Efficacy and Safety of Minoxidil 3% Lotion for Beard Enhancement: A Randomized, Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Study

In a study conducted by Mae Fah Luang University, 48 men aged 20-60 years desiring beard enhancement were enrolled in a 16-week randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of minoxidil 3% lotion for beard growth. Forty-six participants completed the study. The results showed that the minoxidil group had a significantly higher global photographic score than the placebo group at week 16 (P=0.002), and the mean change in hair count from baseline was significantly greater in the minoxidil group compared to the placebo group. However, there was no significant difference in the mean change in hair diameter between the two groups. Patients' self-assessments also favored the minoxidil group (P=0.013). Adverse reactions were mild and not significantly different between groups. The study concluded that minoxidil 3% lotion is effective and safe for beard enhancement, with significant improvements in hair count but not hair diameter.