Minoxidil Use in Androgenic Alopecia

In 2017, Patrick M. Zito and Nady Hin discussed the use of minoxidil, a vasodilator, for treating androgenic alopecia (AA), a common form of hair loss. They found that minoxidil, when applied topically, extends the anagen phase of hair follicles, stimulating growth and enlarging miniaturized follicles. It also induces vascular endothelial growth factor, leading to sustained vascularity and increased size of dermal papillae. However, minoxidil does not halt the progression of AA. The most common side effect is local irritation from topical use. They also noted that combining minoxidil with finasteride, a drug that decreases dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by blocking the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, can be more effective in treating AA. However, they stressed that nonsurgical treatment is generally lifelong and benefits are reversible.