TLDR Diazoxide applied to the skin can increase hair growth without harmful side effects.
In 1990, a study involving 7 adult stumptailed macaques examined the effects of topical diazoxide, a vasodilator known to cause hypertrichosis, on hair growth over 16 months. Five macaques received a 5% diazoxide solution and two served as controls with a vehicle solution. The diazoxide-treated group showed significant hair regrowth, with hairs becoming longer, thicker, and darker, particularly in the upper central scalp region. Early responders within this group exhibited a notable increase in early to mid-anagen follicles and enlargement of late anagen follicles within 4 months, while late responders showed similar but less consistent changes. After ceasing treatment, hair patterns reverted to the pre-treatment bald state. Physiological parameters, including body weight, blood pressure, heart rate, serum levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, as well as glucose regulation, remained unchanged, suggesting no systemic side effects. The study concluded that diazoxide can promote hair follicular regrowth in this macaque model, potentially offering a therapeutic approach for human androgenic alopecia without adverse metabolic effects.
78 citations,
March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Minoxidil promotes hair growth but stops working when discontinued.
18 citations,
April 1986 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science” Minoxidil promotes hair regrowth in early baldness stages and prevents baldness in non-bald scalps.
54 citations,
June 1985 in “American Journal of Dermatopathology” Minoxidil helps grow longer, thicker hair in bald scalps of stumptailed macaques, and early treatment is more effective.
24 citations,
May 1982 in “Biochemical Pharmacology” These drugs cause hair growth without affecting testosterone or adrenal hormones.
46 citations,
May 1986 in “Seminars in Reproductive Medicine” Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone affect hair growth, and new techniques like the folliculogram help study it, but fully understanding hair growth is still complex.
81 citations,
March 2009 in “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery” Effective hair loss treatment in women requires correct diagnosis and can include medications like minoxidil, antiandrogens, and treatments for underlying conditions like PCOS.
81 citations,
June 2010 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment” The document concludes that minoxidil and finasteride are proven for hair growth, herbal remedies show promise, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
152 citations,
April 2012 in “Recent Patents on Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery” Minoxidil treats hair loss, promotes growth, has side effects, and has recent patents.
212 citations,
September 2008 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Minoxidil and finasteride treat hair loss in men, while minoxidil treats hair loss in women.
