Will prolonged usage (8+ months) of Minoxidil spur *permanent* terminal hair growth? See questions details for specifics.

Question

There is a very popular trend of using Minoxidil (Rogaine) on men's beard area to spur facial hair growth for men who do not have much facial hair. Non-professionals who have tried this process have noted that using minoxidil in the short term will develop temporary "vellus" hairs, but long term usage (8+ months) the hairs would become "terminal"/permanent. Is this accurate? I just want to ensure that if I use minoxidil for an extended period of time that I will not lose my growth.

Robert Nettles, MD · Answer

As the other doctors have already said, hair growth from Minoxidil is dependent on continued use of the drug.  There are now however newer, more effective hair growth solutions available. Look for a hair loss doctor who specializes in hair regrowth and can back it up with a money back guarantee.

Parsa Mohebi, MD, FISHRS · Answer

A couple of facts regarding minoxidil use:
First, to get any appreciable growth you would have to use 5% minoxidil  twice a day for a minimum of 6 months before making a decision on whether it is working and then whether you want to continue it.
Second, should you decide to stop it at 6 months, or 6 years the hairs that were dependent on the minoxidil for their initial response and continued maintenance will eventually be lost over the weeks to months after the cessation of the drug.  In other words, the idea behind minoxidil is to strengthen the existing native hair and to help maintain those teetering miniaturized hairs but, it does so during the time that you apply it. 
If you do not get the results you are hoping for an alternative would be beard to beard or scalp to beard transplant.

Joyce Davis, MD · Answer

Results vary.  Many people using Minoxidil (men and women) will just grow soft, vellus hair (peach fuzz).  Nevertheless, I have seen true, dark hair grow from just Minoxidil use.  If the Minoxidil is stopped the results will gradually return to baseline.  So, this becomes a maintenance  product.  This drug can be used on various areas of face and body to grow hair. The dose is limited  to approximately 1cc once or twice daily.  Not really enough to cover a beard.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

This drug produces hair that is dependent upon the use of the drug. When it is withdrawm the hair that was produced by the drug is usually lost which makes your hair addicted to the drug.

Will prolonged usage (8+ months) of Minoxidil spur permanent terminal hair growth? See questions details for specifics.

Answers (4)

Answer: Minosodil

Answer: Minosodil

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rogaine

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Will prolonged usage (8+ months) of Minoxidil spur *permanent* terminal hair growth? See questions details for specifics.

Answers (4)

Answer: Minosodil

Answer: Minosodil

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rogaine

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Will prolonged usage (8+ months) of Minoxidil spur permanent terminal hair growth? See questions details for specifics.