Does Minoxidil Work For A Receding Hairline?

For the 95% of men whose hair loss is caused by male pattern baldness, a topical solution such as Minoxidil can be recommended to halt the further loss of hair, and stimulate new growth [1].

If you have a receding or M-shaped hairline, you may be wondering whether you can take Minoxidil to stop your receding hairline. Minoxidil can work for a receding hairline, though it’s often less effective than for crown and scalp regrowth. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at what causes a receding hairline, how Minoxidil works, and the side effects of Minoxidil for a receding hairline.

How does Minoxidil work?

Minoxidil is a medication that comes in the form of a tablet, liquid, or foam. The topical liquid or foam is applied directly to the scalp to promote hair growth [2].

The medication works by widening the blood vessels in the scalp and encouraging hair growth. Minoxidil works as a vasodilator, which opens the blood vessels and sends more blood to the scalp.

Image credit: AK Clinics

The topical liquid is sometimes sold under the brand names Rogaine or Regaine. It is usually applied to the scalp twice daily, as this gives the desired exposure time.

Minoxidil is usually an alternative to Finasteride, as though Finasteride stimulates hair growth, it can have adverse effects. DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is the hormone that causes androgenetic alopecia; though it is natural, some men are more sensitive to DHT due to a genetic predisposition [3].

Finasteride can cause erectile dysfunction and other side effects, which is why many men opt for Minoxidil to treat their receding hairline instead [4]. Other Minoxidil alternatives include Dutasteride and caffeine shampoo.

Can I take Minoxidil for a receding hairline?

Yes, you can take Minoxidil for a receding hairline. However, the success of hair growth depends on your level of hair loss. For example, stages 4 and up on the Norwood Scale are classed as advanced and so medication won’t always produce an extreme improvement alone. This is why many men opt for a hair transplant, which produces more permanent, reliable results at later stages of hair loss.

Hair loss in women is a little harder to tackle and if you are a women experiencing a receding hairline we recommend first seeking the advice of a medical professional to ensure the cause is benign and not something more serious such as frontal fibrosing alopecia.

For those who are at an earlier stage on the Norwood Scale, Minoxidil could work to make your hair denser and fuller, which you can see in this Minoxidil before and after comparison.

When Minoxidil was released as a hair restoration drug in the 80s, efficacy testing had only been conducted on the scalp and crown. So there’s limited evidence for the success of the medication when it comes to receding hairlines.

Through more recent studies, researchers have tested the efficacy of Minoxidil on the hairline and have found it to have positive results [5-6].

This man experienced male pattern baldness which led to a receding hairline; the photos display the patient before Minoxidil, and then at 3 and 6-month intervals after taking oral Minoxidil [6]. There is a slight improvement around the hairline, with hair regrowing in the deeper areas of temple hair loss.

How to use Minoxidil for a receding hairline

Using Minoxidil for your receding hairline is fairly simple, especially when using the foam or topical liquid. The usual guidance is to apply Minoxidil twice daily. Reducing Minoxidil use to 3 times a week will reduce or slow down any improvements you see. The medication will come with instructions for how much to use, as this can depend on whether it is foam or liquid.

After applying the Minoxidil, gently massage it into the affected area. The instructions should tell you how long to leave the foam/liquid on your scalp. Wash your hands thoroughly after using Minoxidil, as exposure to other parts of the body can stimulate hair growth there.

See a step-by-step guide for how to apply Minoxidil to get the best possible results.

Side effects of Minoxidil for a receding hairline

All medications have side effects, and Minoxidil is no exception. Though the medication is generally safe, it’s a good idea to weigh up the side effects of Minoxidil before use. Consult your doctor if needed.

There are a few side effects that you should be aware of when taking Minoxidil, including:

• Minoxidil hair shedding — this can be a common temporary side effect with many hair loss treatments and medications; Minoxidil affects the hair growth cycle during its anagen and telogen phases, which causes normal hair shedding [7].
• Scalp irritation — Minoxidil has been known to cause rashes, dry skin, or an itchy scalp.
• Minoxidil-related changes in hair colour — this side effect is rare; however, some people who have used Minoxidil report their hair growing back a lighter colour.

Need guidance on your hairline restoration journey?

If you’re wondering about your options regarding your hairline restoration journey, Wimpole Clinic is on-hand to help.

Our team have been providing expert hair restoration services for over 45 years. We consistently create outstanding results for our patients.

We provide treatments such as hairline transplants, FUE hair restoration, FUT or strip surgery transplants, and Afro hair transplants for anyone looking to restore their receding hairline. You can also access a range of non-surgical treatments, including Minoxidil.

Learn more about the cost of a receding hairline transplant, then book your free consultation at the Wimpole Clinic.

Sources:

1. Male Pattern Baldness | American Hair Loss Association
2. Minoxidil | NCBI
3. Biochemistry, Dihydrotestosterone | NCBI
4. Persistent Sexual Dysfunction and Depression in Finasteride Users for Male Pattern Hair Loss | NCBI
5. Effectiveness and Safety of Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil | JAAD
6. Efficacy and Safety of Oral Minoxidil 5 mg Once Daily in the Treatment of Male Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia | Springer Link
7. Hair Transplantation | NCBI