Minoxidil cream

Minoxidil Cream

By Mosh
Start Growing Hair
6 min read
Reviewed by:

Key Takeaways

According to researchers, Minoxidil cream is believed to promote hair growth. However, before using it you must consult a doctor to understand its application, effectiveness and side effects given your specific hair situation.

If you’re struggling with hair growth, you may be wondering whether products like minoxidil cream will be effective for you. Let’s break down what minoxidil is exactly, how it works, its other forms, as well as alternatives for your hair growth journey.

Ready to Treat Hair Loss?

  • Personalised Treatment
  • Australian Doctors
  • 50,000+ Customers
Get Started

What is minoxidil?

Minoxidil is a medication that was initially used to treat high blood pressure, but today, many use it to treat hair loss.

How does minoxidil work?

Minoxidil cream is a topical form of minoxidil that many researchers believe can promote hair growth because of its ​​vasodilating properties.[1] This means that minoxidil can help ensure that the scalp and hair follicles continuously receive oxygen and other vital nutrients. As a vasodilator, topical minoxidil can also cause shedding of the follicles in the telogen phase for them to be replaced by new, thicker hairs during the anagen phase.[2]

Although minoxidil doesn’t eliminate the cause of hair loss (DHT), it at least helps follicles stay alive. You may consult a Mosh doctor to check if you can use minoxidil cream alongside other hair loss treatments – such as hair vitamins, shampoo, conditioner, and other topical prescription products – to boost your chances of achieving your desired hair growth results.

What are the minoxidil cream side effects?

It’s always important to consult a doctor before using a minoxidil cream, as it can cause some side effects.[3] Typical adverse reactions to the topical minoxidil formulation are irritant and allergic contact dermatitis on the scalp. Some topical solutions contain propylene glycol, which is a nonactive ingredient that might trigger allergic reactions. Other side effects are generally mild and temporary, but it’s still a good idea to discuss them with a doctor beforehand. 

Mosh can connect you with AHPRA-registered Australian doctors who can provide science-backed hair growth advice. We understand that some people find it awkward to discuss their hair problems at a clinic where other patients might overhear confidential information. With Mosh, you can speak freely and comfortably from the privacy of your own home because you can consult our doctors online. 

If you have other questions related to minoxidil cream – like ‘How much is minoxidil?’ or ‘Where to buy minoxidil?’ – our discussion below might help. 

Where is the best place to buy minoxidil hair products?

Firstly you need to decide the form of topical minoxidil that you’ll be opting for. Will it be in cream or liquid form? Our advice: speak to a Mosh doctor first on what’s the best form for you. They will take into account your unique circumstances and point you in the right direction for getting the minoxidil product that’s right for you.

Minoxidil Cream vs liquid

When shopping for minoxidil, you’ll find that there are different forms of minoxidil besides creams, such as foam, liquid, and spray minoxidil. Some people choose minoxidil liquids and foams over creams because of the ease of application and their lightweight form. Meanwhile, others prefer the convenience that minoxidil spray offers. Minoxidil spray works similar to minoxidil cream and its other forms, but instead of lathering the product on your hair, it disperses across the scalp easily within a few spritzes. You can gently rub in the solution on your scalp using your fingers. 

Some minoxidil users, however, experienced reactions to the ingredient propylene glycol present in minoxidil solutions. In response to this, minoxidil foam was created without propylene glycol, so there are fewer side effects. Minoxidil foam is different from minoxidil cream. 

There have been no significant studies comparing minoxidil foam and cream; this makes determining which one is most effective difficult. Nevertheless, since the foam tends to have fewer side effects,[4] it has the potential to be more effective over the long term since users will be more likely to stick to the treatment. It can also be easier to apply and less messy than cream.

When it comes to minoxidil concentration, most minoxidil creams contain higher concentrations of minoxidil compared to other forms. This can be beneficial for people with severe hair loss conditions, but it’s crucial to check with your doctor before using it, as it can interact with other medications you may be taking. Some people may be more sensitive to minoxidil than others, so your doctor may be able to recommend a lower-strength formulation if needed. 

Feel free to ask your Mosh doctor for a more in-depth discussion on the different types of minoxidil or other alternatives to minoxidil that are available to you. Some people use a salicylic acid scalp peel, made from a combination of salicylic acid and coconut oil, as an alternative to minoxidil. Others combine emu oil, hyaluronic acid, pumpkin seed oil, and saw palmetto for a topical DHT blocker, another minoxidil alternative. 

Your Mosh doctor will consider a variety of factors during your online consultation to determine whether minoxidil cream or any of these natural alternatives is ideal for you. Your doctor may also ask you to self-report symptoms, send photos, and provide your medical history for a better assessment of your unique health situation. 

Depending on what your situation requires, your doctor may simply give you hair advice or recommend a personalised Mosh hair growth treatment. If needed, your doctor may also prescribe some medication for hair loss, which you are free to accept or reject without obligation.

How much does minoxidil cream cost in Australia?

Many people with hair growth concerns are curious about the minoxidil prices in Australia. The cost of minoxidil cream can vary depending on the brand and the size of the product.

If you are wanting a pharmacy grade treatment, the price of a 180 mL 5% minoxidil solution can be around $79, worth three months of use. If however you would like a doctor prescribed treatment, personalised to your hair loss situation, this can cost from $29 a month.

You may end up spending more than necessary on your hair loss treatment if you try random over-the-counter products without reliable advice from a doctor.

Because Mosh doctors can provide sound hair growth advice based on your specific needs and desired results, you can increase your chances of finding the best hair regrowth treatment for your situation. With this, you can avoid wasting money on a hair growth foam or serum that you just randomly found online. 

You can get started with Mosh as soon as you’re ready by taking the quiz on our platform. A doctor will get in touch with you to ask further questions if needed. They may also ask about previous hair treatments you’ve tried, including any side effects you might have experienced in the past. 

If your doctor prescribes certain products and you agree to take them, you may have the products delivered to your doorstep. We also provide a subscription service where you can easily replenish your stocks as you need them. 

Can I use minoxidil for my beard?

More research is required, but early observations relating to minoxidil appear favourable. According to one study,[5] minoxidil cream appears to be safe and effective for beard enhancement. You can use minoxidil on your beard if your hair loss doctor gives you a go signal to try the product.

If you have concerns about your beard growth or overall hair health, talk to our Mosh doctors. If you accept a recommended treatment plan, you will get ongoing consultations to track your progress and adjust your plan when necessary. You can communicate with your doctor through text, phone, or video chat to provide them with updates regarding your treatment. You can also ask them any health question that comes to mind.

Thousands of men have regained their confidence with Mosh’s help, and the same is a possibility for you too. It only takes a few minutes to complete the quiz on our platform. Whenever you’re ready to have your hair growth or any health concerns addressed by trusted Mosh doctors, simply complete the form, and one of our doctors will get in touch with you.

Are there alternative treatments to minoxidil?

Minoxidil can be effective at reducing the symptoms of hair loss on its own, but alongside complementary treatments, the results can be enhanced. You can ask your doctor what other treatments are available that you may safely use together with your minoxidil solution or what might be more suitable for your situation than minoxidil. Hair vitamins and minerals or herbal products and botanicals, for example, can be complementary products you can use.[6]

The cause of your hair loss may be genetic or caused by dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Your doctor can introduce you to certain treatments, products, and even foods that can help block the DHT hormone from causing hair loss.[7] If you’re not ready for hair loss medication, you can try over-the-counter products like shampoos, hair vitamins, and hair care bundles at Mosh to nourish your hair and energise your scalp.

Mosh – your online men’s health clinic

It’s normal for men to have more than one health concern, whether it’s related to hair growth or something else. It helps to have a comprehensive men’s health clinic where you can consult doctors who are qualified to provide advice on your specific areas of concern. 

Mosh is a dedicated platform for men’s health. We work with doctors across Australia who are trained and experienced in providing advice and treatments for hair loss, acne, weight loss, erectile dysfunction, mental health, and more. 

Feel free to talk to a dedicated Mosh doctor at your most convenient time. 

Hairlines that speak for themselves

Brayden beforeBrayden after
Brayden, 31QLD
StageReceding
PlanPrevent & regrow pro
PrescriptionDaily tablet and spray
Results4 months
Matthew beforeMatthew after
Matthew, 29VIC
StageReceding
PlanPrevent & regrow pro
PrescriptionDaily tablet and spray
Results6 months
Luke beforeLuke after
Luke, 29NSW
StageThinning
PlanPrevent & regrow
PrescriptionDaily capsule
Results2 months
William beforeWilliam after
William, 32VIC
StageThinning
PlanPrevent & regrow
PrescriptionDaily capsule
Results5 months
Troy beforeTroy after
Troy, 43NSW
StageBalding
PlanPrevent & regrow
PrescriptionDaily spray
Results3 months
Tony beforeTony after
Tony, 33QLD
StageBalding
PlanPrevent & regrow pro
PrescriptionDaily tablet and spray
Results3 months

Tags:

Hair Loss

8 References

Table of contents