TLDR Minoxidil is effective for hair growth and safe for long-term use.
Minoxidil, initially used for severe hypertension, has been found effective in promoting hair growth and halting hair loss in alopecia areata and androgenic alopecia when used topically. A study with 393 men demonstrated that a 5% minoxidil solution was significantly more effective than a 2% solution and placebo in increasing non-vellus hair count and scalp coverage over 48 weeks, despite causing more skin irritation. Side effects are typically localized, with systemic absorption being minimal, though cardiovascular side effects have been observed in rare cases. A large observational study with over 3 million subject-days of exposure showed no increased risk of major medical events. While long-term oral use can lead to systemic effects, these are reversible after discontinuation. Topical minoxidil is generally safe, with no evidence of increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, but caution is still recommended.
4 citations,
July 2022 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology” Using more than 5% minoxidil can help hair growth more, but results vary and side effects may increase.
8 citations,
April 2019 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Tretinoin boosts minoxidil's effect on hair loss by increasing enzyme activity.
5 citations,
January 2018 in “Italian journal of dermatology and venereology” Minoxidil effectively stimulates hair growth in androgenetic alopecia.
5 citations,
March 2016 in “Acute medicine & surgery” Swallowing a lot of minoxidil, a hair growth liquid, can cause severe and long-lasting low blood pressure.
1 citations,
January 2010 Mesotherapy is more effective than topical spray for female hair loss treatment.
74 citations,
May 2004 in “Journal of Clinical Hypertension” Minoxidil effectively treats severe hypertension, but watch for side effects.
269 citations,
August 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” 5% minoxidil works better for hair growth and density, with minor irritation.
39 citations,
March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Topical minoxidil is a safe and effective treatment for hair loss caused by androgenetic alopecia.
