Is Minoxidil (Rogaine) Clinically Effective?

In 1989, a multicentered double-blind placebo-controlled study on topical minoxidil (Rogaine) demonstrated its clinical effectiveness in treating male pattern baldness. At 4 months, minoxidil showed significantly superior results compared to a placebo, as evidenced by hair counts and investigators' evaluations of hair growth, which indicated a highly significant difference. This information was crucial as the makers of minoxidil planned a major advertising campaign to inform the public about the medication's availability, prompting the need for dermatologists to understand the supporting data thoroughly.