If you’re experiencing hair loss, you’re not alone. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, female pattern hair loss (FPHL) affects approximately 40% of women by age 50. There are an overwhelming number of hair loss treatments available, both over the counter and prescription—and one method more and more women are turning to is Minoxidil.
This treatment delivers proven results, which can be life-changing for women who want to restore their hair to a thicker state. But it’s not without side effects. Along with stimulating hair growth on your head, it can also trigger hair growth on your face. Let’s take a closer look…and find out what you can do if you experience excess facial fuzz as a result of Minoxidil.
How does Minoxidil work, anyway?
Okay, truth? Medical professionals don’t know exactly how Minoxidil works. But it’s believed that because it helps increase blood flow, it allows more oxygen and more nutrients to be delivered to your hair follicles—and this in turn helps stimulate hair growth. As board-certified dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman told our friends at Allure: "Since minoxidil is a vasodilator, it increases blood flow to the scalp and increases the caliber of hair follicles, which keeps hair thick and strong."
Now, Minoxidil isn’t a permanent solution to hair loss. For it to keep working, you have to keep using it consistently. When you stop using it, the hair loss gains you’ve made will eventually decrease. Many women find the extra effort is worth it, but it’s a completely personal choice. If you want to start using Minoxidil, it’s essential to talk to your doctor first. There are two forms available:
Topical: Topical Minoxidil is available over-the-counter and generally comes as a lotion with a dropper applicator, or as a foam you apply like hair mousse. It’s available in either a 2% or 5% strength, and while the 2% is marketed to women, many dermatologists say women can use the 5% version. (NOTE: While we’re experts as far as skincare and peach fuzz removal, we are not doctors! Always talk to your physician before starting any type of treatment, including Minoxidil.)
Oral: Minoxidil also comes in pill form, which is available only with a doctor’s prescription. Technically, oral Minoxidil is intended to treat high blood pressure, but physicians can prescribe a low dose of it “off label” to treat hair loss in men and women. According to the Mayo Clinic, “this medicine causes a temporary increase in hair growth in most people. Hair may grow longer and darker in both men and women. This may first be noticed on the face several weeks after you start taking minoxidil.”
What can I do about excess facial hair?
A quick scan of Reddit shows that users of both oral and topical Minoxidil have experienced excess facial hair growth:
“I take the pill and I have crazy forehead hair and my peach fuzz grows longer.”
“I have been using 5% topical minoxidil every day for the past 3 months! I noticed that within the last month, my facial hair has grown so much! I never let the minoxidil run down my face, but it’s managed to give me a beard, mustache, connecting hairline to eyebrow hairs, and even forehead hairs!”
“My hair on my head is growing back with 5% minoxidil and it's wonderful, however, I have started getting unwanted chin hair.”
If you like the results of Minoxidil but don’t love seeing more facial fuzz, don’t stress. There’s an easy, pain-free way to remove peach fuzz that also happens to improve your skin: sonic dermaplaning. This method of exfoliation gently removes the oldest layer of dead skin cells from your skin’s surface, while also removing peach fuzz.
Why is sonic dermaplaning a good solution for Minoxidil fuzzies?
Sonic dermaplaning with LUXE+ can be done right in your own bathroom and you only need to do it once a week to keep facial fuzz at bay. And (bonus), it gives your skin proven anti-aging benefits. We commissioned independent clinical studies to measure the results and researchers found that after 1 month of weekly use:
- 97% of subjects had less visible fine lines + wrinkles
- 94% of subject had reduced appearance of dark spots
Sonic dermaplaning also gives your skincare and makeup routines a boost. Without all of that flaky dead skin and peach fuzz sitting on your face, your skincare products will absorb more effectively, and your makeup will apply more smoothly. (Bye-bye, cakey foundation!)
Now, we’re sure you’re wondering…will my facial hair grow back thicker after removing it? The answer is no. Sonic dermaplaning removes hair from skin’s surface—it does not affect the hair follicle in any way.
Your hair loss journey is personal, and we're here for you
We know hair loss is a tough issue. Whether you decide to treat FPHL with Minoxidil is entirely up to you, and as we said before, it’s a decision that should be made with your doctor. Our job at DERMAFLASH is to help you feel beautiful and confident. If you made it to the end of this article and have more questions about Sonic dermaplaning, please reach out via email and a member of our team will get back to you.
This information is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
