxidil is highly toxic to cats, and avoid broken skin or unlabelled application sites.
Topical minoxidil is converted in hair follicles to minoxidil sulfate and can prolong the anagen growth phase and enlarge miniaturized follicles. Response varies, takes months and generally requires continued use to maintain gains.
Regulatory status: Nonprescription topical minoxidil products are FDA-regulated for labelled pattern-hair-loss populations and scalp areas; labels differ by concentration and sex.
The evidence on this page does not automatically apply to:
How people use it, with their schedules, context and original sources.
5%, 1 mL · nightly · applied to the scalp each night
hair growth
Reviewed dosing context only; individual treatment decisions belong with a clinician.
Label directions commonly use 1 mL of solution or a specified foam amount per application for at least several months; follow the exact product label.
Dose and schedule patterns reported in public protocols; these are observations, not prescribing advice. Private and hidden usage is excluded.
These share a protocol with this intervention. This does not establish that they work together or are suitable alternatives.