Is it safe to use Minoxidil for beard growth?

Question

Hello Doctors! I am 25 years old and i have a patchy beard on my chin and i am unable to grow beard on the cheeks ever since. A friend of mine suggested me to look out for minoxidil 5%. Does it have any side effects in the long run? If yes, then what alternative should i opt? Please suggest.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

There is no evidence that it increases growth in beards although patients have had success there. Prp and progesterone can be used to give improvement. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a hair growth expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Ilhan Serdaroglu, MD · Answer

Lets be scientific and realistic. After 25 years no medication or topical used treatment do provide regrowt of beard on your face. You can try it but honestly it will not work .Beard area may restored with HT.You may plan  a hair transplant surgery from scalp skin follicular units to beard area with FUE to have facial hair.

Michael Meshkin, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

It is not officially advertised or recommended for hair growth in beard area. But you can try and see if it works for you.  Since facial skin is more sensitive, it  may get dry and get red and irritated.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Some people have tried to get beard growth with minoxidil and it sometimes works.  Worth a try certainly. IF by the time you are 26 and you still don't have beard growth, either accept it, wait it out for a fefw more years or get a beard transplant, something we do not infrequently.

Is it safe to use Minoxidil for beard growth?

Answers (4)