How Minoxidil Works, and Why the Pill Version Is Taking Over

The History

Minoxidil was a blood-pressure medication. Patients grew hair in odd places. A liquid for the scalp followed, then a foam. Today, dermatologists increasingly prescribe a tiny oral dose (a fraction of the old blood-pressure dose) for hair, because it reaches every follicle, needs no daily application, and the results in studies are at least as good.

What It Does

It increases blood flow to follicles and lengthens the growing phase of the hair cycle. It does not touch DHT, so it does not stop the underlying cause of pattern hair loss. That is why it is usually paired with finasteride in men.

Oral vs Topical

The pill: once a day, reaches everywhere, no greasy scalp. Side effects can include lightheadedness at first and extra fine hair on the face or arms in some people. The spray: works where you put it, nothing goes through the body, but it has to be applied every day and can irritate the scalp.

What to Expect

A shed in the first four to eight weeks (normal), visible regrowth by month three to four, best results at month six to twelve. If you stop, the new hair falls out over a few months.

Getting It

Oral minoxidil is $149 a month, the topical spray with minoxidil and finasteride is $149, and women's oral minoxidil with spironolactone is $149. Every prescription at Zen IV Spa is written by a licensed provider under our medical director after a free video consultation. Medication ships to your door anywhere in New York or New Jersey, and a nurse can come to your home for labs or a first dose.

Common Questions

All treatments are medical services. Every guest is screened, and every treatment is provided only under the clearance, prescription or standing protocol of a licensed medical provider. Nothing on this page is a diagnosis or a promise of results. For an emergency, call 911.