Background
Minoxidil is a topical medication which is used to encourage hair growth, particularly in men with male pattern baldness. It works by blocking a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is involved in hair loss. It is available as a foam or a solution which can be applied directly to the scalp or face to stimulate hair growth. However, it is also increasingly being used by men who are growing or maintaining facial hair, particularly beards. It is thought to not only stimulate hair growth in these areas, but also to thicken and darken existing facial hair.
How it Works
Minoxidil is believed to work by stimulating the growth of new blood vessels around the hair follicles, which then improve the follicles’ ability to absorb important nutrients such as oxygen and other nutrients. This improved nutrition is thought to result in more vigorous and thicker hair growth. Research also suggests that minoxidil helps to reduce inflammation and improve hair follicle reactivation, both of which can contribute to successful beard growth.
The amount of time it takes for minoxidil to work can vary significantly from person to person. In general, minoxidil needs to be applied for 8 – 12 weeks before the full effect is visible. It is important to remember that minoxidil is not a miracle cure, and will not produce an instant result. For best results, it should be used in combination with other hair care techniques such as using a beard balm and regularly trimming the beard.
Using Minoxidil on a Beard
Minoxidil should be applied directly to the skin and left on overnight or at least for 4 hours before washing off. This will give the minoxidil time to be absorbed into the skin. After application, the solution should not be rubbed into the skin, as this can damage the hair follicles. Some men find it helpful to use a beard brush to fully distribute the solution over the desired area. It is important to use the minoxidil twice daily, preferably at the same times every day.
Side Effects
Using minoxidil does come with some side effects and it is important for men to be aware of them before using the product. Common side effects include skin irritation, itching, redness, and burning. These side effects may be worse when the solution is first used and they should subside over time as the skin adjusts to the product. It is important to follow the instructions given by the manufacturer and to stop using the product if the irritation becomes too severe.
Summary
Minoxidil is an increasingly popular product for men looking to grow or maintain facial hair, particularly beards. It works by stimulating the growth of blood vessels around the hair follicles, improving their nutrition and allowing them to absorb important nutrients more effectively. For best results, minoxidil should be used for 8 – 12 weeks and should be applied twice daily for 4 hours each time. It is important to remember that minoxidil can cause side effects including skin irritation, itching, redness, and burning, and should be stopped if these become too severe.
Alternative Treatments
In addition to using minoxidil, there are also some other treatments that can help to promote beard growth. Getting into the routine of regularly trimming the beard can help it to grow and to look healthy. Eating a healthy diet, particularly one which is rich in protein, can also be beneficial. Exercise has also been shown to have a positive effect on hair growth. Other topical treatments such as biotin or tea tree oil can also be helpful when used alongside minoxidil.
Commitment
Growing a beard can require a lot of commitment and dedication, and the results may not be visible for several months. It is important to be patient and to stick with a regular application routine over a long period of time. It is also important to recognize that the results will vary from person to person, and some men may find that minoxidil is not suitable for them.
Brushing
Brushing the beard after applying minoxidil can be helpful in distributing the solution evenly over the desired area. It may also help to break up any dead skin cells, allowing the minoxidil to penetrate deeper into the skin. There are several types of beard brushes available, each of which has a different purpose. It may be helpful to try different brushes to see which gives the best results.
Precaution
There are some precautions which need to be taken when using minoxidil, such as avoiding contact with the eyes and mouth. It is also important to remember that minoxidil should not be used on broken or irritated skin. Additionally, minoxidil should only be used as instructed on the packaging, and any extra dosage could cause increased side effects.
Reviewing a Product
When choosing a minoxidil product, it is important to read reviews from other users to determine whether it is suitable for one’s needs. Additionally, it is also a good idea to consult a healthcare professional before using any new product. In some cases, it may also be helpful to speak to a beard specialist who can recommend specific products.
