Over-the-counter minoxidil 5% costs $15 to $50 per month in 2026, making it the most accessible FDA-approved hair regrowth treatment available without a prescription. Applied twice daily to the scalp, minoxidil produces measurable regrowth in 40 to 60% of users, with visible results beginning at 4 to 6 months of consistent use.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or medical advice.
OTC Minoxidil Pricing
Minoxidil is available as a liquid solution or foam in 2% and 5% concentrations. The 5% formula is more effective and is the standard recommendation for men. Women are typically advised to start with 2%, though many dermatologists now prescribe 5% for women as well.
Topical Minoxidil by Brand
| Product | Concentration | Form | Monthly Cost | 6-Month Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rogaine (brand) | 5% | Foam | $30 to $50 | $150 to $250 |
| Rogaine (brand) | 2% | Solution | $25 to $40 | $120 to $200 |
| Kirkland (Costco generic) | 5% | Foam | $10 to $15 | $50 to $75 |
| Kirkland (Costco generic) | 5% | Solution | $8 to $12 | $40 to $60 |
| Amazon Basics / generic | 5% | Foam | $12 to $20 | $60 to $100 |
| Amazon Basics / generic | 5% | Solution | $10 to $18 | $50 to $90 |
| Hims (topical) | 5% | Solution | $20 to $30 | $100 to $150 |
| Keeps (topical) | 5% | Foam | $20 to $30 | $100 to $150 |
Kirkland Signature (Costco's generic) is the clear value leader at $8 to $15 per month. The product is manufactured in the same FDA-regulated facilities that produce brand-name minoxidil and contains the identical active ingredient at the same concentration.
Foam vs Solution
Foam is more expensive than liquid solution but dries faster (2 to 3 minutes vs 15 to 20 minutes) and does not leave the greasy residue that solution formulas are known for. Many users who try solution first switch to foam for the convenience, especially for morning application before work.
Solution contains propylene glycol as a carrier, which causes scalp irritation or contact dermatitis in roughly 5 to 10% of users. Foam formulas use alternative carriers and are better tolerated by sensitive skin.
Prescription Minoxidil Options
Oral Minoxidil
Low-dose oral minoxidil (1.25 to 2.5mg daily) has become increasingly popular since 2022 as an off-label hair loss treatment. It eliminates the inconvenience of twice-daily topical application and some studies suggest it produces stronger regrowth in responders.
| Source | Monthly Cost | Includes Prescription |
|---|---|---|
| Hims (oral) | $25 to $45 | Yes |
| Keeps (oral) | $20 to $35 | Yes |
| Roman (oral) | $20 to $40 | Yes |
| Local dermatologist + pharmacy | $10 to $30 (med only) | No (separate consult fee) |
| Cost Plus Drugs | $5 to $10 (med only) | No (need own Rx) |
Oral minoxidil requires a prescription because it was originally developed as Loniten, a blood pressure medication. Side effects at hair-loss doses (1.25 to 2.5mg) include slight fluid retention, increased body hair growth, and mild dizziness. These are dose-dependent and uncommon at low doses, but periodic blood pressure monitoring is recommended.
Compounded Topical Formulas
Compounding pharmacies create custom minoxidil formulations that combine multiple active ingredients in one application. These are prescription-only.
| Formula | Typical Ingredients | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Minoxidil + finasteride topical | 5% minoxidil + 0.1% finasteride | $50 to $80 |
| Minoxidil + tretinoin | 5% minoxidil + 0.025% tretinoin | $40 to $60 |
| Triple therapy topical | 5% minoxidil + 0.1% finasteride + 0.025% tretinoin | $60 to $90 |
Tretinoin (a retinoid) is added because research shows it increases minoxidil absorption by up to 50%. The combination of topical finasteride and minoxidil delivers both DHT blocking and follicle stimulation directly to the scalp, potentially reducing systemic side effects compared to oral finasteride.
Long-Term Cost Analysis
Minoxidil is a maintenance treatment. Results reverse within 3 to 6 months of stopping. Here is what continuous use costs over time.
| Product | Annual Cost | 5-Year Cost | 10-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rogaine 5% foam (brand) | $360 to $600 | $1,800 to $3,000 | $3,600 to $6,000 |
| Kirkland 5% foam (generic) | $120 to $180 | $600 to $900 | $1,200 to $1,800 |
| Amazon/store generic 5% | $120 to $240 | $600 to $1,200 | $1,200 to $2,400 |
| Oral minoxidil (Cost Plus) | $60 to $120 | $300 to $600 | $600 to $1,200 |
| Compounded topical | $600 to $960 | $3,000 to $4,800 | $6,000 to $9,600 |
A patient using Kirkland generic for 10 years spends $1,200 to $1,800 total. Brand Rogaine over the same period costs $3,600 to $6,000 for the same clinical outcome.
Minoxidil as Part of a Treatment Stack
Minoxidil works best when combined with other treatments. The most common stacks, ordered by aggressiveness and cost:
Stack Options
| Stack | Monthly Cost | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Minoxidil 5% only | $10 to $50 | 40-60% see regrowth |
| Minoxidil + finasteride 1mg | $20 to $80 | 80-90% halt loss, improved regrowth |
| Minoxidil + finasteride + microneedling | $25 to $90 | Enhanced absorption, stronger regrowth |
| Minoxidil + hair transplant (post-op) | $10 to $50 + surgery | Protects native hair around transplant |
For patients at Norwood 3 and above, the combination of minoxidil and finasteride produces significantly better outcomes than either medication alone. Adding minoxidil post-transplant helps maintain native hair density and may improve graft survival during the early healing phase.
Find Your Treatment Plan
Upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze to get an AI assessment of your hair loss stage and find out whether minoxidil alone, a combination stack, or a surgical approach is the best fit for your pattern and goals.