Minoxidil is a potent treatment when looking to grow hair back or when aiming to stop losing any further hair. So, when it comes to the method of treating these issues, you’ll likely want to know which is the most effective and best for you.
In this article, we’ll examine some of the main differences between applying the treatment orally or topically.
What is Topical Minoxidil?
The topical route is applying solution onto the affected area. The scalp would then absorb the cream’s properties through enzymes.
Advantages of Topical Minoxidil
It’s extremely simple to apply and is viewed as less invasive than tablets. Rare bloating and heartbeat side effects potentially occur with the capsules but are less likely to do so with something that hasn’t directly entered your body.
What is Oral Minoxidil?
This is a form of treatment in which you swallow a capsule and a second line of treatment to topical minoxidil. Oral Minoxidil is an off-license treatment for hair loss and research suggests it is as effective as the topical version.
Advantages of Oral Minoxidil
Minoxidil works by expanding your blood vessels to allow nutrients and oxygen in. The sulfotransferase enzyme, found on the scalp and, importantly for Oral Minoxidil to work, is also found in the liver. Because not every man possesses this crucial enzyme on their scalp, Oral Minoxidil is thought to work by targeting the enzyme in the liver to produce effective results for hair regrowth.
Aside from the aforementioned effectiveness, some men can’t use the topical substance, occasionally due to local reactions to the liquid.
Can you use both Oral and Topical Minoxidil together?
Some people choose to use both methods of treatment together trying to optimise their results, however the medical experts at Sons do not recommend using Oral and Topical Minoxidil together. Oral Minoxidil may be a better option for you if you have experienced side effects with the topical version, or you find it difficult to stay consistent with topical Minoxidil. Oral Minoxidil will work alone in targeting the enzymes required to regenerate hair growth and because it comes in set dosages, it can be dangerous to double up on your hair loss treatment.
Deciding between Oral and Topical Minoxidil
Taking Oral Minoxidil avoids needing to make sure your hair is totally dry before applying the Topical Minoxidil. While there is a dosage pump on the Topical Minoxidil bottle, some men prefer to have the fixed amount a capsule provides.
If Topical Minoxidil doesn’t work for you or doesn’t agree with you, then Oral Minoxidil is increasingly viewed as an effective alternative to still reap the benefits of Minoxidil without the side effects.
All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.
