TLDR Cyclosporin extends hair growth in mice, but high-dose corticosteroids block this effect.
The study investigated the effects of cyclosporin, minoxidil, testosterone, estradiol, and corticosteroid on hair growth in 5-week-old BALB/c nude mice over 6 weeks. Cyclosporin was found to prolong the hair-existing phase of the hair cycle without affecting the resting phase. Minoxidil, testosterone, and estradiol did not influence the hair growth cycle. There were no additive or synergistic effects when cyclosporin was combined with other agents, but a high dose of corticosteroid inhibited the effect of cyclosporin and completely suppressed the reappearance of the growing phase.
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.
138 citations,
August 1985 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Minoxidil promotes hair growth in male pattern baldness.
137 citations,
May 1984 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Minoxidil increases blood flow in balding scalps, possibly reversing hair loss.
Baldness is often hereditary and linked to male hormones, becoming noticeable when half the hair is lost.
Some treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, and surgery can help with hereditary hair loss.
21 citations,
January 2007 in “Australasian Journal of Dermatology” Spironolactone and minoxidil together effectively treat female pattern hair loss.
January 2007 in “Strait Pharmaceutical Journal” 1 citations,
September 2002 in “PubMed” Minoxidil helps stimulate hair growth and reduce hair loss in women with androgenic alopecia.
370 citations,
September 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Finasteride and minoxidil are effective for hair loss, but continued research is needed for better treatments.