Low-dose oral minoxidil (0.25 to 5 mg/day) is the quiet revolution in hair loss treatment.

Low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) is one of the biggest practical changes in hair loss treatment in the past decade. Doses of 0.25 to 5 mg/day, prescribed off-label by dermatologists, deliver an effect on hair density that is comparable to topical minoxidil for many people, with the practical advantage of being a tablet you swallow once a day rather than a sticky liquid you apply twice.

Who it is for: people who cannot tolerate topical minoxidil (scalp irritation, time burden, hair texture changes), or who want a more convenient option after years of topical use.

Side effects to know about: hypertrichosis (extra body and facial hair, mostly in women) is the most common; fluid retention and lower-extremity oedema can occur, especially at higher doses. Cardiac side effects at low doses are rare but warrant a baseline conversation with the prescribing dermatologist.

Not FDA-approved for hair loss; minoxidil is FDA-approved at higher doses for severe hypertension. Hair use is off-label but well-evidenced.