Dose-Response Study of Topical Minoxidil in Male Pattern Alopecia

March 1987 in “ Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology ”

Jerome L. Shupack, J.J. Kassimir, T Thirumoorthy, Michael D. Reed, L. Jondreau

topical minoxidil male pattern alopecia hair growth placebo prophylactic use Rogaine male pattern baldness

TLDR Minoxidil 1% and 2% best promote hair growth and may prevent hair loss.

This study investigated the effectiveness of different concentrations of topical minoxidil in promoting hair growth in men with male pattern baldness. Patients were treated with 0.01%, 0.1%, 1%, or 2% minoxidil or placebo for 6 months. The study found that 1% and 2% minoxidil solutions were the most effective in producing clinically perceptible hair growth, while 0.1% was the lowest efficacious concentration. The study also suggested that prophylactic use of minoxidil may be important in preventing hair loss.