Efficacy and Safety of Minoxidil Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Weighing the Benefits Against the Risk of Hypertrichosis

March 2025 in “ JAAD reviews. ”

Maggie Weichert, Matthew Chen, William Guo, Nicole Schrock, J. Briley

minoxidil hypertrichosis alopecia oral minoxidil topical minoxidil Rogaine

TLDR Minoxidil is effective for hair regrowth, and its benefits outweigh the risk of extra hair growth.

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the prevalence of hypertrichosis in 4294 participants using minoxidil for alopecia. Hypertrichosis was observed in 23% of patients, with higher rates in those using oral minoxidil (10% to 33%) compared to topical formulations (0% to 2%). Despite this side effect, only 0.49% of patients discontinued therapy. The study concludes that while hypertrichosis is common, the benefits of minoxidil for hair regrowth outweigh the risks, and clinicians should reassure patients accordingly.

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Research cited in this study

3 / 3 results

research Compliance to Topical Minoxidil and Reasons for Discontinuation Among Patients With Androgenetic Alopecia

April 2023 in “Dermatology and therapy”

Most patients stop using topical minoxidil due to side effects.

research Minoxidil And Its Use In Hair Disorders: A Review

117 citations , August 2019 in “Drug Design Development and Therapy”

Minoxidil effectively treats hair loss, but use cautiously and monitor side effects.

research Hypertrichosis in Females Applying Minoxidil Topical Solution and in Normal Controls

63 citations , April 2003 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Minoxidil use increases facial hair growth in females, more in older users.

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research Hypertrichosis Due to Minoxidil

45 citations , November 1979 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil causes excessive hair growth in almost all patients.

research Minoxidil-Induced Hypertrichosis: Treatment with Calcium Thioglycolate Depilatory

26 citations , April 1977 in “PubMed”

Minoxidil, a blood pressure drug, can cause excessive hair growth, but this can be successfully treated with a hair removal agent called calcium thioglycolate.

Efficacy and Safety of Minoxidil Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Weighing the Benefits Against the Risk of Hypertrichosis

Research cited in this study

research Compliance to Topical Minoxidil and Reasons for Discontinuation Among Patients With Androgenetic Alopecia

research Minoxidil And Its Use In Hair Disorders: A Review

research Hypertrichosis in Females Applying Minoxidil Topical Solution and in Normal Controls

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