Minoxidil Boosts Facial Hair in Transgender Men
A Mahidol University trial found topical minoxidil increased beard and mustache density in transgender men receiving hormone therapy.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Men’s Health
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Researchers at Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand, found that topical 3 percent minoxidil increased facial hair density in transgender men on gender-affirming hormone therapy. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial showed the treatment outperformed placebo.
Why it matters
Many transgender men with adequate testosterone therapy still experience incomplete facial hair development, and this study offers a potential adjunctive option. The findings extend earlier research showing minoxidil's facial hair effect in cisgender men.
The trial enrolled 34 participants on minoxidil and 35 on placebo, with the minoxidil group showing about 17 percent mustache and 15 percent beard density gains by 12 weeks. Whether these gains persist or translate to broader populations remains unestablished.
The players
Mahidol University
A public research university in Bangkok, Thailand, that conducted the trial, and which is widely regarded as one of Thailand's leading research institutions.
The details
Participants applied 3 percent topical minoxidil to their faces twice daily for 12 weeks while receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy. Side effects such as itching, redness and flaking were minimal, no serious adverse events were reported, and blood pressure stayed stable.
Timeline
1970s: Minoxidil was first developed as an oral medication for high blood pressure.
1988: The U.S. FDA approved topical minoxidil for male-pattern hair loss, marketed as Rogaine.
2016: A study among cisgender men showed topical minoxidil improved beard growth.
At 8 weeks, the treatment group showed denser facial hair than placebo.
At 12 weeks, mustache and beard density gains were measured against baseline.
Health Landscape
This study extends the decades-old use of minoxidil, approved by the FDA in 1988 as Rogaine for male-pattern hair loss, into gender-affirming care for transgender men. It adds to a growing body of research on repurposing established treatments for underserved patient groups.
For transgender men on hormone therapy who want fuller facial hair, this study suggests topical minoxidil may be a potential option to discuss with a clinician. Its use outside trial conditions should be reviewed with a healthcare provider given the early stage of the research.
The takeaway
Minoxidil, long used for scalp hair loss, may offer a low-side-effect option for facial hair development in transgender men, though larger and longer studies are needed. Anyone considering it should consult a healthcare professional first.
Further reading
For related coverage, explore Men's Health reporting on hormone therapy and treatment options.
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