TLDR Minoxidil works better when applied on a damp scalp than a dry one.
The study conducted by T. Angelo, G. N. Barbalho, G. M. Gelfuso & T. Gratieri in 2016 investigated the effectiveness of minoxidil, a topical treatment for androgenic alopecia, when applied on damp versus dry scalp. The researchers hypothesized that applying minoxidil on a damp scalp could lead to higher drug penetration, as humidity might favor drug diffusion into the hair follicle and prevent drug crystallization, maintaining a higher thermodynamic activity for longer periods. This hypothesis was confirmed through in vitro experiments on rat and porcine skin, showing that minoxidil follicular accumulation was about fivefold increased in towel-dried hair skin, compared to completely air-blown dried hair skin in rat experiments. The porcine experiments corroborated the results with eightfold increased follicular retention and higher skin deposition for towel-dried pieces. The study concluded that the state of scalp hydration during the application of minoxidil significantly influences the drug's permeation rate.
77 citations,
January 2015 in “International Journal of Biological Macromolecules” Chitosan nanoparticles improve minoxidil delivery to hair follicles for better alopecia treatment.
32 citations,
March 2013 in “Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences” Iontophoresis improves minoxidil delivery for alopecia treatment.
74 citations,
June 2010 in “European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics” Minoxidil foam enters hair follicles and skin for hair growth.
55 citations,
June 2009 in “Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences” Minoxidil promotes hair growth by penetrating skin, with ethanol-containing formulas working best.
30 citations,
September 2004 in “Experimental Dermatology” Scalp hair follicle culture has limits for testing minoxidil's hair growth effects.
44 citations,
October 1989 in “International Journal of Pharmaceutics” Minoxidil's effectiveness decreases as vehicle evaporates; concentration and thermodynamic activity matter.
1 citations,
October 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Using minoxidil and tofacitinib together can effectively treat severe hair loss.
13 citations,
June 2016 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Minoxidil works better when applied on a damp scalp than a dry one.
165 citations,
August 2013 in “Lasers in Surgery and Medicine” Low-Level Laser Therapy is effective and safe for hair growth with minimal side effects.
July 2013 in “DeckerMed Medicine” The document's conclusion cannot be provided because the document is not readable or understandable.
72 citations,
January 2001 in “Drugs” Minoxidil and finasteride treat hair loss; more research needed for other options.
33 citations,
April 1990 in “Dermatologic Clinics” Minoxidil effectively treats hair loss, with better results in women.
34 citations,
January 1987 in “Dermatology” Topical minoxidil effectively and safely treats extensive alopecia areata but doesn't change its course.
