If you’re suffering from hair loss, you’re most likely looking for a solution that actually works. Perhaps you’ve heard about minoxidil, an ingredient that is well-known for its ability to fight hair loss, and are considering giving it a try.

Interestingly, in the 1950s researchers were originally looking into the ingredient as a potential way to treat ulcers. They found that minoxidil was not a good candidate to treat ulcers, but it did dilate blood vessels. Later, when scientists were testing minoxidil for hypertension, they realized that one of the side effects was hair growth. Today, minoxidil is an active ingredient in several hair loss products, including treatments available from Bosley and Rogaine.

Bosley, a brand that has been working with hair loss experts for over 40 years to provide hair loss treatments and restoration services, recently launched its newest hair growth treatment product, BosleyMD Women and Men Hair Regrowth Treatment ($40). This easy-to-use foam features 5% minoxidil, which is clinically proven to regrow hair and slow down further hair loss. The leave-in, FDA-approved treatment offers a convenient foam application to reactivate hair follicles, stimulate hair growth, and fight hair loss.

We chatted with BosleyMD Certified Trichologist Gretchen Friese to learn more about this hair loss-fighting ingredient and the new BosleyMD Women and Men Hair Regrowth Treatment.

What is minoxidil and how does it address hair loss?

Minoxidil is a topical medication that is applied to the scalp to stimulate new hair growth. It works by improving blood flow to the area in which it's applied, elongating the growth phase of hair. With more follicles in the growth phase, you'll see more hair coverage on your scalp.

What are the most common causes of hair loss and which types of hair loss does minoxidil help? Are there any types of hair loss that it would not address?

The most common kind of hair loss that minoxidil helps is androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness). But it can help most kinds of excessive hair loss (telogen effluvium). Minoxidil hasn’t shown to be very effective in treating alopecia areata, totalis or universalis, which are autoimmune and may require different treatments.

What results should customers expect and how long will it take to see them?

Generally speaking, it takes about eight weeks of consistent use to start to see results with minoxidil. After four months of use, you should start to see the end of hair loss and start to see hair growth.

Does the new hair growth continue to grow long or does it just fill in at the scalp?

As long as the hair stays in the follicle and is taken care of properly it will continue to grow.

Do you have any tips for using the product?

Make sure to use as directed: once a day for women and twice a day for men. It’s very important to use it daily and consistently. I usually tell my clients to put the product next to their toothbrush so they will remember to take it.

If someone wants to grow hair longer will this help with that too? If not, do you have any recommendations for that?

This is not necessarily a product for growing hair longer. It’s used for regrowing hair that has excessively fallen out. In order to grow hair long, I recommend keeping your strands healthy with good hair products. The hair needs a balance of protein and moisture. Also, get regular trims to prevent breakage that will make the hair shorter.

What is the difference between the men’s and women’s version?

The men’s needs to be applied twice a day and the women’s only once a day. 

If someone stops using the product will the hair they gained continue to grow? Will they experience an increase in hair loss for their pre-existing hair if they stop taking it?

In people with androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness), only the new hair growth will fall out. Any pre-existing hair should stay. This is because with this kind of alopecia the hormone DHT will always continue to attack the follicle, therefore you would need to continue using the product until either you don’t want to keep the hair or something better becomes available. 

In those using minoxidil to regrow hair that has fallen out due to other reasons ie: illness (COVID), childbirth, stress, etc., the new hair growth will more than likely stay on the head because there isn’t the DHT present to attack the follicle, which would cause further hair loss.

Can this product affect fertility? Is it safe to take while trying to get pregnant or pregnant?

Unlike medications like propecia, there has been no proof that minoxidil will affect fertility. However, it is not recommended for use by pregnant or breastfeeding women.

What other tips do you have for those dealing with hair loss? 

One thing that I often see in people dealing with hair loss is that they are not washing their hair enough. We need to make sure we keep our scalps free from toxins, debris, oils, and products. 

I recommend washing daily with the BosleyMD shampoo and using their conditioner. They also have solutions for any stage of hair loss, as well as support from hair loss specialists for all of their clients. You can take a test to see what product regimen is right for you on their website.

Any other daily habits that can help?

A healthy lifestyle including a proper diet, exercise, and a regular vitamin regimen are all great habits to help promote a healthy head of hair. 

Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy