Minoxidil Canada: Topical vs. Oral Options for Treating Hair Loss

Androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) is the most common hair loss condition in Canada, affecting between 40% and 50% of men and women by the age of 50. According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, four out of five men will experience some degree of baldness by the time they reach 70.

Minoxidil is one of the most well-established treatments for hair loss and has been used for this purpose for over three decades. It’s available in Canada as both an over-the-counter topical treatment and a prescription oral medication, giving Canadians multiple options depending on their needs and preferences.

Whether you’re just starting to notice thinning hair or have been dealing with hair loss for some time, this guide covers everything you need to know about minoxidil in Canada. We cover how it works, the different formulations available, side effects, costs, and how it compares when used alongside other treatments, like finasteride.

What Is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is a medication that was originally developed in the 1970s to treat severe high blood pressure (hypertension). During clinical trials, researchers noticed an unexpected side effect: patients were growing new hair on their scalps and bodies. This discovery led to the development of a topical formulation specifically designed for hair loss, which received FDA approval in 1988 as the first drug proven to promote hair regrowth.

Today, minoxidil is available worldwide under various brand names, with Rogaine being the most recognizable in Canada. Generic minoxidil products are also widely available and contain the same active ingredient.

Minoxidil is approved by Health Canada for topical use in concentrations of 5% or less without a prescription. Higher concentrations and oral formulations require a prescription from a licensed physician.

How Does Minoxidil Work for Hair Loss?

The exact mechanism by which minoxidil promotes hair growth is not fully understood, even after decades of research. However, scientists believe it works through several complementary pathways.

• Minoxidil is a potassium channel opener and vasodilator, meaning it widens blood vessels and improves blood flow. When applied to the scalp or taken orally, this increased blood flow is thought to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles, helping to revitalize those that have begun to shrink due to pattern hair loss.
• Beyond improved blood flow, minoxidil appears to directly affect the hair growth cycle. Hair grows in phases: a growth phase (anagen), a transitional phase (catagen), and a resting phase (telogen). In androgenetic alopecia, the anagen phase becomes progressively shorter while the telogen phase lengthens, resulting in thinner, shorter hairs over time. Research shows that minoxidil may shorten the telogen phase and extend the anagen phase, which could push resting follicles back into active growth and keep them there longer.

Minoxidil must be converted into its active form, minoxidil sulfate, by an enzyme called sulfotransferase before it can exert its effects. Variability in sulfotransferase levels between individuals is one reason why some people respond better to minoxidil than others.

Types of Minoxidil Available in Canada

Minoxidil is available in Canada in several formulations, each with its own advantages.

Topical Solution (Liquid)

The original formulation, topical minoxidil solution is available in 2% and 5% concentrations. It’s applied directly to the scalp using a dropper or spray applicator, typically twice daily for the 2% solution and once or twice daily for the 5% solution. The liquid formulation usually contains propylene glycol, which helps the medication penetrate the skin, but can cause irritation or an allergic reaction in some users.

Topical Foam

Minoxidil foam (5%) was developed as an alternative for people who experience irritation from the liquid solution. The foam formulation is often propylene glycol-free, dries more quickly, and is generally easier to apply without dripping.

Oral Minoxidil Tablets

Low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) is a prescription-only hair loss treatment option that has gained significant attention in recent years. While not specifically approved for hair loss, it is often prescribed “off-label” by physicians at doses much lower than those used for blood pressure. A large multicenter study of 1,404 patients found that LDOM has a good safety profile, with only 1.7% of patients discontinuing treatment due to adverse effects.

How to Use Topical Minoxidil

Using topical minoxidil correctly is important for getting the best results. Here are the general guidelines, but be sure to always follow the specific instructions on your product.

1. Make sure your scalp is clean and completely dry before applying minoxidil. If you wash your hair before application, use a mild shampoo and dry your hair thoroughly. 
2. For the liquid solution, use the dropper or spray applicator to apply 1 mL directly to the affected areas of your scalp. For the foam, apply half a capful to the thinning areas.
3. Gently spread the medication with your fingertips and allow it to dry completely before styling your hair or going to bed. The liquid typically takes 15 to 25 minutes to dry, while the foam dries in about 5 minutes. 
4. Wash your hands thoroughly after application to avoid inadvertently growing hair in unwanted areas.

Consistency is essential. Minoxidil needs to be used continuously to maintain results. Most people begin to see new hair growth within 2 to 4 months, but it can take up to a year for full results to become apparent. 

An initial increase in hair shedding during the first few weeks is normal. This actually indicates that the treatment is working by pushing dormant hairs into a new growth cycle.

Oral Minoxidil in Canada

Low-dose oral minoxidil has become an increasingly popular treatment option for hair loss, particularly for patients who find topical application inconvenient or who experience scalp irritation from topical formulations.

In Canada, oral minoxidil is available only by prescription. Your doctor will need to assess your medical history and determine whether oral minoxidil is appropriate for you. Typical doses for hair loss range from 0.625 mg to 2.5 mg daily for women and 2.5 mg to 5 mg daily for men (both of which are significantly lower than the 10 to 40 mg doses used for blood pressure management).

Do Minoxidil Tablets Work?

An international expert consensus panel found broad agreement that oral minoxidil (minoxidil tablets) is effective for various hair loss conditions. 

Experts noted that oral minoxidil was less expensive, more convenient, and caused less scalp irritation compared to topical formulations. However, because oral minoxidil is absorbed systemically, it requires medical monitoring (particularly for cardiovascular side effects).

When to Choose Oral Minoxidil

Oral minoxidil may be a good option if you:

• Have difficulty applying topical treatments consistently
• Experience scalp irritation from topical formulations
• Want to use other topical products without worrying about layering
• Haven’t seen adequate results from topical minoxidil alone
• Don’t mind seeing a doctor to get a prescription

What Are the Side Effects of Minoxidil?

Like any medication, minoxidil carries potential side effects. These differ somewhat between the topical and oral formulations.

Topical Minoxidil Side Effects

The most common side effects of topical minoxidil include scalp irritation, dryness, flaking, and itching. These are often related to the propylene glycol in the liquid solution and may improve by switching to the foam formulation. Some users also experience unwanted facial or body hair growth if the product drips onto other areas of skin.

An initial increase in hair shedding (sometimes called “the dread shed”) is common during the first 2 to 6 weeks of treatment. This is a normal part of the process as dormant hairs are pushed out to make room for new growth.

Oral Minoxidil Side Effects

The most frequent side effect of low-dose oral minoxidil is hypertrichosis (unwanted hair growth on the face or body), which was reported in approximately 15% of patients in a large multicenter study. This side effect is more common in women than in men and is generally manageable.

Less common systemic side effects include lightheadedness, fluid retention, tachycardia, and headache. These are typically mild and dose-dependent.

Who Should Not Use Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is not suitable for everyone. You should not use minoxidil without consulting a doctor if you have:

• A history of heart disease
• Low blood pressure or are taking blood pressure medications
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have an irritated, sunburned, or infected scalp (for topical use)
• If your hair loss is sudden, patchy, or caused by a medical condition other than androgenetic alopecia

Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting minoxidil, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.

What Happens If You Stop Using Minoxidil?

Unfortunately, minoxidil is not a cure for hair loss. It manages the condition while you use it. But if you stop, hair loss will typically resume within 3 to 6 months. This means that for most people using minoxidil in Canada or abroad, the treatment is a long-term commitment. 

If you’re considering starting minoxidil, it’s worth understanding that you’ll need to continue using it indefinitely to maintain results. This is one reason why some people prefer the convenience of low-dose oral minoxidil over daily topical application.

Minoxidil and Finasteride: Better Together?

While minoxidil is effective on its own, some healthcare providers recommend combining it with finasteride for more comprehensive hair loss treatment. These two medications are thought to work through entirely different mechanisms, making them complementary.

Minoxidil is believed to stimulate hair growth by improving blood flow to follicles and extending the growth phase of the hair cycle. Finasteride, on the other hand, is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that blocks the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone primarily responsible for shrinking hair follicles in androgenetic alopecia.

Research on Minoxidil and Finasteride

A recent retrospective study of 502 men taking combined oral minoxidil and finasteride found that 92.4% achieved stable or improved outcomes at 12 months, with 57.4% showing visible regrowth. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials also confirmed that the minoxidil-finasteride combination demonstrated superior improvements in hair density and diameter compared to minoxidil alone.

It’s important to note that finasteride is a prescription-only medication in Canada. If you’re using or considering minoxidil in Canada for hair loss, it may be worth speaking with a doctor about whether adding finasteride could improve your results.

Where to Buy Minoxidil in Canada

Topical minoxidil (5% or less) is available over the counter at most Canadian pharmacies. You can also purchase it online, where both brand-name Rogaine and generic minoxidil products are widely stocked.

Oral minoxidil requires a prescription from a licensed Canadian physician. You can obtain a prescription through your family doctor, a dermatologist, or through virtual care platforms that connect you with licensed doctors online.

How Much Does Minoxidil Cost in Canada?

The cost of minoxidil in Canada varies depending on whether you choose brand-name or generic products and which formulation you use.

Brand-name Rogaine foam (5%) typically costs between $50 and $80 for a three-month supply. Generic topical minoxidil solutions are generally less expensive, often ranging from $20 to $40 for a similar supply. Prices can vary between pharmacies, so it’s worth shopping around.

Oral minoxidil is usually inexpensive, as the tablets are available in generic form. However, you’ll also need to factor in the cost of a doctor’s consultation and any follow-up monitoring your physician recommends.

Most private insurance plans in Canada do not cover over-the-counter minoxidil products. However, if your doctor prescribes oral minoxidil or a compounded topical formulation, some insurance plans may provide coverage. Check with your provider for specific details.

FAQs About Minoxidil Canada

How long does minoxidil take to work? 

Most people notice initial results within 2 to 4 months, though it can take up to a year for full benefits. An initial shedding phase during the first few weeks is normal and not a reason to stop treatment.

Can women use minoxidil? 

Yes. Both 2% and 5% topical minoxidil are approved for women in Canada. The 2% solution or 5% foam applied once daily are common options. Low-dose oral minoxidil is also prescribed off-label for female pattern hair loss, typically at lower doses than for men.

Does minoxidil work for a receding hairline? Minoxidil is most effective for thinning on the crown or top of the scalp. It is generally less effective for receding hairlines at the temples, though some users do report improvements in these areas.

Can I use minoxidil with other hair products? Yes, but allow topical minoxidil to fully absorb and dry before applying other styling products. Avoid using minoxidil at the same time as topical tretinoin or corticosteroids unless directed by your doctor.

Is minoxidil safe long-term? 

Topical minoxidil has been used safely in Canada and abroad for over 30 years. Long-term safety data for low-dose oral minoxidil is still accumulating, but current evidence suggests it is well tolerated at the doses used for hair loss.

Minoxidil Canada: Is It Right for You?

Minoxidil remains one of the most accessible and well-studied treatments for hair loss in Canada. Whether you opt for the convenience of an over-the-counter foam or liquid solution, or explore low-dose oral minoxidil with a prescription, the key to success is consistency and realistic expectations.

If you’re experiencing hair loss in Canada and want to explore your treatment options, speaking with a healthcare provider is the best first step. A doctor can help determine the cause of your hair loss, recommend the most appropriate formulation, and discuss whether combining minoxidil with other treatments like finasteride might be beneficial for your situation.

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