One of the most popular beauty trends followed by men is growing a very long and bushy beard. However, not all followers of this fashion are lucky enough that their facial hair grows so lush, so they usually look for some hair products to accelerate hair growth. One of the best known is the minoxidil, a pharmacological treatment in the form of a lotion that is used to combat alopecia by promoting hair growth and preventing it from falling out again.
Although many men have used this hair lotion, there are also others who wonder if it is safe to use this treatment on the beard, if it works and if it has side effects. At oneHOWTO we want to help you solve all these doubts and, therefore, in the following article we will explain how Minoxidil Beard works, how it is applied and its side effects.
Does minoxidil beard work?
Although right now minoxidil is used as a hair treatment to fight alopecia (that is, the loss of either partial or total hair), this chemical substance was born as a drug to regulate high blood pressure, since it had vasodilatory effects. However, in addition to improving tension, minoxidil also accelerated hair growth in those who took it. Therefore, after verifying these effects, this substance began to be marketed as a drug to grow hair.
However, it is normal for you to wonder why a drug that was used for hypertension can combat alopecia. Although its vasodilator properties are not related to this use, minoxidil lotion penetrates the hair follicles and stimulates them by causing fine hair to appear in areas where there was no hair before. In addition, it is also used by men with a bare or thin beard, since this substance also manages to increase both the thickness and the amount of hair.
How to apply minoxidil beard
Now that we know what minoxidil is for, then we will explain how to apply it to the beard. However, before applying this substance it is advisable that you first consult a specialist.
First, before applying the lotion, you will have to wash your face well with water and a mild soap and then you will have to dry it with a towel. Afterwards, you will have to stir the minoxidil a little and, with the help of an eyedropper, you should apply 1 ml of the product to the beard. Finally, let it act for 4 hours (or overnight if you go to sleep) and then remove it with plenty of water.
Recommendations before using minoxidil
Before applying it to the beard, it is also advisable that you read the following recommendations:
- You can use minoxidil as maximum 2 times a day, leaving a difference of approximately 12 hours between each application.
- Do not use this drug if you have to expose yourself to sunlight for a long time, as it could cause spots on the skin.
- The maximum quantity that can be used of this product per day is 1-2 ml. Never apply more than that dose, as it could cause side effects.
Minoxidil beard: side effects
Like any treatment or drug, minoxidil is a topical lotion that can cause side effects in some people who use it. Although they do not have to occur in all people, it is important that we know the side effects of minoxidil, as well as those of any product before using it:
- Itching or skin irritation.
- Dryness (in the most severe cases, flaking may occur).
- Chest pain and heart palpitations.
- Acne.
- Headache.
- Dizziness and nausea
- Hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth in other areas of the face such as forehead and eyes).
Rarer side effects
- Weight gain.
- Inflammation in the area where we have applied it (in this case, the face).
- Cardiovascular problems.
- Rashes
- Shortness of breath
- Altered vision
- Severe chest pain.
In the event that you have used this pharmacological treatment and have presented several of the effects that we have listed, you will have to go to the doctor immediately. In addition, it is not convenient for you to use minoxidil beard without asking if you have any type of allergies.
This other article on How to grow a beard faster may also be of interest to you.
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