Dermatologist Explains How Minoxidil Works for Hair Loss (How to Use, Results, & More)
By Dr. Sam Ellis · published · 12:12 · 455K views when we checked · Clinician: Sam Ellis
The video belongs to Dr. Sam Ellis and plays on YouTube's privacy-enhanced player. Watch on YouTube.
What this video covers
This 12-minute video comes from Dr. Sam Ellis, who describes herself in the description as a dermatologist. She says she sees many patients each day who want hair loss treatments, and that topical minoxidil is typically one of the first options she recommends. The video is presented as her explanation of how it works and how to use it. The channel is her own, not a company's.
The chapters show the order of the talk. It opens with a general introduction to topical minoxidil, then moves to who makes a good candidate and what to buy. After that it covers how long to keep using it, how it works, possible side effects, and application tips. The side effects and application sections run about two minutes each, and the explanation of how it works is the longest single block, at close to three minutes. Because we could not read the captions, we cannot say what she tells viewers in any of these parts, and this page does not repeat any specific advice from the video.
The description links to two other hair loss videos from the same channel, one on causes of hair loss and one on tips for fuller, healthier hair. It also lists several shop links to minoxidil products and a hair growth kit. The description marks these as affiliate links that help support the channel, and it says some products may have been received as PR. Its disclaimer states that the video is not medical advice and tells viewers to consult their physician. The image credits cite sources including DermNet, Healthline and the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine.
Our summary, written from the video's title, description and chapters (description and chapters), checked 2026-10-31. It reports what the creator presents; it is not medical advice, and the creator's experience may not match yours.
Chapters
- 2:03The chapter titled Good Candidates looks at who the creator considers suitable for topical minoxidil.
- 3:56The How Long to Use chapter addresses the length of time the treatment is used.
- 4:33The How Minoxidil Works chapter is the longest section and explains the mechanism behind the treatment.
- 7:15The Minoxidil Side Effects chapter covers the possible unwanted effects of using it.
- 9:05The Application Tips chapter gives practical guidance on putting the product on.
What it costs today
- FDA-approved and compounded
- No FDA warning letter found
- No state list published
Which programs let you message a clinician
From each program's own page, read 2026-10-31. "Not found" means we found no statement either way.
| Program | Message a clinician | Cost | From | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keeps | YesThe plan lists 24/7 messaging access with a licensed medical provider among what you get.source, 2026-10-31 | Included | $14/mo | Visit |
| Ro | YesFree, unlimited follow-up messaging with a Ro-affiliated provider after you start treatment.source, 2026-10-31 | Included | $16/mo | Visit |
| GoodRx Care | YesYou message your provider from the treatment subscription dashboard; a dose change or a long gap may require a new paid telehealth visit, and no messaging price is stated.source, 2026-10-31 | Not stated | $16/mo | Visit |
| Rex MD | YesFollow-ups are free once treatment starts; you message your assigned provider through the member portal any time.source, 2026-10-31 | Included | $18/mo | Visit |
| Happy Head | YesUnlimited dermatologist support to adjust treatment; the page calls it support rather than messaging and states no price for it.source, 2026-10-31 | Not stated | $18/mo | Visit |
| Tuyo Health | YesMonthly follow-ups are included and your doctor stays available to check in; the FAQ adds messaging with your provider on a secure platform.source, 2026-10-31 | Included | $18/mo | Visit |
| Strut Health | YesFree, unlimited follow-ups with a healthcare provider, who you can message from your account.source, 2026-10-31 | Included | $18.33/mo | Visit |
| Hims | YesYou can message a provider with questions at any time, for free.source, 2026-10-31 | Included | $22/mo | Visit |
| Maximus | YesEvery protocol includes 24/7 messaging with your care team at no additional cost.source, 2026-10-31 | Included | $24.99/mo | Visit |
| MangoRx | YesUnlimited access to licensed providers for any concerns, with ongoing provider support listed in the monthly plan; the page does not name the channel.source, 2026-10-31 | Included | $90/mo | Visit |
| Lemonaid Health | YesMessaging with clinical providers is included (stated on the oral minoxidil hair loss page; the ED page does not mention it).source, 2026-10-31 | Included | See review | Visit |
| PeterMD | YesUnlimited free consultations and 24/7 access to your medical team; the page says access and consults, not messaging by name.source, 2026-10-31 | Included | See review | Visit |
| Hone Health | YesUnlimited messaging with your care team, plus a clinician meeting every 3 months, as part of the membership.source, 2026-10-31 | Included in the paid Hone membership | See review | Visit |
| Rugiet | YesYou can message your doctor anytime in the portal, and unlimited follow-ups with your doctor are included in the price.source, 2026-10-31 | Included | $99/mo | Visit |
| DudeMeds | Not foundNo statement found on the site about messaging a clinician after starting treatment. | Not stated | See review | Visit |
More Minoxidil videos
2:44
7:21
8:40