TLDR Current treatments for common male hair loss have limited effectiveness and can cause side effects.
Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss in males, with increasing cases in females. It is characterized by a gradual reduction and noticeable absence of hair at the front of the head, due to a genetic predisposition and an increased sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens. While not lethal, AGA can have significant psychological and social impacts. The FDA has only authorized two medications for AGA, finasteride and minoxidil, which require extended use for improved therapy response. However, this can lead to inadequate treatment compliance and negative consequences, such as "post finasteride syndrome" even after discontinuing the medicine. Other treatment methods include the administration of Dutasteride, surgical hair transplant, and laser therapy. Current therapies for AGA are constrained by various factors, resulting in significant adverse responses.
Micro-needling with growth factors and minoxidil improved hair growth in a balding man.
Baldness is often hereditary and linked to male hormones, becoming noticeable when half the hair is lost.
5 citations
,
January 2015 in “Journal of clinical & experimental dermatology research” MorrF improves hair growth better than minoxidil alone.
March 2005 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Two cosmetic lotions improved hair growth and had better cosmetic effects than 2% minoxidil.
11 citations
,
April 1990 in “Australasian Journal of Dermatology” Minoxidil modestly increases hair growth in men with early baldness and is safe to use.
12 citations
,
May 1988 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Both 2% minoxidil gel and solution effectively increase hair growth in men with early baldness.
57 citations
,
July 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Stopping minoxidil treatment resumes balding; continuous use needed for results.
14 citations
,
April 1987 in “PubMed” Topical minoxidil can promote hair growth in men with hereditary hair loss, with no serious side effects.
32 citations
,
March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Using minoxidil on balding men's scalps can increase hair growth, according to a 12-month study.
26 citations
,
January 1987 in “Dermatology” Topical minoxidil is safe and effective for some early male-pattern baldness cases.