What celebrities use minoxidil?: A Look at Hollywood's Hair Loss Solutions

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

While the world's perception of celebrities often involves a flawless image, hair loss is a common and relatable challenge many face. Several well-known figures have openly discussed their use of minoxidil, the active ingredient in Rogaine, to maintain their famous manes.

Quick Summary

Discusses celebrity use and rumors surrounding the hair growth medication minoxidil, featuring figures like Jennifer Lopez, Joe Rogan, and Alyssa Milano. Explores how minoxidil works, compares it to other treatments, and covers the broader context of hair restoration in Hollywood.

Key Points

Jennifer Lopez: Publicly endorsed and uses a 2% minoxidil solution from Hers to combat hair thinning and promote hair growth.
Alyssa Milano: Used minoxidil as part of a Nioxin regimen to recover from pandemic-related hair loss, resulting in thicker hair.
Joe Rogan: Tried minoxidil as a young actor but found it ineffective for his more aggressive hair loss, ultimately choosing hair transplants instead.
Tom Cruise: Has been the subject of long-running rumors about using Rogaine (minoxidil) for thinning hair, although his specific treatments remain unconfirmed.
Robert Pattinson: Speculated by observers to have used both finasteride and minoxidil to address hair damage from constant styling during his acting career.
Mechanism of Action: Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to hair follicles and extending the growth phase of the hair cycle.
Alternative Treatments: Many celebrities use other methods like hair transplants (Joe Rogan, Tom Brady), supplements (Rumer Willis), or oral medications (Bradley Cooper).

Confirmed celebrity minoxidil users

Not all celebrity hair restoration efforts are rumors. Some stars have been notably transparent about their use of minoxidil, a topical medication that stimulates hair growth.

Jennifer Lopez

In 2020, singer and actress Jennifer Lopez partnered with the telehealth provider Hers to promote its line of products, including a 2% topical minoxidil solution. Lopez shared that she learned about minoxidil from her hairstylist early in her career and has been using it ever since. She reported significant improvement in the thickness and fullness of her hair after incorporating the treatment into her routine.

Alyssa Milano

Following her recovery from COVID-19, actress Alyssa Milano publicly addressed experiencing significant hair thinning. Her hairstylist recommended Nioxin products, including a hair regrowth treatment containing minoxidil. Milano reported that after consistent use, her hair began to feel thicker and healthier, with her natural curls returning.

Joe Rogan

While now famously bald, podcast host Joe Rogan has been open about his early hair loss journey. As a young actor, he initially tried using minoxidil to combat a receding hairline, but found the treatment insufficient to curb his accelerated hair loss. Rogan ultimately turned to hair transplants but now openly expresses regret about the procedures and advises others to consider shaving their heads instead.

Rumored and speculated minoxidil use

For many celebrities, hair loss treatments remain private. Media speculation and anonymous sources are often the only clues to their usage. The effectiveness of a product like minoxidil, combined with other treatments, can blur the lines between medication, surgery, and natural hair improvement.

Tom Cruise

Rumors about Tom Cruise's hair loss and its treatment have been circulating for decades. A 2009 report from an anonymous source claimed the actor was using Rogaine (minoxidil) to address thinning hair. While Cruise has never confirmed using minoxidil, his consistently full hairline has fueled ongoing speculation among hair restoration experts. It's plausible that he, like many with minimal hair loss, could have used minoxidil or another medication to maintain his hairline.

Robert Pattinson

During his time in the Twilight films, actor Robert Pattinson experienced hair thinning due to excessive styling and bleaching. Some observers and hair clinics have speculated that he may have used a combination of medications, including finasteride and minoxidil, to combat the damage. Pattinson has publicly admitted to wearing hairpieces for filming, but his specific medical treatments remain unconfirmed.

How minoxidil works for hair regrowth

Minoxidil was originally developed as an oral medication for high blood pressure. A side effect of the treatment was unexpected hair growth, which led to its reformulation as a topical solution for hair loss. The exact mechanism isn't fully understood, but it's believed that minoxidil works by:

Increasing blood flow: Minoxidil is a vasodilator, meaning it widens blood vessels. Applying it topically to the scalp increases blood flow, which may deliver more oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles.
Extending the growth phase: The hair growth cycle has three phases: growth (anagen), transitional (catagen), and resting (telogen). Minoxidil is thought to prolong the anagen phase and reverse the miniaturization of hair follicles caused by genetics, leading to thicker, longer hair.

A comparison of hair loss treatments

Many celebrities use a combination of methods to address hair loss. Here is how minoxidil stacks up against other popular approaches:


Feature	Topical Minoxidil (Rogaine)	Oral Medications (Finasteride)	Hair Transplant (FUE)	Hair Supplements (Nutrafol, Viviscal)
Mechanism	Stimulates blood flow to follicles and prolongs growth phase.	Blocks the hormone DHT, which is responsible for male pattern baldness.	Surgically moves hair follicles from a dense area to a thinning area.	Provides nutrients (e.g., biotin, vitamins) to support hair health.
Examples	Jennifer Lopez, Alyssa Milano	Bradley Cooper, Tom Brady (speculated)	Joe Rogan, Wayne Rooney, Elon Musk (speculated)	Rumer Willis, Jennifer Aniston
Results	Promotes regrowth and slows loss; requires consistent use.	Highly effective for male pattern baldness; requires prescription.	Permanent and natural-looking results; requires surgery.	Supports overall hair health; less effective for genetic hair loss.
Pros	Over-the-counter availability; works for both men and women.	Highly effective for certain types of baldness.	Permanent solution; targets specific areas.	Natural ingredients; supports general hair wellness.
Cons	Must be used consistently; potential scalp irritation.	Prescription needed; can have side effects.	Invasive and costly; recovery period required.	Results vary; not a cure for all types of hair loss.

Why minoxidil is a popular celebrity choice

For many stars, minoxidil offers a non-surgical, over-the-counter solution that can be discreetly incorporated into a daily routine. This is particularly appealing for those experiencing early to moderate hair thinning who want to avoid more invasive procedures like hair transplants. The medication's long track record and FDA approval provide a sense of security and reliability. The fact that it is available in various forms, such as topical solutions and foams, makes it versatile for different lifestyles. While some, like Joe Rogan, may find minoxidil's effects are not sufficient for their hair loss, for others, it can be a vital part of maintaining a camera-ready appearance.

The reality of celebrity hair loss

The desire for a full head of hair is universal, and celebrities are no exception. High-profile figures, subjected to immense stress, constant styling, and public scrutiny, face the same hair loss challenges as anyone else. The methods they use, from minoxidil to hair transplants, often reflect what is available to the general public, though access to top experts provides an advantage. Ultimately, a celebrity's journey with minoxidil, whether successful like Jennifer Lopez's or a stepping stone like Joe Rogan's, normalizes the conversation around hair loss and encourages others to seek effective solutions.

For those interested in exploring different hair restoration options, consulting a dermatologist or a hair loss specialist is the best first step. The National Institute of Health provides resources on male and female pattern hair loss and the efficacy of minoxidil, confirming its status as a reliable treatment option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Jennifer Lopez has publicly confirmed that she has used a minoxidil solution from the brand Hers to help with hair thinning.

No, Joe Rogan has stated that minoxidil did not sufficiently curb his hair loss, leading him to undergo hair transplants instead.

Yes, some male celebrities are known or rumored to have used minoxidil, including Joe Rogan in the past, and Tom Cruise, who has been speculatively linked to Rogaine use.

No, minoxidil is available and FDA-approved for both men and women to treat hair loss. Female celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Alyssa Milano have both used it successfully.

Celebrities may choose minoxidil for early hair loss because it is a non-surgical, less invasive, and more affordable option than a hair transplant. It can be discreetly integrated into a daily routine.

No, minoxidil must be used consistently and indefinitely to maintain results. If discontinued, hair loss will likely resume.

The most common side effect is mild scalp irritation or itching, which usually subsides if treatment is stopped.

Yes, minoxidil is often used in combination with other treatments like oral medications or supplements, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.