You Can Take Oral Minoxidil to Speed Up Hair Growth—But Should You?
According to dermatologists, the buzzy treatment isn't all it's cracked up to be.
I'm not one for mess—especially when it comes to my hands. Something about sticky fingers makes me queasy. Finger foods are a nightmare, and certain hand creams give me an instant ick. So when it comes to boosting my hair growth, Rogaine or topical minoxidil—a first-line FDA-approved treatment for hereditary hair loss that increases blood flow to the scalp and stimulates hair growth—was always out of the question. Just the thought of that foam in my hands sends instant shivers down my spine.
But last year, I started hearing buzz about an ingestible therapy for hair growth: oral minoxidil, a pill counterpart to the messy topical. "Oral minoxidil helps grow hair longer and thicker by increasing blood flow to the hair follicle," says board-certified dermatologist Tracy Evans, MD. This, in turn, brings more oxygen, nutrients, and growth factors essential to hair growth to the area. As a result, it shortens the rest phase of the hair cycle and prolongs the active growth phase, explains board-certified dermatologist Ellen Marmur, MD.
While it might sound like a no-brainer (who wouldn't rather take one small pill a day to promote hair growth?), I wouldn't recommend taking the medication without doing your due diligence. It's key to seek out a trusted provider and be hyper-aware of the side effects, which are, candidly, more serious than those that accompany the topical version. Ahead, I spoke with Dr. Evans, Dr. Marmur, and board-certified dermatologist Elizabeth Houshmand, MD, to learn everything you need to know about oral minoxidil.
What Is Oral Minoxidil?
Just like the topical version (minoxidil is available in hair serums from Nutrafol, Vegamour, and The Ordinary), oral minoxidil is proven to be effective in both men and women. That's not how it started, though. "It was actually originally prescribed to treat high blood pressure," says Dr. Houshmand. But once doctors realized increased hair growth was a side effect of the drug, they began prescribing it in low doses (think: one pill a day) to stimulate hair follicles and improve hair density.
It's important to note that, unlike topical minoxidil, oral minoxidil is not FDA-approved for hair loss. That doesn't mean it won't help with hair growth; think of it like masseter Botox. Botox isn't FDA-approved to treat chronic jaw pain, but it's still widely recognized as an effective treatment. It simply means that, when used for hair growth, oral minoxidil is prescribed off-label under a physician's supervision.
What's the Difference Between Oral Minoxidil and Topical Minoxidil?
The key difference, according to Dr. Houshmand, is systemic absorption. Topical minoxidil, like Rogaine, is applied directly to the scalp (or desired area of hair growth) and mainly affects the hair follicles in that particular area. By widening blood vessels in the area of application, topical minoxidil boosts the flow of nutrients, blood, and oxygen, extending the hair growth phase. That targeted treatment can leave behind residue, a sticky or greasy feeling, and potential scalp irritation.
On the other hand, Dr. Marmur says oral minoxidil works from within, as it circulates in the bloodstream and reaches all hair follicles. Whereas topical minoxidil only effects follicles in the areas in which it's applied, oral minoxidil works on all hair follicles across the entire body.
According to Dr. Evans, both oral and topical minoxidil are equally efficacious at boosting hair growth in several studies, so the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference, cost (oral minoxidil is typically cheaper), and tolerability.
"Some people choose the oral form because it’s easier, leaves no residue, and no need for daily scalp application, while others stick with topical to minimize exposure," Dr. Marmur explains. Keep in mind that oral minoxidil requires a prescription (which you can get from your dermatologist and is covered by insurance with your standard co-pay). In contrast, topical minoxidil is available over the counter.
What Are the Risks of Oral Minoxidil?
Nothing is without its risks, including oral minoxidil. "Because oral minoxidil lowers blood pressure, it can interact with other blood pressure medications, making it a poor choice for those with a history of cardiac problems and those with heart, liver, or kidney disease," warns board-certified dermatologist Morayo Adisa, MD. She also suggests that pregnant, nursing, or women planning to get pregnant avoid the medication.
Whereas topical minoxidil only effects follicles in the areas in which it's applied, oral minoxidil works on all hair follicles across the entire body.
Minoxidil is known to increase hair growth, but unlike a topical—which only causes hair growth where it's applied—the oral form can cause hair growth in unwanted places, like the face or certain parts of the body, Dr. Adisa adds. Paradoxically, "it may cause temporary hair shedding for some as the medication shifts hair into a new growth cycle," says Dr. Evans.
According to Dr. Marmur, other potential side effects include swelling, rapid heartbeat, headaches, and dizziness. For these reasons (and as general best practice), it's important to start under a doctor's guidance and stick to a dose suited to your health and needs.
When Will I See Results From Oral Minoxidil?
"You should see visible results after three to six months of consistent use," says Dr. Marmur. That's around the time it should take for new, thicker hairs to emerge and replace old ones. She suggests combining oral minoxidil with supportive topicals, such as Olaplex shampoo or hair growth serums, for the best results. Meanwhile, Dr. Evans recommends pairing the medication with Biotin, a vitamin that promotes hair (and nail!) growth, and, for more severe cases, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments injected into the scalp. (To catch you up to speed: PRP is a treatment where your blood is drawn, placed in a centrifuge to isolate growth factors, and re-injected into your scalp to stimulate your hair follicles and promote growth.)
Even better? The FDA is planning to consider a new time-release oral minoxidil option, VDPHL01, which could be available by 2027. If all goes according to plan, hair loss might just become a relic of the past.
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Meet the Experts
Dr. Tracy Evans is a board-certified dermatologist, a skin cancer specialist, a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon and a trusted provider of cosmetic procedures. She works diligently to balance the important connection between the medical and aesthetic qualities of skin. By using holistic approaches when possible and focusing on overall health and wellness, Dr. Evans helps her patients achieve radiant, glowing skin that bring out their confidence. Dr. Evans graduated with honors, Phi Beta Kappa, from Vassar College in New York. She earned her master’s degree in public health and medical degree from University of Connecticut. She then went on to conduct skin cancer research for the National Institute of Health for two years. Dr. Evans completed her dermatology residency at Emory University in Atlanta, GA and was fellowship trained and certified by the American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. In addition to her practices in San Francisco and Corte Madera, she has presented at multiple national and international meetings for her research on cost, quality of life, and skin cancer outcomes.
Few dermatologists in New York City are as highly respected as Dr. Ellen Marmur. After 8 years as Chief of Dermatologic Surgery at the Mount Sinai Medical Center, plus 13 years at Marmur Medical, Dr. Marmur is a leading dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon whose expertise includes skin cancer diagnosis and surgery, Mohs surgery, reconstructive surgery, women’s health dermatology, and cosmetic surgery. She also is a master of aesthetic procedures like neuromodulators, fillers, lasers, body sculpting, liposuction and more.
Dr. Marmur’s tireless work in improving the field of dermatology for over twenty years has earned respect and admiration from her patients, peers, colleagues, and the media. She is quoted almost daily in many media outlets, including Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Allure, Dr. Oz, The Today Show, Good Morning America, and NY1 among many others. She is known for her holistic approach to cosmetic surgery and was voted Best Botox in New York and Most Natural Filler in New York (Allure). Dr. Marmur has been voted as Castle Connolly’s Top Doctor yearly since 2010. Dr. Marmur’s peers awarded her the prestigious ASDS (American Society of Dermatologic Surgery Iron Surgeon session) audience award for Best Male Cosmetic Makeover.
Dr. Marmur founded Marmur Medical in alignment with her philosophy of Preservation Aging®, which believes in supporting the body’s powerful healing systems with carefully chosen and highly effective treatments. She and the Marmur Medical team strive to find the most convenient and practical methods to treat their patients’ concerns.
Dr. Morayo Adisa is double board-certified as a dermatologist and dermatopathologist. She has a passion for providing highly personalized care for all her patients. Her areas of interest include medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology for all ages and skin types.
Dr. Adisa obtained a BA in Microbiology from Southern Illinois University and her medical degree from University of Illinois, where she was a James Scholar. Thereafter, she completed her medical internship at Evanston Northwestern Hospital and her dermatology residency at the John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County. She completed a fellowship in dermatopathology at the Roger Williams Medical Center in Rhode Island and a subsequent advanced fellowship in dermatopathology at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
When she is not practicing medicine, Dr. Adisa enjoys spending time with her family , traveling and engaging in community and philanthropic activities.
Dr. Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand is a double board certified dermatologist specializing in cutaneous laser surgery and the dermatologic care of patients with a special interest in Cosmetic Dermatology, Laser Medicine , Acne, Hair Loss, and Melasma.
Dr. Houshmand’s completed her undergraduate degree as a Presidential Honors scholar from New York University and graduated medical school with prestigious clinical distinction honors.
She completed an Internal Medicine Residency at Georgetown University Hospital and is Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Dermatology.
She completed her Dermatology Residency at Wright State University and served as chief resident.
Dr. Houshmand received several prestigious scholarships through the WDS and ASDS has trained with pioneers in the field of cosmetic skin treatments and dermatologic surgery. She was selected by the AAD as one of three dermatology resident recipients of the prestigious AAD International Grant.
She is an international speaker, trainer, author, and medical news correspondent and an internationally recognized leader in cosmetic dermatology.
This varied educational background and training brings Dr. Houshmand’s wealth of knowledge on the newest and latest treatments in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology to her patients.
Dr. Houshmand is fluent in English, Spanish and Farsii and enjoys utilizing her skills in providing optimal care for her patients of many diverse backgrounds, believing that being able to connect with them on a personal level allows her to create a strong, trusting relationship with her patients and provide them with optimal care.
In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, barre, and spending time with family.
