Are you looking to supercharge your hair loss treatment plan?
Then I’ve got good news for you! If the thought of using finasteride makes you go limp and catatonic, minoxidil 10% could be your best bet.
It most likely works considerably better than the lower-strength, 5% minoxidil formula. However, it’s a treatment that does come with some significant risks and downsides, which I’ll cover in this quick and informative post.
Without further ado, here are the top things you should know BEFORE you start a 10% minoxidil regimen.
1. It’s Not Twice as Effective as 5% Minoxidil
According to a 2002 study, 5% minoxidil led to 45% more regrowth over 2% minoxidil (1). Researchers in that study ultimately concluded that the 5% formula was “clearly superior” in all aspects to the 2% product.
However, the 5% product contains more than 2x the amount of minoxidil. Even if you’re math skills are limited, it’s easy to see that there’s not a direct correlation between the strength and the effectiveness.
2. Still, It Likely Works Better than 5% Minoxidil
No studies have been done to compare 5% minoxidil to 10% minoxidil. But anecdotal evidence and pure logic both would suggest that the 10% formula will yield better results. How much better? That’s unknown at this juncture.
3. Side Effects are More Likely
You’re definitely going to be more likely to experience side effects if you opt to try 10% minoxidil. Reports on side effects from extra-strength minoxidil are largely anecdotal at the moment, given the lack of scientific research. But I’ve seen a number of youtube videos where young men report potentially serious, absorptive side effects such as heart palpitations while taking the 10% formula.
Chest pain, changes in blood pressure, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, heart palpitations, headaches, dizziness, faintness are some of the more serious side effects of minoxidil use, according to the Mayo Clinic — so you should definitely be aware of those side effects and monitor yourself accordingly! I’d suggest checking your blood pressure on a fairly regular basis, if you choose to hop on the 10% minoxidil bandwagon.
4. Not Manufactured by Top Brands
You’re not going to find a Rogiane 10% minoxidil formula.
Kirkland, Equate, and Up and Up don’t manufacture 10% minoxidil products, either.
5. 10% Minoxidil May be Available by Prescription
Some doctors offer 10% minoxidil formulas by prescriptions; they then fill these prescriptions at compounding pharmacies.
Boston hair restoration surgeon Ryan Welter says that he prescribes 10% minoxidil to his patients on occasion, but only if they try the lower dose first without success (2).
And no, in case you’re wondering, it’s unlikely that your insurance company will cover the cost of your prescription, minoxidil hair loss treatment.
6. Potential Danger – Buyer Beware!
You’re going to find some 10% minoxidil products that are legitimate, along with others that are of a poor quality and potentially hazardous. If you elect to purchase an extra-strength minoxidil formula, proceed with caution. Many of these products aren’t manufactured to stringent quality standards, which is why it’s essential that you do your research and seek out a product that has favorable reviews from a brand with a good reputation.
7. Most Definitely NOT FDA Approved
This is the big reason it’s getting pretty hard to find 10% minoxidil on the shelves and even on the internet these days. 5% is the FDA approved formula for men, while the 2% is generally recommended to women. 10% is a no-go, according to the FDA.
8. Not Doctor Recommended, Either
Your doctor probably won’t advise you to try 10% minoxidil.
With few exceptions, most doctors do NOT advise their patients to take 10% minoxidil. As I stated earlier, there are some who will prescribe it, but usually they’ll do this via a compounding pharmacy and not advise their patients to purchase 10% minoxidil on the open market — and they’ll probably only take this course if a patient tries 5% minoxidil with no positive results.
9. eBay May Be Your Best Bet
I’m certainly not advising you to purchase a 10% bottle of minoxidil, but if you do, eBay appears to have some decent deals on it. I couldn’t find anything on Amazon, Walmart, or other top internet retailers. So check out eBay, if you feel inclined!
10. Even Higher Concentrations May Be Available
During the 2000s, there was a popular, 15% minoxidil formula developed by the late Dr. Richard Lee, called Xandrox. Lee was regarded as an extra-strength minoxidil guru and there are many still many open topics about his products on the hair loss forms. His formula contained azelaic acid, which is also included in many of today’s most popular 10% minoxidil products.
Azelaic acid is believed to inhibit 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that bonds with testosterone to create DHT and effectively causes pattern baldness. It’s not an FDA approved hair loss treatment, but some research and anecdotal evidence have indicated that it can treat hair loss. Dr. Lee’s product is no longer available and he was, for all intents and purposes, shut down by the FDA.
Naturally, you should proceed with extra caution if you use any product that contains over 5% minoxidil, particularly if it contains 3x more minoxidil than the FDA and most doctors recommend.
Conclusion – 10 Quick Facts about 10% Minoxidil
So, for now, 10% minoxidil is something of an experimental hair loss treatment. Make sure you do your research before you buy any 10% minoxidil product, and of course, you should talk to a doctor before even considering this option!
10% minoxidil probably works considerably better than the 5% formula, but obviously it comes with more risks and potential downsides. Keep that in mind. Whether you opt to try 2%, 5%, or 10% minoxidil, there could be side effects — and remember, twice the minoxidil doesn’t necessary mean double the effectiveness!
Robert Price is a writer, consumer advocate, and hair loss researcher with thousands of hours of experience in the field. His goal is to keep you out of the hair loss rabbit hole, underworld, or whatever you want to call it. He founded Hair Loss Daily, the unbiased hair loss blog, in 2016. You can learn more about Robert in the my story section of this website.