Analyzing Efficacy of Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil, Topical Minoxidil, and Platelet-Rich Plasma with Topical Minoxidil Combination in Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Controlled Observer Blinded Trial

February 2025 in “ Archives of Dermatological Research ”

P Janaani, Keshavamurthy Vinay, Hitaishi Mehta, Vinod Kumar, Narender Kumar, Muthu Sendhil Kumaran

low-dose oral minoxidil topical minoxidil platelet-rich plasma androgenetic alopecia terminal hair density vellus hair density Rogaine PRP AGA

TLDR Combining PRP with topical minoxidil is most effective for hair growth in androgenetic alopecia.

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of low-dose oral minoxidil, topical minoxidil, and a combination of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with topical minoxidil in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in 75 participants, with 60 completing the 32-week trial. Results showed that 25% of patients in the oral minoxidil and PRP with topical minoxidil groups, and 10% in the topical minoxidil group, experienced one grade improvement in AGA severity. The combination of PRP with topical minoxidil led to the highest median increase in terminal hair density (57%), significantly outperforming the other groups. Oral minoxidil showed a greater reduction in vellus hair density compared to the PRP combination. Side effects were mild across all groups, with headaches, dizziness, and pedal edema noted in the oral minoxidil group, and scalp itching and dryness in the topical minoxidil group. The study supports low-dose oral minoxidil as an effective alternative to topical minoxidil and highlights the benefits of combining PRP with topical minoxidil.

View this study on link.springer.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

11 / 11 results

Efficacy and Safety of Oral Minoxidil 5 mg Once Daily in the Treatment of Male Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia: An Open-Label and Global Photographic Assessment

research Efficacy and Safety of Oral Minoxidil 5 mg Once Daily in the Treatment of Male Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia: An Open-Label and Global Photographic Assessment

24 citations, September 2020 in “Dermatology and therapy”

Oral minoxidil 5 mg daily increases hair growth safely in men with hair loss, with minor side effects.

Comparative Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of PRP Therapy, Minoxidil, and Their Combination with Immunohistochemical Study of the Dynamics of Cell Proliferation in the Treatment of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

research Comparative Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of PRP Therapy, Minoxidil, and Their Combination with Immunohistochemical Study of the Dynamics of Cell Proliferation in the Treatment of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

13 citations, September 2020 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

PRP therapy and minoxidil combo works best for male hair loss.

Systematic Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma Use in Androgenetic Alopecia Compared with Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Adult Stem Cell-Based Therapy

research Systematic Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma Use in Androgenetic Alopecia Compared with Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Adult Stem Cell-Based Therapy

65 citations, April 2020 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

PRP injections may be a safe, effective alternative for hair loss treatment compared to minoxidil and finasteride.

research Effectiveness and Safety of Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil in Male Androgenetic Alopecia

52 citations, May 2019 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Low-dose oral minoxidil effectively improves male hair loss with mild side effects.

research The Effectiveness of Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

178 citations, April 2017 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil, finasteride, and low-level laser light therapy effectively treat hair loss.

A Comparative Study of Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma Plus Topical Minoxidil (5%) and Topical Minoxidil (5%) Alone in Androgenetic Alopecia

research A Comparative Study of Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma Plus Topical Minoxidil (5%) and Topical Minoxidil (5%) Alone in Androgenetic Alopecia

48 citations, January 2017 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Microneedling with platelet-rich plasma and minoxidil improves hair growth more than just minoxidil in men with hair loss.

Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Half-Head Study to Assess the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

research Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Half-Head Study to Assess the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

136 citations, April 2016 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

PRP treatment helps hair growth and density in androgenetic alopecia patients.

research Young Men's Coping with Androgenetic Alopecia: Acceptance Counts When Hair Gets Thinner

21 citations, August 2011 in “Body Image”

Acceptance reduces hair loss distress and medical consultations; coping mechanisms increase them.

research Male Androgenetic Alopecia: Population-Based Study in 1,005 Subjects

41 citations, July 2009 in “International Journal of Trichology”

58% of men aged 30-50 have hair loss, with severity increasing with age.

research The Effects of Minoxidil, 1% Pyrithione Zinc, and a Combination of Both on Hair Density: A Randomized Controlled Trial

57 citations, August 2003 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil and pyrithione zinc combo most effectively increases hair density.

research Prevalence of Male Pattern Hair Loss in 18–49 Year Old Men

50 citations, December 1998 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Hair loss is more common in men aged 18-49 and increases with age.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community When are we getting a cure to hair loss?

in Chat 1 year ago

Potential treatments for hair loss, including Minoxidil, finasteride, RU58841 and various upcoming pharmaceuticals, gene editing and cloning. It is suggested that a cure, if found, would be highly profitable due to the large number of people affected by hair loss globally.

community What else is good. Besides the big 3.

in Chat 34 upvotes 4 months ago

Key treatments for hair preservation include minoxidil, finasteride/dutasteride, and microneedling, with additional options like specific shampoos, oils, biotin, zinc, tretinoin, clascoterone, and low-level laser therapy. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, reducing stress, and addressing nutrient deficiencies can also support hair health.

community 21F AGA - 4 month hair growth progress (Minoxidil 5%, finasteride 1mg, theradome LLLT, viviscal vitamins, PRP twice)

in Progress Pictures 256 upvotes 3 years ago

A 21-year-old female shared her 4-month hair growth progress using Minoxidil 5%, finasteride 1mg, Theradome LLLT, Viviscal vitamins, and PRP treatments twice. Commenters praised her progress and discussed other treatments like microneedling, but she noted her dermatologist advised against it due to potential scalp damage.

community 2025 Official beginner guide for “I’m losing my hair, what can I do?”

in General 816 upvotes 6 months ago

For hair loss, start with Finasteride, Minoxidil, Ketoconazole shampoo, and Microneedling. For severe cases, consider Dutasteride, oral Minoxidil, or hair transplants.

community I just made my own PRP - DIY PRP

in Research/Science 552 upvotes 1 year ago

The post and conversation are about a user who made their own Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for hair loss treatment at home, using their own blood and a centrifuge. The responses vary, with some users supporting the DIY approach to save money, others expressing concern about the safety and effectiveness of the method, and a few joking about the lengths people will go to combat hair loss.

community To my fellow under 20s that are balding

in Chat 127 upvotes 1 year ago

The conversation is about young men under 20 experiencing hair loss. They discuss their experiences and treatments used, including finasteride (fin) and minoxidil (min).