New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is getting attention online after revealing that he’s been using minoxidil, one of the most popular hair-loss treatments in the United States.
The 34-year-old mayor made the admission during a candid conversation on the June 2 episode of the podcast Pablo Torre Finds Out.
The exchange happened before the interview officially began. While being fitted with a microphone, Mamdani complimented host Pablo Torre on his hair.
Torre jokingly credited his thick hairline to “Philippine DNA.”
Mamdani responded with a confession of his own. “I’m on that minoxidil,” Mamdani said.
When Torre asked whether he was serious, Mamdani doubled down.
“Yeah, yeah,” he replied. “I’m just telling you the truth.”
Mayor Says He Started Treatment Before Taking Office
Mamdani said he has been using minoxidil for about six months, though he did not specify which brand he uses or whether he takes it as a topical treatment or prescription pill.
Minoxidil is the active ingredient in products such as Rogaine and is widely used to treat hair loss and promote hair regrowth.
The medication is available over the counter as a foam or liquid solution, while oral versions typically require a prescription.
During the interview, Torre asked whether the stress of running America’s largest city might be contributing to hair loss.
Mamdani said he had noticed changes before taking office on Jan. 1, 2026.
He then joked that the treatment was helping him postpone a more dramatic solution.
“I’m just trying to push off Turkey out of the term,” Mamdani said with a laugh, referencing the country’s reputation as a global destination for hair-transplant procedures.
Internet Applauds His Honesty
The clip quickly spread online, where many viewers praised the mayor for speaking openly about a topic that affects millions of men.
According to the user who shared the interview on Reddit, Mamdani was first encouraged to try minoxidil by political commentator and Twitch streamer Hasan Piker during a 2025 interview.
The Reddit discussion that followed was largely supportive.
“The mayor of my city immediately jumping into minoxidil and eventual hair transplants—that’s a guy I can relate to,” one commenter wrote.
The most-upvoted comment on the thread read: “I love when men worry about their appearance. We need to balance the scales.”
Another commenter wrote: “God bless Turkey, Minoxidil and finasteride. Nothing to be ashamed of, Zohran. More men should be open about it.”
Finasteride is another commonly prescribed medication used to treat male pattern baldness.
Hair Loss Is More Common Than Many People Realize
Hair loss affects tens of millions of Americans and becomes increasingly common with age, particularly among men.
According to the American Hair Loss Association, roughly two-thirds of men experience some degree of noticeable hair loss by age 35.
Despite its prevalence, the topic often remains a source of embarrassment for many people, making public discussions about treatment relatively uncommon among elected officials.
Mamdani’s comments stood out in part because they were casual, unprompted, and matter-of-fact.
And if his goal is preserving his hairline, some observers believe the treatment may be doing its job.
Photos taken over the past decade appear to show little visible change in Mamdani’s hairline, though only a medical professional could determine the effectiveness of any treatment.
What Is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil is one of the most widely used treatments for hair loss in the United States.
Originally developed as a medication to treat high blood pressure, researchers noticed that some patients experienced increased hair growth as a side effect.
The drug was later reformulated as a treatment for hair loss and is now sold under brand names such as Rogaine, as well as in generic versions.
The medication is commonly used to treat androgenetic alopecia, also known as male- and female-pattern hair loss. It works by increasing blood flow to hair follicles and extending the growth phase of the hair cycle.
Minoxidil is available in several forms:
- Topical liquid, applied directly to the scalp
- Topical foam, which many users find easier to apply
- Oral minoxidil, a prescription pill increasingly prescribed off-label for hair loss
Experts generally say the treatment works best for people who begin using it in the earlier stages of hair loss, before significant follicle damage has occurred.
Results typically take several months to become noticeable, and users often need to continue treatment long-term to maintain any gains.
Common Side Effects
Like any medication, minoxidil can cause side effects.
For topical versions, the most common complaints include:
- Scalp irritation
- Dryness
- Itching
- Flaking
Oral minoxidil may cause:
- Increased body or facial hair growth
- Swelling in the hands or feet
- Dizziness
- Changes in heart rate
Medical experts generally recommend discussing treatment options with a healthcare provider before starting any hair-loss medication, particularly for people with underlying heart or blood pressure conditions.
That context helps explain why Mamdani’s comments resonated with so many viewers: hair loss is common, treatments are widely available, and millions of people are navigating the same issue.
