It’s Movember, and if you’re getting in the spirit, you might be trying to grow a moustache along with your colleagues, mates, or teammates. But, sadly, not all men can grow big, bushy beards. That's where an aid to help facial hair growth might come in handy.
Minoxidil Spray is an established treatment for hair growth – it is licensed as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness), but it is also used off-label to treat other hair loss disorders like alopecia areata and telogen effluvium. So, if it works on the scalp, how well does Minoxidil work for facial hair growth? We take a look at the existing evidence.
How does Minoxidil help with hair growth?
Originally, Minoxidil was a treatment for high blood pressure (hypertension), but users noticed a peculiar side effect - hair growth - leading to its approval as a treatment for male pattern baldness. Minoxidil is believed to increase hair growth by boosting blood flow to the hair follicles, increasing the nutrients and oxygen to create an optimal environment for growth. It is also believed to extend the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle, leading to longer and thicker hair strands.
Does Minoxidil work for beard growth?
Minoxidil as an effective treatment for hair regrowth on the head is well-documented, but the evidence for facial hair growth is more limited.
One of the most robust studies was a 16-week trial, which had 46 patients apply 0.5ml of 3% Minoxidil lotion to their beard area twice daily. Compared to the placebo group who did not use any Minoxidil, the increase in hair count compared to the starting point (baseline) was significant. The participants also rated their own progress, and the Minoxidil group had significantly superior results to the placebo group.
A study published in 2024 compared two identical twins, one of which applied a 5% Minoxidil lotion to his beard and moustache area for over a year, whereas the other did not use any treatment. After the first month, the twin applying Minoxidil noticed new, fine vellus hairs. A shedding phase followed, something that can also occur when starting Minoxidil on the scalp, but with continued use, his facial hair steadily thickened. After 16 months, his beard density and coverage were noticeably greater than his brother’s.
Another 2024 study published in Journal of Endocrinological Investigation evaluated 2% Minoxidil lotion in 16 transgender patients (assigned female at birth) seeking enhanced beard growth. Results showed significant improvements after both 3 and 6 months, which aligns with the typical 4-month anagen phase of facial hair. Only one participant discontinued due to irritation; the rest tolerated the treatment well.
Based on the little evidence we have, Minoxidil is safe and effective for improving facial hair growth, but larger, longer clinical trials are needed to say definitively.
Is beard growth permanent once you stop Minoxidil?
When used on the scalp as a hair loss treatment, Minoxidil must be used every day to maintain results. As with all medication, once it’s stopped it stops having an effect, so hair loss resumes, and any regrowth is gradually lost. This pattern is well-documented.
However, no published research has looked at the permanence of beard gains after stopping Minoxidil. That means we don’t know whether facial hair stimulated by Minoxidil remains long-term, or whether continued use is required to maintain results.
Anecdotal evidence on online forums like Reddit vary widely. Some men say they maintain their beard gains even after discontinuing Minoxidil, suggesting that the hair may become terminal and self-sustaining. Others report losing density over time once they stop treatment. Until formal studies are done, the question remains unanswered.
Research suggests that using tretinoin or dermarolling alongside Minoxidil can enhance its absorption, which may boost effectiveness. Because of this, some people combine these methods when targeting facial hair growth. Others turn to natural remedies such as Rosemary oil, which may be beneficial, but further research is needed on the benefits to say with confidence.
If you’d like to fill in gaps or get a fuller beard, take our free consultation for treatment recommendations.
All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.
