There are many types of minoxidil on the market these days, but which is the best for you? This can be tricky to answer, as everyone's body is different and will respond to products differently.
In this post, we'll explore some of the most popular types of minoxidil and discuss how they work.
This will help you understand the best type of minoxidil for your needs, you can decide which minoxidil is best for you to use in your quest to regain fuller hair.
Table of content
12 minoxidil brands, which minoxidil is best?
You should consult your doctor to discuss which concentration of minoxidil is suitable for you. You shall also discuss the possible drug interactions and minoxidil side effects if you taking any medications. Minoxidil has some known side effects after stopping, too. When in doubt, opt for minoxidil alternatives.
Here are our picks of the best minoxidils:
Best minoxidil in the UK: Regaine
The best rated minoxidil in the UK is none other than the famous Regaine (a derivation of Rogaine). Their foam applicator might come as difficult to use at first, but people typically get used to it. At £44 for 3 months, it's certainly not Kirkland price, but it's the best we can find online.
Best topical minoxidil brand: Rogaine
Rogaine is the brand name for minoxidil, a topical solution used to treat hair loss. It was first introduced in the 1980s as a treatment for high blood pressure, but it was found to have the side effect of promoting hair growth. Rogaine is available over the counter in 2% and 5% minoxidil solutions.
Best minoxidil for women: Equate
Equate is the Walmart brand of minoxidil. It is available in 2% and 5% minoxidil solutions. Equate Hair Regrowth Treatment also comes in the form of 5% topical aerosol foam that has easier scalp application. Remember to pick the purple container, which indicates that it's for women.
Best minoxidil for men: Kirkland
Kirkland Signature is the private label brand of minoxidil that Costco sells. It is available in 2% and 5% minoxidil solutions. The product also retails on Amazon. Kirkland Minoxidil topical solution comes with a child-resistant dropper applicator for easy and efficient application on the scalp. It comes at $17.99 for a 6-month supply, making it the cheapest on our list.
Best availability: Amazon Basic Care
The newest addition to the minoxidil industry is Amazon Basic Care Minoxidil Hair Regrowth Treatment. The product is unscented and clinically proven to regrow hair. Seemingly as it's on Amazon, it's the most available minoxidil for US consumers.
Best minoxidil for hair regrowth: Lipogaine
Lipogaine is a brand of minoxidil solution that contains 5% minoxidil and is available over the counter. It also has other ingredients that help with hair loss, such as biotin and saw palmetto. It also contains a proprietary herb blend that helps block DHT by inhibiting the enzyme 5α reductase. This works for crown hair thinning.
Best value: Kirkland Signature
Kirkland Signature is the private label brand of minoxidil that Costco sells. It is available in 2% and 5% minoxidil solutions. The product also retails on Amazon. Kirkland Minoxidil topical solution comes with a child-resistant dropper applicator for easy and efficient application on the scalp. It comes at $17.99 for a 6-month supply, making it the cheapest on our list.
Best oral minoxidil: DrFormulas Hairomega
DrFormulas Hairomega is a supplement containing 3% minoxidil and other ingredients that help with hair loss. It is available without a prescription.
Best spray applicator: Regenepure
Regenepure is a brand of minoxidil solution that contains 5% minoxidil and is available over the counter.
Best unscented: Nioxin
Nioxin is a line of hair care products that include shampoos, conditioners, and scalp treatments. It is said to help with hair loss and thinning hair.
Best minoxidil 5% brand: GoodSense
GoodSense is the Walmart brand of minoxidil. It is available in 2% and 5% minoxidil solutions. It's believed that this brand was discontinued and transitioned to their new brand, Equate.
Best for minoxidil and finasteride: Keeps
Keeps is a subscription service that provides minoxidil and finasteride treatments, and other hair loss treatments.
Best minoxidil alternative: Bio-Pilixin
Minoxidil, a common hair loss treatment, can cause side effects like scalp irritation and is not suitable for everyone. That's something we aims to destroy with Bio-Pilixin, a nature-inspired formula that doesn't have any harmful side effects.
1. Nature-Powered Formula
Leveraging the purity of Scandinavian botanicals, the Bio-Pilixin is designed to be kind to your scalp while effectively stimulating hair growth. This means you get the benefits of hair revitalization without the harsh chemicals.
2. Clinically Tested and Gentle
Our products are scientifically formulated to encourage significant hair growth. In fact, 97% of clinical test users experienced less hair loss.
They deliver excellent results but with a gentler touch, making it ideal for daily use without irritation.
3. Comprehensive Hair Health
Unlike minoxidil, which mainly targets hair growth, Scandinavian Biolabs' routine promotes overall hair health, providing strength, volume, and vitality to your hair. This is not to say it doesn't help you regrow hair - 73% of our clinical trial users had an increase in hair density.
4. Sustainable Choice
Committed to reducing our impact, we partnered up with CleanHub to remove ocean-bound plastic, ensuring you care for your hair while being mindful of the planet.
As your leading source for hair health information over the past 4 years, we never compromise on accuracy. When it comes to your health, you deserve information you can truly rely on - and earning your trust is our top priority.
Here's how Scandinavian Biolabs ensures every piece of content meets the highest standards of accuracy and integrity:
- Credentialed Experts: Our reviewers are actively practicing doctors and medical researchers
- Stringent Reviews: Content undergoes rigorous editing by subject specialists and review by a practicing doctor.
- Evidence-Based: We rely on well-established research from trusted scientific sources like peer-reviewed journals and health authorities.
- Full Transparency: Our editorial standards, writer credentials, reviewer credentials, correction process, and funding are all publicly documented.
- Independent Voice: While we do promote products, we operate in a vacuum to business operations. Our main goal is just an unwavering commitment to providing medically-sound guidance.
You can count on Scandinavian Biolabs to consistently deliver the trustworthy health information you deserve. Read our Editorial Standards.
What is minoxidil?
Minoxidil was initially developed as a treatment for high blood pressure as it is a potent peripheral vasodilator substance. However, researchers found that it had the interesting side effect of causing hair growth, so the FDA eventually approved it for use as a topical treatment for hair loss.
It is a topical treatment that has proven to be effective for both male pattern baldness and female pattern hair loss.
The topical minoxidil solution can be used in the form of either minoxidil solution or minoxidil foam. In contrast to minoxidil solution, minoxidil foam is a newer formulation that dries up quickly and does not cause excessive irritation of the scalp. The available dosage includes 2% topical minoxidil and 5% topical minoxidil.
How does minoxidil work?
Minoxidil is commonly used to treat androgenetic alopecia (also known as male pattern hair loss). By increasing blood flow to the scalp, minoxidil encourages hair growth and helps thicken existing hairs.
Additionally, minoxidil increases the size of blood vessels in the scalp, which helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. This supports the growth of healthier, thicker hairs. In addition, minoxidil has been shown to increase the length of the active phase of hair growth, resulting in longer, fuller hairs.
Minoxidil performs these functions by stimulating the potassium channels present in the hair follicles and in the vascular smooth muscle. In addition to increasing the length of the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle, it shortens the telogen phase which causes the hair follicle to progress into the anagen phase prematurely.
The action of minoxidil on the hair follicles is attributed to its active component known as minoxidil sulfate. The conversion of minoxidil to minoxidil sulfate is mediated by an enzyme present in the hair follicles. This enzyme is known as sulfotransferase.
Minoxidil is most effective when combined with another hair loss treatment, such as finasteride. Finasteride inhibits the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that shrinks hair follicles and leads to hair thinning. Combining these two treatments can maximize hair growth and achieve fuller, thicker hairs.
Foam vs solution: the differences
If you're like most people, the word "minoxidil" probably doesn't mean much to you. However, if you're struggling with hair loss, it's worth taking a closer look at this medication. Minoxidil comes in two forms: foam and solution. Both the formulations are applied directly to the scalp and effectively slow down hair loss and promote new hair growth.
However, there are some critical differences between the two products. Foam minoxidil is relatively light and easy to apply, and it dries quickly. Solution minoxidil is more liquid-y and can be a bit messier to apply. In terms of efficacy, there is evidence to suggest that solution minoxidil is more effective than foam minoxidil.
However, both products are generally well-tolerated and safe for most people. If you're considering using minoxidil for treating hair loss, talk to your doctor about which form is right for you. You shall also discuss whether to use 2% topical minoxidil or 5% topical minoxidil on your scalp.
Side effects of minoxidil
The oral form of liquid minoxidil is more likely to cause side effects, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and drowsiness. In contrast, topical minoxidil is generally well tolerated among users. However, it can cause localized side effects including itching, redness, and scalp irritation.
In rare cases, minoxidil can cause more severe side effects, such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat, fainting, and swelling of the hands and feet. If you experience these side effects, you should immediately stop taking minoxidil and seek medical attention.
How to use minoxidil?
The topical form of minoxidil is applied to the scalp twice daily, while the oral form is taken as a pill once daily. Minoxidil stimulate hair growth and preventing further hair loss. It is most effective when combined with other hair loss treatments, such as finasteride.
Minoxidil is a safe and effective treatment for hair loss, but it can cause side effects in some people. The most common side effects include scalp irritation, dryness, and flaking. You should contact your doctor if you experience any of these side effects. Nevertheless, minoxidil is a valuable tool in the fight against hair loss, and it can help you keep your head above water.
How to get the best results from minoxidil?
Getting the best results from minoxidil requires a commitment to using it properly and consistently. Here are some tips for getting the most out of minoxidil for female pattern baldness, hair shedding, and receding hairline:
- Use it correctly and follow the instructions on the package
- Apply twice a day, every day, for best results
- Use it in combination with other hair growth products, such as finasteride, for maximum effect
- Be prepared to wait 3-6 months before you notice any hair growth results
- Consider supplementing minoxidil with lifestyle changes, like a healthy diet, exercise, and stress management
- Be patient—results can vary depending on the severity of your condition
These tips will help ensure that you get the best possible results from minoxidil. Remember, if you ever have any questions or concerns about your hair loss treatment, it’s important to seek professional medical advice. With the right approach, you can turn back the clock and enjoy a full head of hair.
Read more:
- Why You Should & Shouldn't Use Minoxidil After Hair Transplant?
- Nanoxidil vs Minoxidil: Does Newer Equal Better?
- Minoxidil For Traction Alopecia: Why Shouldn't You?
References
Suchonwanit, P., Thammarucha, S., & Leerunyakul, K. (2019). Minoxidil and its use in hair disorders: a review. Drug Design, Development and Therapy, Volume 13, 2777–2786. https://doi.org/10.2147/dddt.s214907
Badri T, Nessel TA, Kumar D D. Minoxidil. [Updated 2021 Dec 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482378/
