Can hair growth pills make beards thicker? Research reveals differences in 8 weeks, but currently only "this group" has evidence

British football star David Beckham has a pronounced stubble, showing the growth of hair on a male's face. Research has found that common hair-growing ingredients may increase beard density in certain ethnic groups.

Minoxidil, a common hair growth ingredient, is not only used to improve scalp hair loss. A new study also found that after use by specific groups, the density of beards and upper lip beards increased, and significant differences were observed in the 8th week.

The scientific media "ScienceAlert" reported that this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the "Journal of Dermatological Treatment" was conducted by a research team at Mahidol University in Thailand. It included 69 transgender men who received stable gender affirmation hormone treatment and were randomly divided into two groups. They applied 3% minoxidil or placebo on their faces every day for 12 weeks.

Researchers observed significant changes in facial hair density in subjects using minoxidil at week 8. By the 12th week, the upper lip beard density in the minoxidil group increased by an average of 18.45 roots/cm2, the beard density increased by 11.16 roots/cm2, and the hair diameter also increased. The side effects that occurred during the trial were mainly local itching, redness and scaling. No serious adverse events were reported.

However, this study focused on transgender men receiving testosterone treatment, and it is unclear whether the results are applicable to men in general or other groups. In addition, topical minoxidil has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for facial beard growth. The American Academy of Dermatology also warns that using minoxidil on the face may cause skin irritation, and you should consult a dermatologist before use.

Minoxidil was originally developed as an oral drug to treat high blood pressure. Later, it was developed as a topical hair growth product because of its ability to promote hair growth. Since it also has a vasodilatory effect, if the drug is absorbed through the skin and enters the systemic circulation, it may theoretically cause dizziness, hypotension, rapid heartbeat or palpitations. People should not apply hair growth products on their faces by themselves.