Hair Growth Effect of Minoxidil

    January 2002 in “ Folia Pharmacologica Japonica ”
    Susumu Otomo
    Image of study
    TLDR Minoxidil helps hair grow by improving blood flow and increasing growth factors in hair follicles.
    The 2002 document outlines the hair growth effects of minoxidil, a drug initially used for high blood pressure that was found to stimulate hair growth. Minoxidil is thought to work by activating the sulfonylurea receptor (SUR), which leads to increased blood flow, promotion of growth factors like VEGF, and prevention of cell death in hair follicles, thereby extending their growth phase. Although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, minoxidil is believed to enhance cell growth factors, inhibit apoptosis, and improve blood flow, which together stimulate hair follicles. Minoxidil was FDA-approved in 1988 and is available in various concentrations, including 1% and 5% topical formulations.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    30 / 30 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community Creatine is the opposite of minoxidil !

      in Research/Science  325 upvotes 2 months ago
      Creatine may counteract minoxidil's hair growth effects by closing potassium ATP channels, potentially leading to hair loss in predisposed individuals. Despite anecdotal reports, there is no conclusive evidence linking creatine to hair loss.

      community Being Safe on Oral Minoxidil: tl;dr on the literature.

      in Research/Science  53 upvotes 1 year ago
      Oral minoxidil is effective for hair loss but can cause cardiovascular side effects, such as pericardial effusion, especially in those with genetic predispositions. Starting with low doses and monitoring cardiovascular health are advised to reduce risks.

      community Can I use trichosol minoxidil before sleep?

      in Minoxidil  3 upvotes 1 week ago
      The user applies 2ml of a lotion containing 5% minoxidil, 0.3% finasteride, hydrocortisone butyrate, and cetirizine before bed, but it leaves a residue on the scalp. Another user suggests reducing the amount to 1ml, as 2ml results in a high finasteride dosage.

    Related Research

    9 / 9 results