Beardless men are rubbing hair loss drug on their face for fuller fuzz – but experts warn it could FALL OUT
Wannabe hipsters across the world are desperate for a solution to their patchy fuzz but this popular process could be having the opposite effect
THOUSANDS of men are turning to hair loss drugs in frantic attempts to grow 'proper' beards.
Over-the-counter medication Minoxidil - most commonly sold as Regaine in the UK - is being used by a growing number of blokes eager to fill out their patchy face fuzz.
The phenomenon sees men smear the foam or liquid on their face up to twice-a-day in an attempt to achieve more 'masculine' growth.
The fear of being 'follicly-challenged' on the head has haunted men for decades but with the recent rise in popularity of the 'lumberjack hipster' look, a new face based concern has arisen.
Online communities have formed where men use the technique, track their beard growth and share tips with other men across the globe.
The Minox Beard Spot is one such Facebook group which currently boasts more than 55,000 members.
One of the founders Adam Siddals, 27, spent more than two years applying the minoxidil foam twice-a-day and the results were astonishing.
FACIAL FOLIAGE
Adam began applying - with the help of a Derma-roller - in April 2016, and despite stopping in July 2018, still boasts impressive facial foliage almost a year later.
Despite the business analyst's success, many experts suggest that once you stop using such products the new and improved hair can simply fall out again.
Mixodil helps blood flow to hair follicles which can boost growth and thickness and Adam is a staunch advocate of the process.
He told the Mail: "It really bothered me, I was insecure about my lack of facial hair.
Taking Minoxidil is the best decision I've ever made - apart from proposing to my girlfriend
Adam Siddals on Minoxidil use
"My friends always used to tease me for having no facial hair, they used to say 'just face it you'll never grow a beard, quit trying'.
"Now I've started being taken more seriously at work and I look older, it's given me newfound confidence and made my life better.
"Taking Minoxidil is the best decision I've ever made - apart from proposing to my girlfriend."
DO YOUR RESEARCH
He added that sometimes it's better to wait for nature to take its course - especially if you're in your late teens - and said fellas should check the side effects before using.
Adam recommended using the foam, as he claims it has fewer side effects, and noted that it's not a miracle cure.
While there are many studies that examine the use of minoxidil on head hair, the only recognised one on beards was carried out in Thailand.
The 2016 study only sampled 48 patients but the results showed increases in hair counts and concluded that Minoxidil 3% lotion was effective and safe for beard enhancement.
SIDE EFFECTS
But despite the apparent global appeal, many experts advise against the process.
UK hair restoration surgeon Dr Bessam Farjo issued a stark warning to anyone using Minoxidil on their face.
He warned that the drug was originally invented to treat high blood pressure, so using too much if you have normal blood pressure could be harmful and lead to fainting and dizzy spells.
Dr Farjo also said the drug can cause dry skin - including a whitish deposit which is harder to hide on the face than it is on your scalp.
But he accepted it can boost the appearance of facial fuzz.
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He told The Mail: "It's good at maintaining hair - not growing hair - and that's how we prescribe it to patients with pattern baldness.
"If you have an immature beard, then Minoxidil could make it look fuller. And then you have to continue to use the drug or the appearance of thickness will disappear.
"But there's probably no chance at all that if you had no hair on your face that Minoxidil is going to suddenly give you a beard."
Despite Dr Farjo's convictions, Dr Jennifer Jones from the British Association of Dermatologists disagrees and said ultimately the science suggests using Minoxidil on your face would improve beard growth.
She said: "It is likely it will work because one of the things we warn women about when they use Minoxidil is not to get it on their face because they can grow a downy facial hair as a result- like baby hair."
Dr Jones added that ultimately the practice is safe but would advise using it in a very small area for 3-4 weeks to make sure you are not getting an adverse reaction.
Despite her subtle endorsement of the practice Dr Jones had a reminder for potential users: "None of these things work overnight and can take between 6-9 months."
