TLDR Minoxidil prolongs cell life, slows aging, and may produce longer hairs.
The 1987 study investigated the effect of minoxidil on keratinocytes in culture and found that it prolonged the life of cells and slowed senescence, with the optimal dose being between 6 and 12 µg/ml. However, it did not increase the number of times cells could be passed. The study also suggested that minoxidil's effect on postconfluent cells may work by preventing cross-linking by transglutaminase, which is activated by elevated calcium concentrations. The researchers speculated that minoxidil works by prolonging the time of anagen growth, which would then lead to the production of longer hairs.
54 citations,
February 1986 in “Archives of Dermatology” Higher minoxidil concentration (5%) works better for severe hair loss, with most patients seeing regrowth in 48-60 weeks.
138 citations,
August 1985 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Minoxidil promotes hair growth in male pattern baldness.
55 citations,
February 1985 in “Archives of Dermatology” Minoxidil applied twice daily can help regrow hair in some people with hereditary baldness, with no serious side effects.
137 citations,
May 1984 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Minoxidil increases blood flow in balding scalps, possibly reversing hair loss.
63 citations,
January 1984 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Minoxidil promotes hair growth by increasing cell division and DNA synthesis.
72 citations,
December 1983 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Minoxidil helps hair cells live longer and grow longer.
95 citations,
December 1980 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Minoxidil helped bald patient regrow hair.
November 2019 in “Harper's Textbook of Pediatric Dermatology” Understanding normal hair growth and loss in children is key to diagnosing and treating hair disorders.
16 citations,
May 1992 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Minoxidil sulfotransferase is a marker of keratinocyte differentiation and may play a role in hair growth.
14 citations,
March 2022 in “Journal of Biomedical Science” Cyanidin 3-O-arabinoside may help treat a common form of hair loss by protecting cells against aging and improving cell function.
7 citations,
December 2020 in “Pharmaceutics” A mix of tocopherol acetate and L-menthol helps grow hair better than using them separately or using minoxidil.
788 citations,
February 2007 in “Nature” The document concludes that skin stem cells are important for hair growth and wound healing, and could be used in regenerative medicine.
