Medication questions Minoxidil
Can women use minoxidil?
Short answer
Yes. Topical minoxidil is licensed in the UK for female pattern hair loss in women aged 18 to 65, as Regaine for Women 2% solution (twice daily) and 5% foam (once daily). It should not be used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding, and unwanted facial hair is a common side effect. Low-dose oral minoxidil is sometimes prescribed off-label after a medical assessment.
Key facts
- Licensed for women aged 18 to 65: Regaine for Women 2% solution (twice daily) and 5% foam (once daily).
- Not for use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
- Unwanted facial hair is a common side effect, often from product spreading beyond the scalp.
- Oral minoxidil for hair loss is off-label and needs a medical assessment.
Licensed options for women
Two Regaine products are licensed in the UK for female pattern hair loss in women aged 18 to 65:
Regaine for Women Regular Strength 2% solution: 1 ml twice daily. The SmPC says it may take four months or more before growth shows, and to stop if there is no improvement after one year.
Regaine for Women Once a Day 5% foam: half a capful once daily. Growth may take 12 to 24 weeks, and the SmPC says to stop if there is no improvement after 24 weeks.
The men's 5% solution is not for women: its SmPC lists use in women as a contraindication. The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) says that applying 2% or 5% minoxidil every day "may help to slow down the progression and partially restore hair in some women", and that it should be used for at least 6 months before judging.
Facial and body hair
Unwanted hair growth away from the scalp, including on the face, is listed as a common side effect in the women's SmPCs. Both say it "may be caused by the transfer of the product to areas other than the scalp". The BAD advises cleaning any spillage on the forehead or cheeks, and washing your hands after applying.
With oral minoxidil, extra hair growth is an expected effect of the medicine itself rather than of spreading. The Loniten SmPC says it usually appears 3 to 6 weeks after starting, first on the face, and reverses one to six months after stopping. See oral minoxidil and facial hair and our glossary entry on hypertrichosis.
Pregnancy, trying to conceive and breastfeeding
The Regaine for Women SmPCs say the products "should not be used during pregnancy or lactation", and note that minoxidil absorbed into the body passes into breast milk. The BAD says minoxidil should be avoided if you are planning to get pregnant or are breastfeeding.
For oral minoxidil, an NHS dermatology leaflet from Salford Royal says it should not be taken if you are pregnant or trying to conceive, that women who could become pregnant must use effective contraception during treatment and for 1 month afterwards, and that a negative pregnancy test is needed before starting. If you have recently had a baby, postpartum hair loss is common and usually temporary.
Oral minoxidil for women
Oral minoxidil is licensed in the UK only for severe high blood pressure, so prescribing it for hair loss is off-label. It is used at much lower doses than for blood pressure, but it still acts on the whole body and can affect heart rate, blood pressure and fluid balance.
WMG Meds prescribes low-dose oral minoxidil only after a GMC-registered doctor has reviewed your health history, including heart, blood pressure, kidney and pregnancy questions. Our compounded topical minoxidil (an unlicensed special) is another option a doctor may consider.
Check the cause first
Hair thinning in women has many possible causes, including iron deficiency, thyroid conditions, PCOS, the menopause and telogen effluvium. The BAD notes that a blood test may be used to rule out thyroid conditions and iron deficiency. Our sister service offers a female hair loss blood test if you want answers before choosing a treatment. Women should not take finasteride (see can women take finasteride).
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Start your free assessment →Related questions
What strength of minoxidil should a woman use?
The licensed options for women are the 2% solution twice daily and the 5% foam once daily. If you are prescribed a compounded product, the doctor chooses the strength for you.
Will the facial hair go away?
With topical minoxidil, avoiding transfer to the face helps. With oral minoxidil, the Loniten SmPC says extra hair reverses one to six months after stopping. Speak to your prescriber before stopping.
Can I use minoxidil while breastfeeding?
No. The Regaine for Women SmPCs say it should not be used while breastfeeding, because minoxidil absorbed into the body passes into breast milk.
Can women take finasteride instead?
The NHS says women should not use finasteride. It is licensed only for men in the UK.
Do I need a blood test before starting?
Not always, but it can help rule out causes such as iron deficiency or a thyroid problem, which minoxidil would not fix.
Sources
- Regaine for Women Once a Day Scalp Foam 5%: SmPC (eMC)
- Regaine for Women Regular Strength 2%: SmPC (eMC)
- British Association of Dermatologists: female pattern hair loss patient leaflet
- Northern Care Alliance NHS (Salford Royal): low dose minoxidil for hair loss
- Loniten 2.5 mg tablets: SmPC (eMC)
Facts checked against these sources on 4 October 2026. This page is general information, not personal medical advice. Read our editorial policy.