The Therapeutic Use of Topical Minoxidil

April 1990 in “ Dermatologic Clinics ”

Richard L. DeVillez

topical minoxidil androgenetic alopecia alopecia areata potassium permeability hair follicles Retin-A tretinoin Rogaine

TLDR Minoxidil effectively treats hair loss, with better results in women.

Topical minoxidil is a safe and effective treatment for hair loss, including androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata, with significant hair regrowth seen in about one third of male patients and 60% of female patients after one year of treatment. It works by improving potassium permeability and increasing blood flow to hair follicles, stimulating hair growth without affecting the hair follicle epithelium's antiandrogen effect. Higher concentrations are more effective, and it can be combined with Retin-A for better results. However, it should not be used with tretinoin due to potential adverse reactions. Topical minoxidil is being researched for its potential to prevent hair loss and promote hair and nail growth, but conclusive results are not yet available.

View this study on sciencedirect.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community WOMEN on Spironolactone - experiences?

6 upvotes 10 years ago

Hair loss treatments discussed: Minoxidil, Finasteride, RU58841, and Spironolactone. Woman with androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata shares experience using Spironolactone.

community Hairline stable but diffuse thinning with topical fin+min

in Finasteride 237 upvotes 1 month ago

The user experienced stable hairline but diffuse thinning after switching from oral finasteride to a topical solution of minoxidil and finasteride. They are concerned about the effectiveness of the topical treatment and are considering other options due to a recent decline in hair density.

community Starting Spironolactone, any ladies in here with experience or success?

in Female 56 upvotes 3 years ago

A female user starting Spironolactone treatment for thinning hair, and others sharing their experiences with Minoxidil and oral/sublingual Minoxidil as treatments.

community 1ish year on fin and no improvement

in Is this regrowth? 87 upvotes 1 year ago

The user has been using finasteride for over a year without improvement and recently started oral minoxidil. Suggestions include trying dutasteride and continuing minoxidil for potential regrowth.

community 20M don’t know where to start or where to buy

in General 404 upvotes 4 months ago

A 20-year-old is experiencing hair thinning and seeks advice on starting treatment and regrowing hair. They are considering using Minoxidil, finasteride, or RU58841.

community PP405: The Ultimate Hair Loss Drug for Complete Hair Growth

in Research/Science 207 upvotes 1 year ago

PP405 is a new hair loss treatment in phase 2 trials that may promote hair growth by increasing lactate production and activating hair follicle stem cells. It could potentially replace hormone-disrupting treatments like Minoxidil and finasteride.