The Hair Growing Effect of Minoxidil

Minoxidil, a drug used to treat severe refractory hypertension, was found to have a hair-growing effect in patients who experienced hypertrichosis during treatment. The mechanism of hair growth by minoxidil is not fully known, but it is believed to increase blood flow and stimulate hair follicle cells. The active metabolite of minoxidil for hair growth is thought to be minoxidil sulfate. In a study using mice, it was found that both minoxidil and minoxidil sulfate showed a hair-growing effect, with minoxidil sulfate being more potent. It was suggested that the hair-growing effect of minoxidil sulfate might be connected with the opening of potassium channels.