Is Minoxidil (Rogaine) Clinically Effective?

April 1989 in “ Archives of Dermatology ”

S. R. Feldman

minoxidil Rogaine topical minoxidil male pattern baldness hair growth placebo-controlled study

TLDR Minoxidil effectively treats male pattern baldness.

In 1989, a multicentered double-blind placebo-controlled study on topical minoxidil (Rogaine) showed that at 4 months, minoxidil was significantly more effective than a placebo in promoting hair growth, as evidenced by hair counts and investigators' evaluations. This led to a major advertising campaign to inform the public about its approval for treating male pattern baldness, encouraging individuals to consult physicians or dermatologists for more information.

View this study on jamanetwork.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community 2025 Official beginner guide for “I’m losing my hair, what can I do?”

in General 906 upvotes 1 year ago

For hair loss, start with Finasteride, Minoxidil, Ketoconazole shampoo, and Microneedling. For severe cases, consider Dutasteride, oral Minoxidil, or hair transplants.

community Hair Loss Drugs Ranked in Order of Efficacy

in Research/Science 67 upvotes 2 years ago

Dutasteride is likely the most effective treatment for male pattern baldness, followed by finasteride and minoxidil in various forms and dosages. Users discuss personal experiences, dosages, and potential side effects, with some considering combining treatments for better results.

community Physician here AMA – 30M oral Fin 1-1.25 mg daily

in Update 47 upvotes 3 years ago

Hair loss treatments, specifically the use of finasteride, microneedling and potentially oral minoxidil. People discussed their experiences with finasteride, its effects on sexual behaviors, as well as potential solutions such as tadalafil or using other growth factor signal peptides for hope in curing male pattern baldness.

community switched from topical to oral minoxidil (topical mixed with water) 3 months ago and aside from being much easier i’ve also had much more density overall. My results aren’t even finished yet!

in Progress Pictures 3 years ago

This user discussed using oral minoxidil as a hair loss treatment, and was cautioned against mixing topical minoxidil with water and drinking it due to potential side effects and risks. Other users shared their concerns about the dangers of self-prescribing medications without consulting a doctor.

community 3 years on Dutasteride and still thinning - what would the next logical step be?

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 26 upvotes 1 year ago

The user is experiencing hair thinning despite using Dutasteride and Finasteride and is considering adding Minoxidil. Suggestions include increasing the Dutasteride dose, checking for health issues, and considering a hair transplant.

community Husband (35) is thinning on top, he doesn't know yet. Trying to research so he won't feel so lost or upset when I tell him. Help a girl out?

in Research/Science 160 upvotes 8 months ago

A woman is concerned about her husband's hair thinning and researches treatments like finasteride and minoxidil. He decides against medication due to potential side effects and plans to shave his head if necessary.

Related Research

2 / 2 results

Minoxidil Sulfotransferase Enzymatical Activity in Plants: A Novel Paradigm in Increasing Minoxidil Response in Androgenetic Alopecia

research Minoxidil Sulfotransferase Enzymatical Activity in Plants: A Novel Paradigm in Increasing Minoxidil Response in Androgenetic Alopecia

August 2023 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Some plants like spinach, broccoli, and matcha may boost the effectiveness of the hair growth drug minoxidil.

research Scalp Psoriasiform Contact Dermatitis with Acute Telogen Effluvium Due to Topical Minoxidil Treatment

14 citations , January 2015 in “Skin appendage disorders”

Minoxidil treatment for hair loss can cause scalp allergy and severe hair loss.