Comparative Efficacy of Non-Transplant Interventions for Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

July 2026 in “ Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology ”

Caixia Hu, X Z Li, Wenqing Wang, Xiaomei Han, Lijing Lv, Molin Yang, Gao Y, Yi Cheng

female pattern hair loss microneedling minoxidil poly-L-lactic acid threads hair density hair diameter FPHL MN MX PLLA

TLDR Microneedling with minoxidil is best for hair density and satisfaction, but more research is needed.

This systematic review and network meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of non-transplant interventions for female pattern hair loss (FPHL) by analyzing 14 randomized controlled trials involving 919 patients. The study found that microneedling plus minoxidil (MN + MX) ranked highest for improving hair density and patient satisfaction, while poly-L-lactic acid threads plus minoxidil (PLLA+MX) was most effective for increasing hair diameter. However, the certainty of the evidence was low to very low due to biases, imprecision, and lack of placebo controls, indicating that these findings are exploratory and require further validation through larger, high-quality trials.

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