Oral minoxidil vs Topical Minoxidil w/ Retinoic acid Minoxidil 7/23/2025
Topical minoxidil with retinoic acid is effective but causes scalp irritation, leading the user to consider switching to 2.5mg oral minoxidil. Oral minoxidil may cause body hair growth and heart-related side effects, so it's advised to use it under medical guidance.
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5 / 1000+ resultscommunity 5 months dutasteride and minoxidil. Went from NW3 with diffuse thinning and retrograde alopecia to a dense NW2. See
A user achieved significant hair regrowth from Norwood 3 to a dense Norwood 2 after five months using oral dutasteride, oral minoxidil, and a topical solution with minoxidil, retinoic acid, and hydrocortisone. The user reported no side effects and found the topical treatment especially effective for the hairline.
community Minoxidil works only with Retinoic acid
Minoxidil is more effective when combined with retinoic acid, such as tretinoin or tazarotene, enhancing hair growth. Some users experience significant regrowth, while others see minimal effects or side effects.
community Update: 9 months of oral Dutasteride & topical Minoxidil has done more than I ever expected
Oral Dutasteride and topical Minoxidil significantly improved hair regrowth over nine months. Other users shared mixed results and side effects with treatments like oral Minoxidil and Finasteride.
community 3 years of slowww progress. Thoughts?
The user stopped taking oral finasteride due to depression and now uses a topical finasteride/minoxidil mix with some scalp irritation. They plan to start derma stamping and have seen some improvement in their hair over three years, which others have noticed and encouraged them to continue their efforts.
community You may not have the enzyme for topical minoxidil to work - a rarely talked about impact
Some people may not respond to topical minoxidil due to low SULT1A1 enzyme activity, but oral minoxidil can be effective. Tretinoin may enhance minoxidil's effectiveness, and some users prefer oral minoxidil despite side effects.
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