Minoxidil - Does it help to grow beard?

Minoxidil is not generally used for the face to grow a beard.  If you are concerned see your doctor for an exam.

Minoxidil is a general hair stimulant, so any location where minoxidil is applied will tend to grow longer and more coarse, robust hair, including the beard area. Minoxidil is not going to generate hair follicles where none exist, but can be a very helpful tool for many patients. Skin irritation is the most common side effect. Beard transplantation is an option for a thin beard as well.
All the best,

I do not believe there is a clear, correct yes or no answer. In one study published in 2016 in the Journal of Dermatology, minoxidil was found to be safe and slightly more effective than placebo for beard growth. In my opinion, you could undoubtedly try minoxidil for a year and see for yourself.If, after a year, there is no improvement, you can consider beard transplantation. There is no better and safer way to treat a thin or absent beard permanently.

What is minoxidil?
Minoxidil is a topical treatment usually found as a scalp spray or dropped serum that is given to patients when they have early stages of hair fall or hair redundancy issues.
How does minoxidil work?
This topical medication works by promoting vasodilation to the region applied, or in simpler terms it increases the blood flow to the area it is applied on.
How does enhanced circulation boost hair growth?
The increased blood flow in turn promotes the growth of the hair follicles present in the region (owing to growth factors found in platelets).
Does minoxidil work only on the scalp?
As mentioned above, the compund works by boosting blood flow, therefore, it can also be applied to areas like the beard or mustache to enhance their growth if found dormant.
Does minoxidil work for every patient?
Not necasserily, minoxidil is a part of the treatment plan provided to patients with early on hair fall or reduction in hair growth. Therefore, if the patient has had redundant hair or any other co-morbidities like male pattern baldness, alopecia etc in later stages, there may be little to no effect. Though one nee not lose hope, at times a combination of minoxidil with other treatments like supplements and hair care routines may do the trick.
What other treatments are available?
Other treatments like platelet rich plasma therapy and low level laser therapy is prompted as the next step in the treatment protocol. The final option would become a beard transplant.

Minoxidil works by dilating the blood vessels. If the hair follicles are not in a long term dormant phase there is the possibility using minoxidil will promote a change in the hair growth phases. This could occur if used on the beard area. Really dependent on expectations and the hair that is in the area. Will it promote new hair growth the answer is no. 

Rogaine may be used to grow beard hair. It can cause dryness of the skin, thus I would suggest using the 5% foam every other day to start out with and then if tolerated, daily thereafter.

Currently this fashionable to wear a beard and a symbol of social code in many communities. Those who have taken issue with the beard growth we are aware how stressful it could become not having a thick beard and bushy mustache.The options you have is to use minoxidil 2% and apply it every other day just before go bed, with dry and clean beard (very important, not before 12 hours of shaved to not irritate the skin.)Wash with a dandruff shampoo twice daywait for results 30 days ... but realistically, not grow more than 2 -3 cm per month, then do not check every 5 minutes if the beard is growing!do not use for more than 4 weeks in a row.(a good choice is capillary Ma Evans lotion because it is not often that irritates)

There has never been large independent scientific studies and certainly most are well aware it's not FDA approved for this useNevertheless, I have had at least a handful of patients reporting benefits. It is quite drying so many who do choose to use must use frequent moisturization. Some are easily irritated. Understand the side effects is critical for anyone starting Minoxidil - headaches, dizziness, heart palpitations must be monitored.  For such off label uses, check with your dermatologist or hair physician and start slow. . 

Minoxidil is used to promote blood flow to an area. Thus it will help grow hair where ever it is placed. It will help grow a beard faster and thicker.