Minoxidil: Mechanisms of Action on Hair Growth

February 2004 in “ British Journal of Dermatology ”

Andrew G. Messenger, J Rundegren

TLDR Minoxidil boosts hair growth by opening potassium channels and increasing cell activity.

The article discusses the mechanisms of action of minoxidil on hair growth. Minoxidil stimulates hair growth by opening potassium channels, which can lead to increased DNA synthesis and cell proliferation. It also prolongs anagen and increases hair follicle size. Minoxidil inhibits collagen production, stimulates PGE₂ synthesis, inhibits prostacyclin production, and stimulates VEGF synthesis by dermal papilla cells. Clinical trials have shown that topical minoxidil can be effective in treating androgenetic alopecia in men.

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Research cited in this study

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A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

research A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

269 citations , August 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

5% minoxidil works better for hair growth and density, with minor irritation.

research Effect of Latanoprost on Hair Growth in the Bald Scalp of the Stump-Tailed Macaque: A Pilot Study

33 citations , January 2002

Latanoprost, a glaucoma drug, showed potential for promoting hair growth in bald monkeys, especially at higher doses.

Minoxidil-Induced Hair Growth Is Mediated by Adenosine in Cultured Dermal Papilla Cells: Possible Involvement of Sulfonylurea Receptor 2B as a Target of Minoxidil

research Minoxidil-Induced Hair Growth Is Mediated by Adenosine in Cultured Dermal Papilla Cells: Possible Involvement of Sulfonylurea Receptor 2B as a Target of Minoxidil

83 citations , December 2001 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil boosts hair growth by targeting adenosine and possibly sulfonylurea receptor 2B.

research Control of Hair Growth and Follicle Size by VEGF-Mediated Angiogenesis

520 citations , February 2001 in “Journal of Clinical Investigation”

VEGF helps hair grow and determines follicle size by increasing blood vessel growth.

Changes in Hair Weight and Hair Count in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia After Application of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil, Placebo, or No Treatment

research Changes in Hair Weight and Hair Count in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia After Application of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil, Placebo, or No Treatment

115 citations , November 1999 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil increases hair weight and count temporarily in men with hair loss.

research The Induction by Topical Minoxidil of Increased Fenestration in the Perifollicular Capillary Wall

12 citations , February 1999 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil increased small openings in blood vessel walls near growing hair in rats.

Minoxidil Increases 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase and 5α-Reductase Activity in Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells from Balding Scalp

research Minoxidil Increases 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase and 5α-Reductase Activity in Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells from Balding Scalp

34 citations , February 1999 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

Minoxidil boosts enzymes that help hair growth.

research Minoxidil Upregulates the Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Human Hair Dermal Papilla Cells

192 citations , March 1998 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil boosts growth factor in hair cells, potentially promoting hair growth.

research Sulfation of Minoxidil by Multiple Human Cytosolic Sulfotransferases

59 citations , February 1998 in “Chemico-Biological Interactions”

Minoxidil breakdown varies by enzymes, affecting hair loss treatment effectiveness.

Hypertrichosis and Increased Pigmentation of Eyelashes and Adjacent Hair in the Region of the Ipsilateral Eyelids of Patients Treated with Unilateral Topical Latanoprost

research Hypertrichosis and Increased Pigmentation of Eyelashes and Adjacent Hair in the Region of the Ipsilateral Eyelids of Patients Treated with Unilateral Topical Latanoprost

216 citations , October 1997 in “American Journal of Ophthalmology”

Using the eye pressure medication latanoprost can cause excessive hair growth and darker eyelashes on the treated eye.

Activation of Cytoprotective Prostaglandin Synthase-1 by Minoxidil as a Possible Explanation for Its Hair Growth-Stimulating Effect

research Activation of Cytoprotective Prostaglandin Synthase-1 by Minoxidil as a Possible Explanation for Its Hair Growth-Stimulating Effect

81 citations , February 1997 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil boosts hair growth by activating PGHS-1.

research Biphasic Effects of Minoxidil on the Proliferation and Differentiation of Normal Human Keratinocytes

34 citations , January 1997 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology”

Minoxidil affects cell growth in two ways: low doses increase growth, while high doses slow it down and can be toxic.

research Chronic Telogen Effluvium: Increased Scalp Hair Shedding in Middle-Aged Women

234 citations , December 1996 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Middle-aged women with chronic telogen effluvium experience increased hair shedding but usually don't get significantly thinner hair.

research Inhibitory Effects of bFGF, VEGF, and Minoxidil on Collagen Synthesis by Cultured Hair Dermal Papilla Cells

3 citations , July 1996 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

research Minoxidil Sulfation in the Hair Follicle

32 citations , January 1994 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology”

Minoxidil helps hair growth by activating enzymes in hair follicles.

research Minimum Structural Requirements for Minoxidil Inhibition of Lysyl Hydroxylase in Cultured Fibroblasts

20 citations , January 1994 in “Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics”

Minoxidil needs specific structure to block lysyl hydroxylase; exploring alternatives may keep benefits without this effect.

research Diagnostic and Predictive Value of Horizontal Sections of Scalp Biopsy Specimens in Male Pattern Androgenetic Alopecia

309 citations , May 1993 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Horizontal scalp biopsy sections effectively diagnose and predict MPAA, with follicular density and inflammation impacting hair regrowth.

research Enzymatic and Non-Enzymatic Sulfation Mechanisms in the Biological Actions of Minoxidil

53 citations , January 1993 in “Biochemical Pharmacology”

Minoxidil needs activation to work, and minoxidil sulfate helps with hair growth and blood pressure.

research Minoxidil Sulfotransferase, A Marker Of Human Keratinocyte Differentiation

16 citations , May 1992 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil sulfotransferase is a marker of keratinocyte differentiation and may play a role in hair growth.

research Minoxidil: Inhibition of Proliferation of Keratinocytes In Vitro

14 citations , September 1991 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil slows down keratinocyte growth without being toxic.

research Localization of Minoxidil Sulfotransferase in Rat Liver and the Outer Root Sheath of Anagen Pelage and Vibrissa Follicles

46 citations , January 1991 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil works in liver and outer hair root sheath for hair growth.

research Minoxidil Sulfate Is the Active Metabolite That Stimulates Hair Follicles

166 citations , November 1990 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil sulfate stimulates hair growth.

research Sulfation of Minoxidil by Human Liver Phenol Sulfotransferase

68 citations , September 1990 in “Biochemical Pharmacology”

Minoxidil activates hair growth by being sulfated by P-PST in the human liver.

research Biochemical and Trichological Characterization of Diffuse Alopecia in Women

124 citations , August 1990 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Diffuse alopecia in women may be related to androgens and iron deficiency, and basic hormone and nutrient screening is useful.

research The Effect of Topical Minoxidil on Hair Follicular Cycles of Rats

53 citations , May 1990 in “Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil speeds up hair growth in rats without prolonging growth phase.

research Minoxidil Stimulates Mouse Vibrissae Follicles in Organ Culture

121 citations , March 1989 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil can help grow hair in mice by making cells grow and improving hair quality. More research needed.

research Histologic Response to Topically Applied Minoxidil in Male-Pattern Alopecia

38 citations , October 1988 in “Clinics in Dermatology”

Minoxidil can help grow hair and make hair follicles bigger, but it can also cause side effects.

research Selective Inhibition by Minoxidil of Prostacyclin Production by Cells in Culture

23 citations , March 1988 in “Biochemical Pharmacology”

Minoxidil stops cells from making prostacyclin, which may help with hair growth. More research is needed.

research Sulfation of Minoxidil by Human Platelet Sulfotransferase

39 citations , November 1987 in “Clinica Chimica Acta”

Human platelets change minoxidil to minoxidil sulfate, helping blood vessels widen.

research Alterations in Scalp Blood Flow After the Epicutaneous Application of 3% Minoxidil and 0.1% Hexyl Nicotinate in Alopecia

25 citations , November 1987 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil didn't increase scalp blood flow for hair growth, but hexyl nicotinate did.

research Suppression of Fibroblast Proliferation and Lysyl Hydroxylase Activity by Minoxidil

63 citations , September 1987 in “Journal of Biological Chemistry”

Minoxidil slows fibroblast growth and collagen production, potentially treating keloids, hypertrophic scars, and connective tissue disorders.

research Action of Topical Minoxidil in the Bald Stump-Tailed Macaque

78 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil promotes hair growth but stops working when discontinued.

Minoxidil Stimulates Cutaneous Blood Flow in Human Balding Scalps: Pharmacodynamics Measured by Laser Doppler Velocimetry and Photopulse Plethysmography

research Minoxidil Stimulates Cutaneous Blood Flow in Human Balding Scalps: Pharmacodynamics Measured by Laser Doppler Velocimetry and Photopulse Plethysmography

137 citations , May 1984 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil increases blood flow in balding scalps, possibly reversing hair loss.

research Effect of Minoxidil on Cultured Keratinocytes

72 citations , December 1983 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil helps hair cells live longer and grow longer.

research Sulfation of Minoxidil by Liver Sulfotransferase

66 citations , September 1982 in “Biochemical Pharmacology”

Liver enzyme helps minoxidil work better for blood vessel relaxation.

research Minoxidil in Severe Hypertension with Renal Failure

100 citations , March 1973 in “American Journal of Cardiology”

Minoxidil effectively lowers blood pressure without major side effects.

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