Shereene IdrissBoard Certified Derm, Founder and Chief Nerd

Hair Loss 101: What is minoxidil and how does it work?

20 Jul 2026 · 1 min

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In this segment, Shereene Idriss explains that minoxidil is a medication that prolongs the anagen (growth) phase of hair follicles. By keeping hair in the growth phase longer, it causes existing hair to remain on the scalp for a greater duration, leading to a thicker‑appearing, denser head of hair and less visible scalp. The drug does not create new hair follicles; instead, it supports the hair you already have and reduces the amount you lose over time.

Chapters

Minoxidil is a medication that helps to prolong the anagen phase of your hair follicle, meaning it's going to keep your hair in the growth phase longer. So what you're going to notice is that the hair on your head is going to stay on longer on your scalp and the density of your hair is going to get thicker over time, appearing overall more dense, and therefore you're noticing less of your scalp over time. It's not going to magically create new hair follicles, but it's definitely going to help to support the hair that you already have and minimize how much you lose in the process.