Black Women Are Using This Unusual Male Product to Regrow Their ‘Edges’

Some Black women have fully embraced minoxidil as a reliable way to regrow hair around the edges they’ve lost to braided styles and wig glue.

For a Black woman, laying your edges is like putting icing on a cake – the finishing touch to your ‘do and a way to show off your style. But those who experience hair loss around the edges due to alopecia or protective styles like braids and wigs, are trying new ways to bring life back to the area, using a treatment drug that was originally marketed to men.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Angela Bassett Reveals the Mission: Impossible Birthday Surprise That Got Tom Cruise Dancing

Originally developed as a drug to treat high blood pressure, minoxidil (aka Rogaine) was approved by the FDA in 1988 as a hair loss treatment. The drug stimulates hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp and sending more oxygen, blood, and nutrients to the hair follicles.

Some Black women have fully embraced minoxidil as a reliable way to regrow hair around the edges they’ve lost to braided styles and wig glue. We’ve rounded up some before and after pictures of those who’ve shared their amazing hairline transformations online.

What to Know Before You Start

@dermatologysurgeon

Replying to @Luna 🤍 #greenscreen Here’s what you should know about minoxidil for hair growth from a dermatologist. It can cause temporary hair shedding and it does need to be used forever to continue seeing results. Women can use the “Men’s” 5% Rogaine. #hairgrowth #fyp

♬ Blade Runner 2049 – Synthwave Goose

Before starting your minoxidil regimen, skin surgeon Dr. Neera has a few tips for users. She suggests the five percent version will give the best results when used daily. Users will experience some shedding in the beginning of the process (aka “dread shed”), but Dr. Neera says not to worry, it’s just your body’s sign that the medication is working.

Be Patient With the Process

@drspf

Dont stop too soon and stay with it for at least 6-9 months (but avoid in pregnancy). #hairloss #alopecia #hairlossremedy #minoxidil #rogaine #haircare #drsugaiskincare

♬ Yacht Club – MusicBox

Dr. Daniel Sugai adds that users should have patience with the process and stay with their Rogaine regimen for at least six to nine months before giving up. He also says users should avoid the product during pregnancy.

Before

Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘TikTok’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]

Content creator Nomie opened up on TikTok about her struggles with losing her hairline due to protective styles.

After

Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘TikTok’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]

After four months of minoxidil use, she showed off her new, new growth. “I grew my hairline back and im really careful with how i maintain it now,” she captioned her video.

Before

Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘TikTok’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]

Nearly 17 million people have been following TikTok user @lacemebaby’s journey to grow her edges back with minoxidil online for months.

After

Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘TikTok’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]

With the exception of a dry, flaky scalp, she was happy to report that the results were more than worth it. “This journey taught me how important it is to document every step, have patience and give yourself grace. If you’re going through this too, sis, I feel you,” she captioned her post.

Before

Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘TikTok’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]

TikTok creator Evolved by Ju always looks fabulous online, but she has struggled with hair loss around her edges.

After

Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘TikTok’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]

She is happy to report that her results after using minoxidil have been amazing. And, of course, her makeup is stunning!

Before

Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘TikTok’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]

User @rapidreinventhair says she’s struggled with thinning hair since she was young and has done hours of research on products to help her with growth that have not delivered as promised.

After

Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘TikTok’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]

After trying minoxidil, she is happy to report that her hairline is making a comeback. “Amazing transformation!” she captioned her post.

Before

Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘TikTok’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]

TikTok content creator @bigheadjustice says people have commented on her “receding hairline,” on the app.

After

Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘TikTok’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]

She’s chronicled her hair growth journey with minoxidil online, sharing her beautiful results with her haters.

“How i grew back my edges and thickened my hairline!” she captioned her post.

Before

Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘TikTok’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]

TikTok user Nolothandu Tembe was frustrated with hair loss around her edges after wearing braided styles.

After

Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘TikTok’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]

After giving minoxidil a try, she was pleasantly surprised to see her edges coming back like they never left. “Never in my wildest dreams did i ever think I’d have such a hairline!” she captioned her post. She added that her new hair growth has helped give her the confidence to wear her hair naturally.

Before

Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘TikTok’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]

TikToker Tranzitions Wellness shared a picture of her receding hairline before she started her regrowth regimen.

After

Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘TikTok’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]

Here, she shares her amazing results after three months of minoxidil use.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Comparing 2020, a Trash Year Black Folks, to an Even <i>Worse</i> 2025

Comparing 2020, a Trash Year Black Folks, to an Even Worse 2025

In 2020, it seemed like Black folks couldn’t catch a break. Now, here we are in 2025 and arguably the Black community is facing heavier problems …
Boxer Terence Crawford Delivers the Most Shocking News About His Career

Boxer Terence Crawford Delivers the Most Shocking News About His Career

The undefeated Terence Crawford drops news on his fans that no one saw coming …
White House Chief Of Staff Spills Tea On Trump's Unpredictable Temperament And Inner Circle

White House Chief Of Staff Spills Tea On Trump’s Unpredictable Temperament And Inner Circle

White House Chief of Staff Susan Wiles pulls back the curtain on Donald Trump, revealing chaotic decision-making and candid assessments that left folks talking …
Tamar Braxton's Family Drama and Those Birdman 'Verzuz' Rumors, Finally Explained!

Tamar Braxton’s Family Drama and Those Birdman ‘Verzuz’ Rumors, Finally Explained!

Tamar Braxton addresses online speculation tied to Toni Braxton’s husband and reflects on the emotional cost of family conflict playing out in public …
This Dallas Father and Son Achieved the Same Heartwarming Goal at the Same Time -- and They Aren't Done

This Dallas Father and Son Achieved the Same Heartwarming Goal at the Same Time — and They Aren’t Done

Father and son, Lamontry Lott and Mikel Lott, break generational cycle, graduating college together …
Kai Cenat Opens Up About His Mental Health Struggles in Rare Moment

Kai Cenat Opens Up About His Mental Health Struggles in Rare Moment

Popular streamer and internet star Kai Cenat has endured more than most at just 24-years-old. Now, he’s finally sharing how he’s mentally been handling it all …
Why Michael Jordan's Former Neighbors Aren't Feeling the New Plans for His 7-Acre Mansion

Why Michael Jordan’s Former Neighbors Aren’t Feeling the New Plans for His 7-Acre Mansion

Residents of the affluent Chicago suburb of Highland Park are speaking out against the new owner’s plans for Michael Jordan’s former home …
The Black Teen Civil Rights Trailblazer Whose Statue Just Took Over a D.C. Confederate General's

The Black Teen Civil Rights Trailblazer Whose Statue Just Took Over a D.C. Confederate General’s

Five years after a statue of a Confederate general was removed from the Capitol, a statue of one lesser known civil rights leader is finally being unveiled …
We Finally Know What Allegedly Happened the Day Sherrone Moore Was Arrested

We Finally Know What Allegedly Happened the Day Sherrone Moore Was Arrested

New reports have come out detailing the events that got former Michigan head football coach arrested the day he was fired …
'RHOA' Star Shamea Morton Sues Over Chemical Peel Gone Bad. What Black Women Need to Know About the Routine

‘RHOA’ Star Shamea Morton Sues Over Chemical Peel Gone Bad. What Black Women Need to Know About the Routine

Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Shamea Morton is embroiled in a new lawsuit, but her experience is one Black women can learn from! …
Janet Jackson Fans Aren't Feeling Joni Mitchell's Racist Alter-Ego

Janet Jackson Fans Aren’t Feeling Joni Mitchell’s Racist Alter-Ego

It all started when Joni Mitchell showed up at a Halloween party in 1976 dressed in Blackface, an afro, a pimped out jacket and hat and a pair of sunglasses …
These New D4vd Updates in the Celeste Rivas Death Investigation Will Make Your Stomach Turn

These New D4vd Updates in the Celeste Rivas Death Investigation Will Make Your Stomach Turn

Police are revealing shocking new details connecting singer D4vd to the death of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas …
Pregnant Minister Sues Circle K, Clerk After Violent Attack Allegedly Led to an Unthinkable Loss 

Pregnant Minister Sues Circle K, Clerk After Violent Attack Allegedly Led to an Unthinkable Loss 

A pregnant minister went inside a Circle K in Ohio to pay for gas, but says after a vicious assault by a white clerk, she left the store with an unimaginable loss …
How Black America is Building Wealth and Preserving History  Despite Challenging Times

How Black America is Building Wealth and Preserving History Despite Challenging Times

2025 hinged on Black people preserving our own history and building wealth when the government failed… and we definitely aced the assignment! …
Why A Black Woman's Vulnerable Story About 'Being Seen' Resonates With More Than A Million People

Why A Black Woman’s Vulnerable Story About ‘Being Seen’ Resonates With More Than A Million People

TikTok star Black Barbie recounts her parking lot romance, despite being “bald-headed and badly built,” sparking over a million views and heartfelt responses …
21 Savage R. Kelly Sample Sparks Hip-Hop Debate

21 Savage R. Kelly Sample Sparks Hip-Hop Debate

21 Savage’s latest album has got people talking! But one song in particular has some fans trying to figure out how they feel about it. Let’s get into it! …
What You Need to Know about Sherrone Moore

What You Need to Know about Sherrone Moore

Think you know everything about Sherrone Moore? Here are 5 things you probably didn’t know about University of Michigan’s embattled Head Coach …
Is The Color Purple' a Black Film? Let's Debate!

Is The Color Purple’ a Black Film? Let’s Debate!

This year marks 40 years since the “The Color Purple” hit theaters. Two writers from “The Root” debate whether you can call the Oscar-nominated picture a “Black film.” …
White Professor Accuses HBCU President of Discrimination, but Then This Happened

White Professor Accuses HBCU President of Discrimination, but Then This Happened

After a white professor accused UMES’ Black president of wrongful termination, President Heidi Anderson hit back with a lawsuit of her own …