The 5 Best Minoxidil Treatments for Hair Growth

Although minoxidil might sound like some science-fiction miracle product, it’s actually a well-established treatment for male pattern baldness. Losing hair can be devastating and lead to depression and low self-esteem. Fortunately, minoxidil is a safe and effective way to slow the loss of hair, and some users may even experience significant regrowth. With so many different options on the market, it can be overwhelming to try to find the right one. That's why we've done the research and found the best of the best. Here, we list five of our favorites, from the inexpensive option to the premium pick.

Men’s Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam for Hair Loss and Hair Regrowth, Topical Treatment for Thinning Hair, 3-Month Supply

Rogaine's reputation precedes it

Effective and with decades of positive testimonials, this option from Rogaine wins our top spot.

Best Overall

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When Rogaine released the first successful hair regrowth treatment in 1988, it’s no surprise that it was met with massive popularity. In fact, Rogaine has been so successful, their brand has basically become synonymous with Minoxidil. Originally an oral prescription medication, Rogaine’s latest and greatest option comes as an easy-to-apply topical solution. While the main active ingredient is minoxidil, this solution sports a variety of other beneficial ingredients, such as botanical extracts and exfoliates. After a warm shower, simply massage the foam into the thinning areas of your scalp, and let the treatment work its magic. A pioneer in hair regrowth treatments, this FDA-approved option is your best bet for seeing positive results and soothing your hair loss anxieties.

Pros

Smells great
Easy to apply
Effective formula
Long history of clinical trials

Cons

Expensive

Basic Care Minoxidil Topical Solution , 5%, Hair Regrowth Treatment, 12 Fluid Ounces

Cheap but effective

Offering a six-month supply for an absurdly low cost, Basic Care's treatment option proves that cheap doesn't always mean ineffective.

Best Budget

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For those looking for a basic hair loss treatment that won’t cost an arm and a leg, we recommend this option from Basic Care. It doesn’t have the other fancy ingredients that its competitors have, but it does sport that 5-percent minoxidil. And after all, minoxidil is really the only active ingredient with proven results. Plus, though it may seem counter-intuitive, it’s a great option for those with advanced baldness. If you have a lot of scalp to treat, you’re going to want an option with the most bang for your buck. At less than 25 dollars per six-month supply, you really can’t go wrong.

Pros

Unscented
Inexpensive

Cons

No return policy
Does not contain exfoliates

Men’s Rogaine Extra-Strength 5% Minoxidil Topical Solution for Hair Loss and Hair Regrowth, Topical Treatment for Thinning Hair, 3-Month Supply

Extra strength for extra hair

For those looking for an extra-strength treatment that doesn't cost extra money, Rogaine offers a powerful solution to hair loss at the same price as their regular option.

Best Extra Strength

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Is it any wonder why Rogaine made it onto our list a second time? Their reputation for effective hair treatment is backed by years of success stories. This extra-strength option is a great choice for those looking for something with a little extra punch. Compared to the other treatment options, this one penetrates into the hair follicles a tad bit more deeply. Some people do experience negative side effects to minoxidil, so we recommend starting with the regular version. If you’ve found positive results, it can’t hurt to kick things up a notch with this extra-strength formula that can reactivate shrunken, suffocated hair follicles.

Pros

Trusted brand
Fast absorption
Same cost as regular Rogaine

Cons

Some people experience dandruff

Kirkland Signature Minoxidil Foam for Men, 12.66 Ounces

Kirkland, king of the generics

The only thing generic about this option is the label. Kirkland's six-month supply is an effective and easy-to-apply treatment for male pattern baldness.

Best Generic Brand

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Those familiar with Kirkland-brand products already know that they don’t skimp on quality. And for those with hair loss that don’t care to spend the extra cash on the label, we recommend Kirkland’s affordable treatment option. In fact, it seems to be just as effective as Rogaine, though it doesn’t sport the same accolades. Kirkland definitely mimicked Rogaine on this one, with a foaming and easy-to-apply solution. However, unlike most other options, it doesn’t contain propylene glycol, so it’s the perfect pick for those that are allergic. Best of all, it’s a 6-month supply, so you won’t run out before you start to see significant results.

Pros

Unscented
Easy to apply
Great value for the price

Cons

Foam turns to liquid in hot environments

Kirkland Minoxidil 5% Extra Strength Hair Regrowth Treatment for Men Dropper Applicator Included

A stock for your locks

Those looking to stock up on minoxidil for the long run should consider this 18-month supply from Kirkland.

Best Bulk Buy

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It may be daunting to think about, but minoxidil treatments only work when used indefinitely. Thus, you may be left using it for the rest of your life (or until you’ve lost interest in having hair). If you’ve already tried it out and found positive results, we advise buying in bulk. This option from Kirkland is an 18-month supply, so you won’t run out for quite a while. It’s also a great option for those that use a lot at once and require a large quantity. It’s not foaming, but it’s definitely effective. This one is extra-strength, so we recommend it only to those that have already know that minoxidil works for them.

Pros

Long-lasting supply
Extra-strength and effective
The most bang-for-your-buck

Cons

Liquid form requires dropper applicator

Frequently Asked Questions

How does minoxidil help with hair loss?

The truth is, the actual biochemical process that leads to hair regrowth isn’t very well-understood. That being said, we do know for certain that minoxidil acts as a vasodilator. In other words, it opens up blood vessels and pores to allow better blood flow to inert hair follicles. With improved blood flow, vitamins and minerals can reinvigorate these neglected hair follicles. This is why minoxidil gets the best results when used in early-stage hair loss. Dead or absent hair follicles are less likely to bounce back with minoxidil, while thin hair can grow thicker with an increased supply of oxygen and nutrients.

Will minoxidil work for me?

Minoxidil treatments only work for certain types of hair loss. Unless your hair loss is caused by male pattern baldness, as most cases of alopecia are, then minoxidil won’t likely help. Minoxidil isn’t for people experiencing sudden, patchy hair loss. For those that do have male pattern baldness, minoxidil works best to improve hair growth at the vertex of the head, or the patch of hair on the back of the head just below the crown. Unfortunately, it rarely results in regrowth on the hairline, though it can increase thickness and growth rates anywhere on the head. Minoxidil can take more than four months for visible results, but it’s a small price to pay to discover a viable hair loss treatment.

Clinical trials have varying results, but it’s pretty well-accepted that minoxidil can slow hair loss and improve hair growth in most men. Two out of five men may even experience regrowth in bald spots. Roughly one out of ten users experience extreme regrowth and thicker hair.

Finally, there are different formulas intended for men and women. Women shouldn’t use treatments formulated for men, as this can lead to unwanted side effects and even the growth of facial hair. There are options formulated specifically for women.

What are the side effects of minoxidil?

Minoxidil has a number of potential side effects. Users may experience moderate to severe scalp irritation and dandruff. They may also see increased beard growth, chest pain, increased heart rate, weight gain, swelling of the hands and feet, and dizziness. Though severe side effects are relatively uncommon, the list does go on. Those with a heart condition should consult with their doctor before using minoxidil. In fact, everyone should consult with their doctor before trying it out. Better safe than sorry.