Minoxidil for Women Side Effects: What to Know

When an unusual amount of hair falls out in the shower, you’re wise to reach for a science-backed hair loss treatment like topical minoxidil. But minoxidil for women side effects shouldn’t be overlooked.

So, what are the side effects of minoxidil in females?

Hair loss in women is more common than you might think. In fact, about 40 percent of women experience some degree of female pattern hair loss — also called androgenetic alopecia — before they turn 50.

At the moment, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved one treatment for female pattern hair loss: topical minoxidil.

Also sold under the brand name Rogaine®, minoxidil has been studied extensively and found to improve hair loss in both men and women. Beyond being used for female hair loss, it’s also FDA-approved to treat male pattern baldness.

Below, we’ll discuss the various types of minoxidil for women, side effects you might experience, and how to use it safely.

Minoxidil was first designed to manage hypertension (high blood pressure). So how did we get from blood pressure to hair loss?  

Minoxidil acts as a vasodilator, which means it widens blood vessels and improves blood flow. This lowers blood pressure, but it also brings oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles to help kick dormant (resting) hair into the anagen (growth) phase.

As noted, topical minoxidil is currently the only FDA-approved hair loss treatment for women. Clinical trials show that minoxidil can be used for other types of hair loss, including telogen effluvium — a temporary hair shedding usually caused by stress, shock, or illness.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAS), you should notice hair regrowth after six to 12 months of using minoxidil. But you need to use it consistently to get the results you want.

Minoxidil is a great choice for women experiencing hair loss, as it’s mostly safe and effective. But, as with all medications, it does carry a risk of certain side effects.

Keep reading for a rundown of Rogaine for women side effects and generic minoxidil side effects women should look out for.

If you’re interested in trying minoxidil or are concerned about the minoxidil side effects women might experience, the first step is to understand the different forms of the medication and how they’re used.

Topical Minoxidil

The FDA-approved topical form of minoxidil is applied directly to your hair and scalp. It comes in the form of:

• Minoxidil drops

• Minoxidil foam

• Shampoos

One of the biggest selling points of topical minoxidil is that it can be purchased over the counter without a prescription.

For best results, the liquid solution should be applied at a dosage of 1 milliliter (mL) twice daily for at least 12 months. With minoxidil foam, you’d use about half a capful of foam twice a day.

Minoxidil solution for women is available as a 2% liquid and a 5% liquid or foam. The percentage tells you how much of the active ingredient (minoxidil) is in the formula. Whether minoxidil 2% versus 5% is better depends on the person, but both can be effective for hair loss in women.

Oral Minoxidil

The tablet form of minoxidil was FDA-approved in the ’70s to treat high blood pressure.

While oral minoxidil isn’t approved by the FDA to treat hair loss, some healthcare professionals prescribe low doses off-label for this purpose. 

“Off-label” doesn’t mean it’s illegal or dodgy. It just means a drug has been approved by the FDA for one specific use, but a provider has determined it medically appropriate for another purpose. 

Perhaps there’s no FDA-approved drug available for your condition, or maybe the approved drug (or approved form of the drug) hasn’t worked for you. In that case, a healthcare provider may prescribe something off-label.

Topical Minoxidil and Finasteride Spray

The finasteride pill is an FDA-approved treatment for male hair loss only. But in spray form, women — postmenopausal women, particularly — can use it for hair loss too. 

Finasteride negates the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a testosterone-derived hormone that can weaken hair follicles and lead to androgenetic alopecia.

Our two-in-one minoxidil and finasteride spray is a mess-free option for women who don’t want to take a pill. It combines two types of hair loss treatment to promote healthier, thicker hair. Finasteride prevents further hair loss, while minoxidil promotes new hair growth.

A 2020 study of 119 women found that a topical combination of finasteride 0.5% and minoxidil 2% is a promising treatment option for postmenopausal female pattern hair loss. This combination was more effective than a mixture of minoxidil 2% with the steroid 17α-estradiol, even at the one-year follow-up.

Minoxidil and finasteride spray is designed for daily use. Just prime the sprayer by holding it upright and pumping it five times. Then apply the prescribed amount to areas affected by hair loss. 

Like all medications, minoxidil has a few potential adverse effects. While these side effects are usually uncommon and mild, you should be aware of them before starting treatment.

Topical minoxidil goes directly on your scalp, so any reactions will most likely be localized to where it touches.

Based on clinical trials of minoxidil, more common side effects for women include: 

• Skin irritation

• Scalp irritation and itchiness

• Slight burning sensation

• Skin rash

• Allergic reactions

Minoxidil foams and liquids may contain ingredients like alcohol and propylene glycol to help dissolve minoxidil for better absorption. So even if you’re not sensitive to minoxidil, you could experience a skin reaction if you’re sensitive to these other substances.

You might be antsy to get minoxidil out of the bottle and onto your head. But just as you’re supposed to test a stain stick on an old shirt before making it your go-to coffee remover, it’s smart to do a minoxidil patch test first.

For most women, skin reactions triggered by topical minoxidil are mild and go away on their own. Still, it’s always best to talk to your healthcare provider if you experience anything strange.

Less Common Topical Minoxidil for Women Side Effects

Though less common, other topical minoxidil side effects may include:

• Unwanted hair growth on the face or body, called hypertrichosis

• Red bumps

• Acne breakouts

• Facial swelling

• Headaches

Of course, these could be triggered by other things, like stress, hormones, or personal care products. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop any new symptoms.

After starting minoxidil, you might also experience a bit of hair shedding before your hair starts growing again. Don’t worry — this is temporary, and it’s a sign your hair follicles are about to kick into the growth phase.

As with all medications, oral minoxidil must be used as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Although low-dose oral minoxidil is generally considered safe for both men and women, there can be side effects — especially if it’s not used as prescribed.

If you’re using minoxidil tablets for female hair loss, side effects can include:

• Hypertrichosis, which affects around one-fifth of people who use oral minoxidil

• Lightheadedness

• Heart palpitations or fast heart rate

• Excessive sweating

• Headaches

• Difficulty falling or staying asleep

• Leg swelling

• Weight gain

• Chest pain

These effects are more concerning, so let your healthcare provider know if you’re experiencing any of them.

Like topical minoxidil, oral minoxidil may also lead to an increase in hair shedding when you first start it. This is a temporary side effect that will ultimately set off new hair regrowth.

Another important note on minoxidil for women: Side effects can also affect your baby if you’re nursing or breastfeeding. While the risks of breastfeeding on minoxidil aren’t well-known, it’s generally not recommended.

It’s also not a good idea to use it during pregnancy. Speak with a medical provider if you’re considering using minoxidil while pregnant or breastfeeding.

If your healthcare provider prescribes oral minoxidil, they’ll probably ask you about the other medications you’re taking. It’s crucial to be 100 percent honest about this, as certain medications can lead to drug interactions with minoxidil, meaning it can trigger serious side effects. 

A 2022 review of 32 articles evaluated whether topical finasteride is safe and effective for hair loss. In one study, a seven-day treatment of twice-daily finasteride 0.25% topical solution was found to be equally effective as a once-daily finasteride 1-milligram oral tablet.

The authors concluded that using finasteride topically, such as in a combination spray, is generally safe. Compared to taking finasteride orally, this form of treatment also reduces the risk of whole-body side effects like sexual dysfunction.

Regardless, the most common side effects of topical minoxidil and finasteride sprays appear to be related to where it’s applied, such as:

• Itchy scalp

• Skin irritation

• Skin redness

• A burning sensation

• Contact dermatitis, a non-contagious skin inflammation that may present as itchiness, rash, bumps, swelling, or small blisters  

Additionally, finasteride is classified as a pregnancy category X drug. This means it shouldn’t be used by pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant. 

Animal studies have found that finasteride can lead to abnormally developed genitals in male fetuses. Breastfeeding women should also avoid it, as the medication could be transferred through breast milk.

Finally, follow your provider’s dosing instructions. Using more topical finasteride and minoxidil spray than directed won’t result in more hair growth or less hair loss.

A quick PSA: Your hair doesn’t define you as a woman. Just as blonde or brunette turns gray, it’s okay to embrace changes in your hair and rewrite the narrative around female beauty standards.

But if you want to pursue treatment for hair loss, that’s okay too. 

While many women look great rocking a shaved head, unintentional hair loss can be jarring. If you want to avoid hair thinning and shedding, minoxidil treatment can be a great choice.

If you don’t have an underlying medical condition behind your hair loss and are considering minoxidil, remember this:

• Topical minoxidil is the gold standard. Minoxidil has been extensively studied and used with success in women struggling with hair loss for many years.

• There are some potential side effects of minoxidil in females. Like any medication, topical minoxidil for women — although generally safe — poses risks, though most are localized and temporary. 

• There are alternatives to minoxidil for women. If you’re unable to use minoxidil, there may be other hair loss treatments to consider — like supplements, hair growth shampoos, and gentle styling techniques. 

Your healthcare provider can help. Even if you’re not looking for a prescription, it’s helpful to talk to your provider about new hair loss. They can offer medical advice and treatment recommendations.

Ready to take a step toward healthier, happier hair? Take our free hair quiz to see what options may work for your needs.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.