TLDR Minoxidil slows hair cell growth but doesn't change cell shape or development.
The study investigated the effect of minoxidil on cultured human hair follicle cells. It was found that minoxidil inhibited the proliferation of hair follicle cells at all tested concentrations (1, 10, 100 μg/ml). However, there were no morphological changes observed in the cells, and differentiation processes such as cell enlargement, nuclear disappearance, and stratification occurred similarly to the control group.
58 citations
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June 1987 in “Archives of Dermatological Research” EGF and FGF boost hair cell growth, hydrocortisone slows it, and minoxidil doesn't affect it.
22 citations
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March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Minoxidil prolongs cell life, slows aging, and may produce longer hairs.
32 citations
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March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Using minoxidil on balding men's scalps can increase hair growth, according to a 12-month study.
78 citations
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March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Minoxidil promotes hair growth but stops working when discontinued.
14 citations
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January 2015 in “Skin appendage disorders” Minoxidil treatment for hair loss can cause scalp allergy and severe hair loss.
397 citations
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February 2004 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Minoxidil boosts hair growth by opening potassium channels and increasing cell activity.
January 2003 in “Journal of Clinical Dermatology” TNF-${\alpha}$ slows hair growth, and minoxidil doesn't help.
15 citations
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April 2001 in “Journal of Dermatological Science” KF19418 promotes hair growth similarly to minoxidil but is not better in live mice.
March 1990 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”