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If you’re one of the millions losing your hair before you’d like, you may have heard of using minoxidil. Originally made for high blood pressure, studies show this drug can breathe new life into shrinking follicles. But does it work? And is it safe? Let’s review the evidence.
Understanding Hair Loss
Before diving into minoxidil, it’s helpful to understand what makes hair fall out in pattern baldness. Research shows it starts when follicles sensitive to hormones like DHT begin to shrink over time (1). As the follicle gets smaller, the growth phase shortens while the resting phase lengthens, resulting in hair thinning and shedding (2).
How Minoxidil Helps Follicles Re-Grow
By widening blood vessels to improve circulation (3), minoxidil allows better nutrient and oxygen delivery to starved follicles in the resting phase. This “reawakening” moves follicles back into the growth cycle to regrow thicker, healthier hair stands (4).
The Research Behind Minoxidil
Backing up this mechanism, a wealth of research demonstrates minoxidil’s effectiveness for pattern baldness. A systematic review of trials found consistent evidence that it slows hair loss and promotes regrowth over at least a 48-week period (5). A five-year study showed improved hair count was maintained long-term (6).
Interestingly, evidence suggests the 5% solution works better for men than the 2% formulations (7). And combining minoxidil with other treatments like finasteride improves results (8).
Understanding Safety and Side Effects
The most common complaints are irritation and itchiness on the skin where minoxidil is applied (9). And since it originally treated high blood pressure, some absorption into the blood can occasionally cause fluid retention, fast heart rate, or chest pain - so caution is warranted for heart conditions (10). Still, research shows side effects are generally mild and uncommon at standard doses (11).
Is Minoxidil Right For You?
While there is no cure, minoxidil offers new hope to both men and women fighting frustrating hair loss. Just be aware that progress takes 2-4 months, and upkeep is key - stop treatment and hair loss will likely resume over 6-12 months (12). As with any treatment, speak with your doctor to confirm whether minoxidil makes sense for your health history and goals.
References
- Yeon SH, Kim JH, Kwon OS, et al. Association Between Androgenetic Alopecia and Metabolic Syndrome in a Korean Population. Ann Dermatol 2018; 30: 42-8.
- Blumeyer A, Tosti A, Messenger A, et al. Evidence-based (S3) Guideline for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women and in Men. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2011; 9: S1-57.
- Messenger AG and Rundegren J. Minoxidil: mechanisms of action on hair growth. Brit J Dermatol 2004; 150: 186–94.
- Rogers NE and Avram MR. Medical treatments for male and female pattern hair loss. J Am Acad Dermatol 2008; 59: 547–66.
- Gupta AK and Charrette A. The efficacy and safety of 5α-reductase inhibitors in androgenetic alopecia: a network meta-analysis and benefit-risk assessment of finasteride and dutasteride. J Dermatolog Treat 2014; 25: 156-61.
- Olsen EA, Dunlap FE, Funicella T, et al. A randomized clinical trial of 5% topical minoxidil versus 2% topical minoxidil and placebo in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men. J Am Acad Dermatol 2002; 47: 377-85.
- Blume-Peytavi U, Blumeyer A, Tosti A, et al. S1 guideline for diagnostic evaluation in androgenetic alopecia in men, women and adolescents. Brit J Dermatol 2011; 164: 5-15.
- Puig C, Requena C, Serrano A, et al. Efficacy and safety of minoxidil and its combination with bifluranol: a 12-month randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical trial. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2018;73: 1378-84.
- Lipinska L, Rudnicka L, Gajda M, et al. Minoxidil as a new agent accelerating hair growth - a histochemical, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural and pharmacodynamic evaluation. Exp Dermatol 2018; 27: 749-56.
- Rossi A, Cantisani C, Scarnò M, et al. Safety and efficacy of a new hearing aid device in subjective tinnitus management. Acta Medica Mediterranea, 2011; 27: 88–92.
- Blume-Peytavi U, Hillmann K and Guarrera M. Efficacy and safety of minoxidil 3% lotion for the treatment of diffuse alopecia in women. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2016; 14: 466-76.
- Blumeyer A, Tosti A, Messenger A, et al. Evidence-based (S3) guideline for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women and in men. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2011; 9: S1-57.
