Due to regulatory guidelines, we are unable to list specific brand names on our website and have used replacement terms instead. To find out what these terms refer to, please contact us directly.
Due to regulatory guidelines, we are unable to list specific brand names on our website and have used replacement terms instead. To find out what these terms refer to, please contact us directly.
Due to regulatory guidelines, we are unable to list specific brand names on our website and have used replacement terms instead. To find out what these terms refer to, please contact us directly.
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Should I Choose Oral Hair Loss Medication or Topical Minoxidil To Treat Hair Loss?

By SL Aesthetic Clinic
  • Published Date:
Last Updated:
August 19, 2025
Oral Minoxidil vs Topical Minoxidil to Treat Hair Loss

TL;DR 

  • Both oral and topical hair loss medication works by boosting blood flow to hair follicles
  • Which version you choose ultimately boils down to personal preference. 
  • Topical can be messy for some, while oral can be more convenient.

Table of Contents

If you’re noticing thinning hair or a receding hairline, you’ve probably come across topical minoxidil as a treatment option. Long trusted for promoting hair growth, it also comes in an oral tablet taken once daily.

Both versions aim to stimulate hair regrowth — but they work a little differently, come with their own pros and cons, and suit different lifestyles and hair goals. Here’s what you need to know before deciding which is right for you.

How does minoxidil encourage hair growth?

In simple terms, minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to your hair follicles, which helps them receive more oxygen and nutrients. This supports healthier, stronger hair growth. It also extends the growth (anagen) phase of your hair cycle, giving each strand a longer time to thrive before shedding naturally. The result? Thicker, fuller hair over time.

Is it magic? Not quite. But does it work? In many cases, yes.

Topical and Oral Hair Loss Medication: Which one is better for you?

This is where it gets more personal. Both topical and oral hair loss medication have their place, but the choice really depends on your preferences, lifestyle, and how your body responds.

Many of our patients find oral hair loss medication easier simply because it fits better into their daily routine—it’s a quick pill instead of a topical application that can be messy and time-consuming. Topical formulas, while effective, can sometimes leave the hair looking oily or flat, may irritate the scalp at higher concentrations, and can be tricky to apply evenly if you already have hair coverage.

Oral hair loss medication, even at very low doses (as little as 0.25mg), can be surprisingly effective for hair growth. This is because only a small amount is needed to stimulate the hair follicles without triggering the full systemic effects that come with higher doses. 

To put it into perspective, when used to control blood pressure, minoxidil is typically prescribed at 10-40 mg per day—a much higher range. For hair loss, we’re usually talking about 1mg or less, which is generally low enough to avoid affecting your blood pressure while still providing sufficient stimulation to the hair follicles. This balance allows patients to benefit from its hair-regrowing properties with a much lower risk of cardiovascular side effects.

That said, female patients should be aware of one potential side effect of oral hair loss medication: unwanted hair growth in areas such as the face or body. If this happens or if other side effects arise, we suggest switching back to topical minoxidil instead. The goal is always to strike a good balance between convenience and safety.

Regaine, Growell… Does the brand even matter?

Patients commonly ask if they should choose Regaine or Growell. The truth is that it’s less about the brand and more about the formulation.

Foam and liquid are both equally effective at delivering results. Foam tends to feel lighter, is less greasy, spreads more easily over the scalp, and often works better for those with sensitive skin. The only real downside is that it’s usually a little pricier.

So, if you have a sensitive scalp or hate the greasy feeling, foam might be your best friend. Otherwise, both forms contain the same active ingredients and offer the same efficacy.

Why does my hair shed more when I first start minoxidil?

Minoxidil stimulates your hair follicles to re-enter the active growth (anagen) phase. To do so, the follicles first push out older, weaker hairs that were already on their way to shedding. Think of it as your scalp doing a bit of housekeeping—shedding the old to make room for the new.

For most people, this shedding starts within 2-8 weeks of starting treatment and can last for several weeks before tapering off. Don’t worry; your follicles are simply recalibrating.

After this adjustment period, most patients start to see visible improvements in hair density and thickness around the 3-6 month mark, with fuller results typically appearing at 6-12 months.

Patience is truly key here—hair grows slowly but steadily with consistent treatment.
If you are unsure whether your shedding is normal, check in with your doctor. But rest assured: this initial phase is a temporary part of the process, and is actually a sign that treatment is taking effect.

More minoxidil, more hair? Not quite.

A common misconception is: “If 5% works, wouldn’t 10% work even better?” 

We completely understand where that hope comes from—when you’re experiencing hair loss, it’s natural to want to speed things up and maximise the results. And if there was a way to double the growth, who wouldn’t want that?

However, higher concentration products don’t always yield better hair regrowth results; rather it’s the opposite. Studies have found that minoxidil 5% not only outperforms minoxidil 10% but also comes with fewer side effects.

In short, while it may seem counterintuitive, adhering to the recommended dose is the safest and most effective path forward. 

Gentle, steady progress is ultimately what gives you the best chance of achieving healthy, sustainable regrowth without unnecessary risks, such as increased scalp irritation, facial or body hair growth, fluid retention, or changes in blood pressure.

Is there a limit to how much hair I can regrow with minoxidil?

Here’s the sobering truth: minoxidil isn’t a miracle worker for everyone, and it can’t bring hair follicles back from the dead.

The amount of hair that a patient can regrow largely depends on the cause of the hair loss and its severity before starting treatment. Since minoxidil cannot revive dead hair follicles, if you only have 50% of your hair follicles left when you seek treatment, then that’s your cap (possible optimal growth).

That’s why seeking treatment early is so critical. If you delay too long or try every trendy internet hack first (rosemary oil, DIY microneedling, scalp massagers, you name it), you might lose precious time while your follicles continue to miniaturise and die.

And while minoxidil can help, it can’t solve the root cause in certain cases. You see, hair loss stems from a myriad of reasons, such as hormonal imbalances (like androgenetic alopecia), nutritional deficiencies (including iron, vitamin D, or protein), thyroid disorders, autoimmune conditions (like alopecia areata), stress, certain medications, and more.

To pinpoint the root cause of hair loss, we often combine a thorough clinical history, scalp examination, blood tests, and, in some cases, scalp biopsies. If we don’t address the leading underlying causes early, hair follicles will continue to miniaturise or shut down entirely, eventually passing the point of no return for regrowth.

Doctor's honest take: Start sooner, not later.

One of the most common patterns we see patients display is they end up waiting for too long, hoping to fix things with home remedies or wishing the problem would sort itself out.

Hair loss medication can be incredibly effective for many patients, but timing is everything. The earlier you address hair thinning or shedding, the better your chance of preserving and regrowing your hair. And with so many options available, there is usually a safe and tailored approach for nearly everyone.

As always, get medical advice you can trust, avoid internet rabbit holes, and don’t wait for things to get worse before taking action. Your hair will thank you.

If you’re looking for personalised hair loss advice, feel free to contact us for a doctor’s consultation.

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