Minoxidil is a medication primarily used to treat hair loss in both men and women. It is available in topical form, which means it is applied directly to the scalp. The exact way it works is not fully understood, but it is believed to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth by increasing blood flow to the area. Originally developed as a treatment for high blood pressure, Minoxidil was found to have the side effect of hair growth. Today, it is commonly used for conditions like androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness.