A facial hair growth side effect of using Minoxidil went viral, so should you use it?

girl holding her hair in her hand hair care concept shampoo haircut needed
Is minoxidil safe for women? An expert weighs inCristalov - Getty Images

We’ve all experienced it. You comb or detangle your hair and spot more loose strands in the brush than usual. Or perhaps you take a closer look at your hairline and notice it seems a bit thinner than before. Even celebrities aren't immune from types of hair loss, whether short-term or long-lasting.

According to the NHS around 8 million women will experience some form of hair loss in their lives. For many of those people, after doing the research, they might purchase Minoxidil in the form of OTC products, especially after seeing it trending on TikTok.

However a recent video from @mariacribbs shows a side effect that might deter women from trying Minoxidil - facial hair growth. Sharing in a video that has 8.4 million views, Maria says 'Do y'all see the hair growing on my face? I have never had this much hair on my face ever! I don't understand why this [minoxidil], I put it on my scalp! So I don't understand how it's making hair grow down here.'

With UK Google searches for 'is minoxidil safe for women' climbing, WH spoke to Trichologist Natalia Souza at Reflect Hair Clinic, about minoxidil, its side effects and how it compares to hair regrowth treatments like E50 Exosomes, another haircare treatment that's trending. Here's what she had to say...



What is minoxidil?

'Minoxidil is a prostaglandin medication and the first use for this medication was for blood pressure [that was taken via an oral tablet]. Now, it’s a topical solution or foam commonly used to treat hair loss in both men and women,' reveals Souza.

Does minoxidil actually regrow hair?

'Minoxidil works by widening blood vessels, improving blood flow to hair follicles, and potentially prolonging the growth phase of hair follicles, which can lead to hair regrowth and a reduction in hair loss,' the Trichologist schools.

Is minoxidil legal in the UK?

Yes. Minoxidil is a medicine licensed in the UK as a hair loss treatment for men and women and because it does not require a prescription, it is available from many high street pharmacies and online Doctor services. Some pharmacies offer minoxidil as an own-brand product, but lots of retailers sell the branded version, which is known as Regaine.

What are the side effects of minoxidil?

'Side effects for Minoxidil use can be an initial shed phase, which may only last a couple of weeks but can be scary if the person using the medication hasn’t been made aware of it. This shed occurs to an increased activity in the follicles pushing out hairs that are on the Telogen Phase therefore already on their way out,' reveals Souza.

'It's important to note that minoxidil shedding is usually temporary and typically lasts fora few weeks. After this shedding phase, new hair growth should begin, and the hair should become thicker and fuller over time. It's a sign that the medication is working and the hair follicles are responding to the treatment,' she adds.

As for the viral video? Souza explains that although less common, an increase in facial hair (Hirsutism) can affect be another side effect for women.

'This occurs because minoxidil can be absorbed through the skin and may affect nearby hair follicles, leading to unwanted hair growth on the face. Women using minoxidil for scalp hair loss might notice this particularly on areas such as the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. The facial hair increase is generally more noticeable in women due to finer facial hair. This side effect is usually reversible upon discontinuation of the treatment or by reducing the dosage, but it can be a cosmetic concern while using the medication,' she says.

Is minoxidil safe for women?

On the whole minoxidil is safe for women, however, there are a few people who should steer clear, reveals Souza.

'Minoxidil should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is also not recommended for people with certain heart conditions, such as hypertension, as it can affect blood pressure. Anyone with a known allergy to minoxidil or its ingredients should avoid its use to prevent allergic reactions.'

Are E50 exosomes good for hair loss?

While exosomes have been making waves in the world of skincare, they've now crossed over into hair loss treatments.

'E-50 HAIR treatment is an emerging therapy that utilises exosomes derived from salmon, which are small vesicles containing proteins, lipids, and genetic material that can facilitate cell communication and regeneration. These exosomes promote hair growth by enhancing the activity of hair follicle cells, improving blood circulation in the scalp, enhancing the communication in between cells and reducing inflammation. The treatment involves applying the exosomes topically or injecting them into the scalp, where they can stimulate dormant hair follicles, increase hair density, and potentially reverse hair thinning.'

How does Minoxidil compare to treatments like E50 hair?

'The treatment for hair loss is usually multifaceted. It is important to see a specialist if you are struggling with your hair, this will save you time and money on the long run. Depending on the condition I am treating there will be a combination of medication, nutrition intervention, supplementation and treatments. I will often use minoxidil combined with E50 for optimum results. Trying to fix the hair loss without treatment doesn’t seem like an effective approach to me, so taking the right steps such as a blood test or even a DNA test is very important,' explains Souza.

Minoxidil vs E50 exosomes

As for whether which treatment is better? Souza reveals that they both serve different purposes. 'Minoxidil is used to help halt hair loss and should be used long term for those with genetic hair loss whereas E-50 Exosome Hair will boost hair growth and density.
I would recommend E-50 to repair the hair density and Minoxidil to help maintain the results.'

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