Efficiency of 5% Minoxidil and Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Retrospective Study

January 2025 in “ Annals of Maxillofacial Surgery ”

Chanda Dubey, Pooja Jaiswal, Rohit Goyal, Karthikeyan Ramalingam, Sangita Kalita, Javed Akhter

minoxidil platelet-rich plasma androgenetic alopecia hair pull test Rogaine PRP

TLDR PRP therapy is more effective and preferred over minoxidil for hair loss.

This retrospective study involving 40 male patients aged 21-30 compared the effectiveness of 5% minoxidil and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for androgenetic alopecia. Both treatments were effective, but PRP therapy resulted in higher patient satisfaction and slightly better hair pull test results. PRP was particularly favored for improving the appearance of frontal hair. Despite some discontinuation due to side effects, PRP was generally preferred. The study concluded that PRP therapy showed superior results to minoxidil and suggested further research to explore combining PRP with other treatments.

View this study on journals.lww.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

25 / 25 results

Regenerative Medicine in the Treatment of Specific Dermatologic Disorders: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials

research Regenerative Medicine in the Treatment of Specific Dermatologic Disorders: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials

June 2024 in “Stem cell research & therapy”

Regenerative medicine shows promise for treating skin disorders like hair loss and vitiligo.

research Meta-Analysis of Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma Combined with Minoxidil for Androgenetic Alopecia

May 2024 in “Aesthetic plastic surgery”

Combining PRP with minoxidil significantly improves hair growth in AGA patients.

research Oral Minoxidil Versus Topical Minoxidil for Male Androgenetic Alopecia

April 2024 in “JAMA dermatology”

Oral minoxidil is as effective as topical minoxidil for male hair loss but has more side effects like excessive hair growth and headaches.

Comparison of the Efficacy Between Regional Nerve Block and Ring Block as Local Anesthetic Techniques for Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment

research Comparison of the Efficacy Between Regional Nerve Block and Ring Block as Local Anesthetic Techniques for Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment

February 2024 in “Curēus”

Regional nerve blocks are better than ring blocks for pain relief during PRP hair treatment.

Injections of Platelet-Rich Plasma Prepared by Automatic Blood Cell Separator Combined With Topical 5% Minoxidil in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia

research Injections of Platelet-Rich Plasma Prepared by Automatic Blood Cell Separator Combined With Topical 5% Minoxidil in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia

June 2023 in “Skin Research and Technology”

Using platelet-rich plasma injections and 5% minoxidil topically can safely and effectively treat mild-to-moderate male pattern baldness.

research Minoxidil, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), or Combined Minoxidil and PRP for Androgenetic Alopecia in Men: A Cost-Effectiveness Markov Decision Analysis of Prospective Studies

December 2021 in “Cureus”

Minoxidil alone is the most cost-effective treatment for male hair loss at a $50,000 threshold.

research Measuring Patient Quality of Life Following Treatment for Alopecia

8 citations , July 2021 in “Patient Preference and Adherence”

Alopecia treatments improve life quality but side effects can lessen this benefit; better use of quality of life measures is needed.

research Comparison of Efficacy of Topical 5% Minoxidil Alone Versus Topical 5% Minoxidil With Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy in Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Open Label Study

May 2021 in “IP Indian journal of clinical and experimental dermatology”

Adding PRP to minoxidil improves hair growth in male pattern baldness.

Comparative Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of PRP Therapy, Minoxidil, and Their Combination with Immunohistochemical Study of the Dynamics of Cell Proliferation in the Treatment of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

research Comparative Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of PRP Therapy, Minoxidil, and Their Combination with Immunohistochemical Study of the Dynamics of Cell Proliferation in the Treatment of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

13 citations , September 2020 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

PRP therapy and minoxidil combo works best for male hair loss.

Systematic Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma Use in Androgenetic Alopecia Compared with Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Adult Stem Cell-Based Therapy

research Systematic Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma Use in Androgenetic Alopecia Compared with Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Adult Stem Cell-Based Therapy

65 citations , April 2020 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

PRP injections may be a safe, effective alternative for hair loss treatment compared to minoxidil and finasteride.

Comparative Study to Evaluate Tolerability of Topical 5% Minoxidil Novel Formulation and Alcohol-Based Conventional Solutions in Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Indian Men: Randomized Double-Blind Study

research Comparative Study to Evaluate Tolerability of Topical 5% Minoxidil Novel Formulation and Alcohol-Based Conventional Solutions in Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Indian Men: Randomized Double-Blind Study

April 2020 in “Dermatology and therapy”

New 5% minoxidil solution improves scalp hydration, reduces redness, and may be safer for sensitive users.

Efficacy of Non-Surgical Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia in Men and Women: A Systematic Review with Network Meta-Analyses and an Assessment of Evidence Quality

research Efficacy of Non-Surgical Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia in Men and Women: A Systematic Review with Network Meta-Analyses and an Assessment of Evidence Quality

15 citations , April 2020 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

Minoxidil and finasteride work best for hair loss; more research needed.

research Comparison of Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy With or Without Topical 5% Minoxidil in Male-Type Baldness: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo Control Trial

26 citations , December 2019 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

PRP combined with minoxidil is the most effective and safe treatment for male pattern baldness.

research Stromal Vascular Fraction-Enriched Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy Reverses the Effects of Androgenetic Alopecia

20 citations , September 2019 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

SVF-PRP therapy effectively reverses hair loss effects.

research A Study to Compare the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Minoxidil Therapy for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

18 citations , January 2019 in “International Journal of Trichology”

PRP therapy works better than minoxidil for treating hair loss.

HRQoL in Hair Loss-Affected Patients with Alopecia Areata, Androgenetic Alopecia, and Telogen Effluvium: The Role of Personality Traits and Psychosocial Anxiety

research HRQoL in Hair Loss-Affected Patients with Alopecia Areata, Androgenetic Alopecia, and Telogen Effluvium: The Role of Personality Traits and Psychosocial Anxiety

29 citations , November 2018 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Personality traits and anxiety affect hair loss patients' quality of life.

research Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Androgenetic Alopecia Patients

14 citations , November 2018 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

PRP therapy safely improves hair growth in people with hair loss.

research Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review of the Literature

53 citations , June 2017 in “Skin appendage disorders”

PRP treatment helps hair growth in most cases, but more research needed.

A Comparative Study of Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma Plus Topical Minoxidil (5%) and Topical Minoxidil (5%) Alone in Androgenetic Alopecia

research A Comparative Study of Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma Plus Topical Minoxidil (5%) and Topical Minoxidil (5%) Alone in Androgenetic Alopecia

48 citations , January 2017 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Microneedling with platelet-rich plasma and minoxidil improves hair growth more than just minoxidil in men with hair loss.

research Classification of Male-Pattern Hair Loss

9 citations , January 2017 in “International Journal of Trichology”

No current system perfectly classifies male-pattern hair loss, indicating a need for a new system for better diagnosis and treatment.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma in Androgenic Alopecia: Myth or Effective Tool

115 citations , January 2014 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a cheap and easy treatment for hair loss, but not suitable for everyone. It also helps in healing ulcers, rejuvenating skin, and improving hair transplants.

research The Effect of Autologous Activated Platelet Rich Plasma Injection on Pattern Hair Loss: Clinical and Histomorphometric Evaluation

183 citations , January 2014 in “BioMed Research International”

AA-PRP injections effectively increase hair count and thickness for male pattern hair loss.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection Is Effective and Safe for the Treatment of Alopecia

45 citations , March 2013 in “European Journal of Plastic Surgery”

Injecting platelet-rich plasma is a safe and effective way to treat hair loss.

research Clinical Photography for Trichology Practice: Tips and Tricks

16 citations , January 2011 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Use good lighting, consistent positioning, and proper camera settings for effective hair disorder photos.

research Minoxidil: Mechanisms of Action on Hair Growth

397 citations , February 2004 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil boosts hair growth by opening potassium channels and increasing cell activity.

Related Research

1 / 1 results

Minoxidil Sulfotransferase Enzymatical Activity in Plants: A Novel Paradigm in Increasing Minoxidil Response in Androgenetic Alopecia

research Minoxidil Sulfotransferase Enzymatical Activity in Plants: A Novel Paradigm in Increasing Minoxidil Response in Androgenetic Alopecia

August 2023 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Some plants like spinach, broccoli, and matcha may boost the effectiveness of the hair growth drug minoxidil.