The Effect of the Drug Minoxidil on Hair Growth

    January 1988
    Howard P. Baden, Anita M. Grassi, Joseph C. Kvedar
    TLDR Minoxidil helps hair grow, especially in people with mild hair loss.
    The document discussed the effects of minoxidil on hair growth, initially observed during its use for treating hypertension. It was found that topical application of minoxidil on the scalp was effective in promoting hair growth, particularly in individuals with less severe hair loss. The mechanism was thought to involve vasodilation, but direct effects on keratinocytes were also noted, such as slowing cell senescence and prolonging the anagen phase of hair growth. Minoxidil was also found to suppress lymphocyte activity and inhibit lysyl hydroxylase activity, while blocking PGI2 synthesis. No cytoplasmic binding protein for minoxidil was identified.
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      community Please explain this Minoxidil phenomena

      in Minoxidil  58 upvotes 2 years ago
      The post discusses the difference in effects of Minoxidil (Min) on scalp and facial hair. The user questions why Min-induced hair growth on the scalp is temporary, while facial hair growth seems permanent, even after stopping Min. They propose theories, including different Min mechanisms on body and facial hair, the role of DHT, and the possibility of not achieving fully terminal hair. The responses include personal experiences and theories about Min's effects on hair growth.

      community Minoxidil is NOT an Anti-androgen. No.

      in Research/Science  43 upvotes 1 month ago
      Minoxidil is not an anti-androgen; it is a growth stimulator and does not lower DHT like finasteride or dutasteride. Minoxidil can cause side effects like facial swelling and anxiety due to its vasodilator properties.

      community Being Safe on Oral Minoxidil: tl;dr on the literature.

      in Research/Science  50 upvotes 11 months ago
      Oral minoxidil is effective for hair loss but can cause cardiovascular side effects, such as pericardial effusion, especially in those with genetic predispositions. Starting with low doses and monitoring cardiovascular health are advised to reduce risks.

      community Does drinking coffee offset the effects of Minoxidil?

      in Minoxidil  16 upvotes 1 year ago
      The conversation discusses whether drinking coffee affects the hair growth benefits of Minoxidil, with one user mentioning that Minoxidil's vasodilation is stronger than caffeine's vasoconstriction, and another sharing personal experience of better hair growth after quitting caffeine while on Minoxidil.

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