Serums and shampoo not cutting it? Try the 5 best minoxidil brands for men, per experts

Navigating male hair loss can be tricky, especially given the sea of over-the-counter and prescription treatments flooding the market.

One of the most frequently searched solutions is minoxidil products for men. Originally used to treat high blood pressure, this medication was also found to stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow to the follicles, thickening existing strands and encouraging growth.

Unlike popular finasteride treatments for hair loss, minoxidil is a non-hormonal drug. This means it carries a significantly lower risk of systemic side effects, such as the sexual dysfunction that has been associated with hormone-based medications.

While minoxidil use can have some minor side effects, they are typically localized to the scalp. 

Today, minoxidil treatments are offered in multiple formats to target specific lifestyle needs and hair regrowth goals. For guidance on the best minoxidil treatments and answers to frequently asked questions, the Post consulted Dr. Kseniya Kobets, Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care.

“The exact mechanism of action of minoxidil is not completely understood,” Kobets shared. “But, it is known to stimulate hair growth primarily by prolonging the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle and helping reverse follicular miniaturization — making hair follicles thicker. “

When picking the right minoxidil solution, Kobets suggests starting with 5% solutions, which is the standard FDA-approved dosage for hair loss treatment for men. Higher concentrations of minoxidil could be the right choice for men who have not responded to standard treatments.

“Over-the-counter generic 5% minoxidil is a great place to start, whether as a foam or solution, depending on scalp sensitivity and cosmetic preference, and there’s no need to splurge on the brand name because generic 5% minoxidil works the same way as brand-name Rogaine, for example.”

Below, find 5 of the best minoxidil products for men — from top-rated minoxidil serums to popular minoxidil foams and even minoxidil pills.

Check out the FAQ section for more information on proper dosage, potential side effects and more.

Best Overall: Ulo Minoxidil + Tretinoin Plus

Ulo

Ulo’s Minoxidil + Tretinoin Plus offers a multi-angled solution to hair loss. It’s 7% minoxidil formula provides a slightly higher concentration than some generic brands, which is especially useful for those with advanced thinning or wider areas of concern. While a more potent formula could cause irritation for some users, Ulo’s formula intentionally does not use propylene, which can reduce some of the typical side effects like flakiness and scalp irritation. The addition of tretinoin also helps the minoxidil work more effectively. As a retinoic acid, tretinoin increases scalp permeability, making it easier for minoxidil to penetrate the hair follicles and get to work. Ulo allows tretinoin to be removed via the customizer for users with sensitive skin, and patients can optionally add other proven growth stimulants (cetirizine 1%, melatonin 0.01%, caffeine 0.2%). These unique additives also target hair loss from different angles by stimulating blood flow and supporting a healthy growth cycle.

Active Ingredients: Minoxidil, tretinoin (optional) | Expected Results: Results in 3 to 6 months

---

Best Foam: Men’s Rogaine 5% Minoxidil for Men Foam

Amazon

Rogaine’s popular minoxidil solution follows the standard FDA recommendation for 5% minoxidil — and it’s a well-known name brand with strong user reviews. While both foams and serums are effective options, the foam can be gentler on sensitive skin. Rogaine’s formula does not use propylene glycol, an ingredient found in many liquids that can cause scalp irritation like itching and dryness. While this can be a huge draw for some users, the foam format could also be more difficult to apply directly to the scalp than a dropper or spray, which targets the scalp more precisely. Some of the product could be wasted, and it’s possible that the formulation won’t absorb as well into the scalp.

Active Ingredients: Minoxidil | Expected Results: Results in 2 to 4 months

---

Best Oral: Happy Head Oral Medication: Minoxidil

Happy Head

For those who have not responded well to typical foams or liquid minoxidil treatments, oral tablets could be a stronger option. Happy Head’s prescription-strength oral solution is fast-working and absorbed effectively in the liver, which could be more effective for those struggling with severe hair loss issues. Taking a once-a-day pill could also be easier than application, and users can avoid some of the typical scalp side effects like dryness and itchiness. The tradeoff is that oral minoxidil comes with potential cardiovascular side effects, since the drug must travel all the way to the liver to work. Some users have reported dizziness and lightheadedness. Temporary shedding is also possible due to the higher potency of the oral format.

Active Ingredients: Minoxidil | Expected Results: Results in 3 to 6 months

---

Best Spray: RootStim 5% Minoxidil Hair Growth for Men and Women

Amazon

The FDA has approved 5% minoxidil for hair regrowth, and RootStim’s formula adheres to that standard. This concentration provides an effective dosage for most users while minimizing the risk of systemic side effects. However, a 5% formula may not be potent enough to treat advanced hair loss. Still, the simple spray application can be easier and less messy to apply than traditional dropper serums. Additionally, the inclusion of rosemary oil can help mask the chemical scent and may provide soothing properties to help reduce scalp irritation. As far as a budget-friendly formula goes, Rootstim’s minoxidil is a solid choice.

Active Ingredients: Minoxidil | Expected Results: Results in 3 to 6 months

---

Best Minoxidil with Finasteride: hims Topical Finasteride & Minoxidil Spray

Hims

Hims provides a broad range of resources and treatment plans for men experiencing hair loss, and its topical Finasteride & Minoxidil Spray is one of the most in-demand choices due to the dual-action ingredients. Hims combines 6% minoxidil with 0.3% finasteride with this spray, which works to target the root causes of male pattern baldness. Finasteride helps block the potent male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) — which shrinks follicles and eventually kills hair. When combined with minoxidil, finasteride could be very effective for treating men’s hair loss. However, due to the hormonal interactions, it is possible to experience some sexual side effects such as lowered libido or ejaculation problems.

Active Ingredients: Finasteride, minoxidil | Expected Results: Up to 4 months with consistent use

---

Best Minoxidil Products for Men FAQ

The Post consulted Dr. Kseniya Kobets, Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care, for answers to frequently asked questions about minoxidil treatments.

How does minoxidil work?

While it’s not clear exactly how minoxidil works, Kobets said that it’s thought to help dilate the blood vessels and stimulate hair growth. She explained that the drug is converted in the skin to its active form, minoxidil sulfate, which is necessary for its biologic activity.

“It is thought to act through vasodilation via ATP-sensitive potassium channel opening, increased blood flow to the follicle, enhanced DNA synthesis and cell proliferation, possible anti-inflammatory effects, and activation of well-known hair growth signaling pathways such as the Wnt/β-catenin pathway,” Kobets explained.

What’s the difference between topical minoxidil and oral minoxidil treatment?

Minoxidil foam and serums are very popular treatment options, but they have some key differences.

“Foam formulations tend to be more drying because they contain alcohol, compared with minoxidil solutions that contain propylene glycol, which may feel more hydrating,” shared Kobets. “However, if someone has sensitivity or an allergy to propylene glycol, they may not want to use it.”

Kobets also notes that oral minodixil could be a more effective option for some candidates.

“Interestingly, it is thought that some people lack or have a lower capacity to convert the product to its active form, which is why topical minoxidil may be less effective in some individuals and may require oral minoxidil.

What are the common side effects of minoxidil products?

According to Kobets, commonly reported side effects include temporary shedding at initiation, scalp irritation or contact dermatitis.

She explained that the solution formulas, which contain propylene glycol, could cause more scalp side effects — especially for those with propylene glycol allergies. Ocassional headaches and some facial hair growth have also been reported. Cardiovascular effects are more common with the oral form.

“Serious cardiovascular side effects, such as low blood pressure or lower-leg swelling, are rare with topical use but should prompt immediate discontinuation if symptoms such as dizziness or palpitations occur,” Kobets added.

How long does it take to see results with minoxidil?

Kobets has found that most patients need at least three to four months of consistent use to see early changes, with even more noticeable improvement by six months to a year.

“However, you may not see as much improvement if you have other factors besides androgenetic alopecia contributing to hair loss, such as thyroid issues, metabolic issues, other persistent medical conditions, or even stress,” she noted.

These issues can continue to cause hair thinning and shedding even while using minoxidil.

What happens if you stop using minoxidil?

Consistency with minoxidil treatment is key if you want to see results and maintain them.

“If minoxidil is discontinued, any hair that was maintained or regrown with treatment will gradually shed over several months and return to its baseline state,” Kobets warned. “That said, if you’ve used topical minoxidil for years and maintained scalp health, you may still be better off than if you had never used it at all, because you supported follicular health during that time.”

In Kobet’s opinion, you may not return entirely to baseline and may retain some benefit compared with never having used it.

Does minoxidil work for a receding hairline?

“Per studies, minoxidil is most effective for vertex (crown) hair loss in androgenetic alopecia, and the frontal hairline and temples tend to respond less predictably, though some patients may report stabilization or modest improvement with consistent use,” said Kobets.

---

Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post

This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to the viral Oura Ring to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable toddler by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.

---