Quick Answer
Oral minoxidil is more effective for most people. Studies show 24% greater improvement vs topical. It also works for the 30-40% who don't respond to topical.
The trade-off: Oral causes more body hair growth (hypertrichosis). If you don't mind that, oral is the better choice.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | Oral | Topical |
|---|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Superior ✓ | Good |
| Works for non-responders | Yes ✓ | No |
| Convenience | Once daily pill ✓ | Twice daily application |
| Body hair growth | More common | Minimal ✓ |
| Scalp irritation | None ✓ | Possible |
| Price | $20-35/mo | $15/mo ✓ |
Why Oral Works Better
Topical minoxidil requires conversion by scalp enzymes (sulfotransferase) to become active. 30-40% of men have low enzyme activity — topical simply doesn't work for them.
Oral minoxidil bypasses this bottleneck entirely. It's converted in your liver and delivered systemically to all hair follicles.
When to Choose Each
Choose Oral If:
- ✓ Topical didn't work for you
- ✓ You want maximum results
- ✓ You hate the twice-daily routine
- ✓ You don't mind extra body hair
Choose Topical If:
- • You want to minimize body hair
- • You're just starting out
- • Budget is the priority
- • You prefer targeted application
Get Either Option Online
Hims offers both oral and topical minoxidil. Start with topical if you're new, or jump to oral for maximum results.
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