Rogaine for Beards: Benefits, Side Effects, and How to Use It

The beard is back! That’s fantastic news for men who can grow a full, thick beard effortlessly. Such men only need to cough to end up looking like Tom Hanks in Cast Away. However, if you’ve seen patchy or minimal facial hair growth, it can be frustrating.

Millions of men turn to minoxidil (Rogaine) for beard growth. Popular for decades, it’s a hair growth serum available as either drops, creams, or shampoo. Search online and you’ll find endless stories praising Rogaine’s hair growing abilities. But is there any truth to the DIY stories? Can Rogaine grow hair? 

Let’s get into it.

Using Rogaine for Beard Growth

Minoxidil (Rogaine) was originally used for hypertension. The medication works by opening up the blood vessels, lowering blood pressure. However, its effect on blood pressure wasn’t as impressive as its effect on hair growth. 

By opening up blood flow to hair follicles, it kickstarts the hair growth process. The hair roots have access to more nutrients, creating longer, thicker, and healthier hair. That’s not a belief – that’s a fact.

Rogaine works. Most men notice an increase in hair density after four to six months. Yes, that’s right – you need to be extra patient. Only after the six-month mark can you decide if it’s having an effect. You need to apply minoxidil topically to the skin once or twice a day. The recommended strength is between 2% to 5%. 

That being said, Rogaine isn’t the elixir of hair. It works with your genetics and other factors. If you’re not a particularly hairy person, you’re never going to achieve the same beard as Hugh Jackman. But you will see more hair compared to your original starting point. 

Rogaine: How Does It Work 

Want to know the science? Here’s the detailed overview:

Rogaine functions primarily as a vasodilator, relaxing the smooth muscle cells within the walls of micro-capillaries. This action enhances blood flow to hair follicles, supplying them with increased oxygen, blood, and nutrients essential for hair growth. 

Minoxidil also extends the anagen phase of the hair cycle, encouraging the growth of longer, thicker hair and possibly activating dormant beard follicles. Additionally, it upregulates the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in follicles, fostering angiogenesis and follicle development, which contributes to thicker beard growth.

Rogaine Side Effects

Of course, nothing in life is perfect. Rogaine comes with some side effects that can be annoying. The most common side effect is skin irritation. People might find their skin is itchy and uncomfortable. A rash may even develop. For people with an existing skin condition, we do not recommend using minoxidil.

Other side effects include:

• Unwanted body hair
• Dizziness
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Fainting
• Chest pain
• Unusual weight gain
• Swelling of hands and feet

Most of these Rogaine side effects are rare. Always speak to your doctor before starting the treatment. You can also develop an allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical attention if this is the case. 

Final Thoughts

Rogaine is perfect for people with patchy beards. It boosts beard growth within just a few months, letting you achieve a fuller, thicker beard. Just be careful – the itchiness and discomfort can put some people off. If you plan to use Rogaine, stick with it. You’ll need to apply twice a day every day to see the results. Additionally, using a spray for application is much easier.

Rogaine can seem like magic. But if you want some real BEARD SORCERY, try our selection of beard products. Perfect for taming and managing your newfound growth. We recommend applying our beard oil to your beard every day to soften the hair, nourish the underlying skin, and support healthy beard growth.