TLDR Compounded topical minoxidil works better and is more tolerated than over-the-counter minoxidil for treating hair loss in Black women.
This study evaluated the effectiveness and adherence of compounded topical minoxidil (CTM) in treating androgenetic and traction alopecia in 66 Black women at Johns Hopkins Hospital. The CTM formulation included a steroid and retinoid, and was compared to over-the-counter (OTC) minoxidil. Results showed that 69.6% of patients using CTM reported clinical improvement, compared to 45.0% with OTC minoxidil. Additionally, CTM had a higher adherence rate of 84.7% versus 44.7% for OTC minoxidil, and fewer side effects were reported with CTM. The study suggests that CTM may be more effective and better tolerated than OTC minoxidil for this patient group.
Cetosomal minoxidil is safer and as effective as alcohol-based minoxidil for male hair loss treatment.
August 2023 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Some plants like spinach, broccoli, and matcha may boost the effectiveness of the hair growth drug minoxidil.
April 2023 in “Dermatology and therapy” Most patients stop using topical minoxidil due to side effects.
4 citations
,
July 2022 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology” Using more than 5% minoxidil can help hair growth more, but results vary and side effects may increase.
8 citations
,
April 2019 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Tretinoin boosts minoxidil's effect on hair loss by increasing enzyme activity.
32 citations
,
January 2019 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology” Minoxidil helps treat eyebrow thinning, monilethrix, early hair loss, and shortens chemo-related hair loss.
12 citations
,
January 2015 in “Skin appendage disorders” Dermoscopy helps quickly identify hair breakage in people of African descent.
April 2025 in “Acta Dermato Venereologica” Accurate diagnosis is crucial to distinguish between allergy and irritation from topical minoxidil.
August 2023 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Some plants like spinach, broccoli, and matcha may boost the effectiveness of the hair growth drug minoxidil.
