Differences between the use of minoxidil for hair growth and beard growth

In both cases, topical minoxidil is used, although minoxidil for head hair growth is quite obviously put on the scalp. For beard growth, minoxidil is put on the chin, underneath the chin and on the cheek area.

The biggest differences are the following:

• Using minoxidil on the scalp for hair growth must be maintained indefinitely, minoxidil for beard growth can be discontinued after a period of time.

  Minoxidil for hair growth must be continued indefinitely, or hair loss will still occur.

  Minoxidil for beard growth can theoretically be stopped when the hairs are in the terminal phase without losing the gains/progress.

  Be mindful though, beard whiskers that are still vellus hairs (fine, thin and light colored hairs) and thus, have not yet reached the terminal phase will be lost over time.

  However, keep in mind that using minoxidil for hair or beard growth can still cause the growth of unwanted body hair in other areas. This risk is much higher when using oral minoxidil rather than topical minoxidil, by the way.

• Minoxidil is FDA approved for use on the scalp but is not FDA approved for the use on the face.

  

  Minoxidil is not FDA approved for use on the chin, underneath the chin or on the cheeks.

  In other words, minoxidil is not FDA approved for beard growth. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean that it can’t work, or is necessarily dangerous. It’s just that not enough studies have been performed to confirm its safety.