Off-Label Use of Topical Minoxidil in Alopecia: A Review

April 2019 in “ American Journal of Clinical Dermatology ”

Jenna R. Stoehr, Jennifer N. Choi, Maria L. Colavincenzo, Stefan Vanderweil

topical minoxidil alopecia alopecia areata scarring alopecia eyebrow hypotrichosis monilethrix telogen effluvium chemotherapy-induced alopecia Rogaine

TLDR Minoxidil helps treat eyebrow thinning, monilethrix, early hair loss, and shortens chemo-related hair loss.

This article is a review of the off-label use of topical minoxidil in treating various types of alopecia. While the evidence for its effectiveness in some conditions, such as alopecia areata and scarring alopecia, is inconclusive, there is evidence to support its use in treating eyebrow hypotrichosis, monilethrix, and early telogen effluvium, as well as shortening the duration of chemotherapy-induced alopecia. As research continues, further conclusions may be drawn about the role of minoxidil in the treatment of alopecia.

View this study on link.springer.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Cited in this study

53 / 53 results

research Treatment of Chronic Telogen Effluvium with Oral Minoxidil: A Retrospective Study

40 citations , September 2017 in “F1000Research”

Oral minoxidil effectively reduces hair shedding in women with CTE, with no major side effects.

research A Practical Approach to the Diagnosis and Management of Hair Loss in Children and Adolescents

40 citations , July 2017 in “Frontiers in Medicine”

Early and personalized treatment for hair loss in young people is crucial to prevent permanent damage and should include psychological support.

research Bimatoprost for the Treatment of Eyelash, Eyebrow, and Scalp Alopecia

38 citations , March 2017 in “Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs”

Bimatoprost is promising for treating some types of hair loss but needs more testing for androgenetic alopecia.

research Minoxidil-Induced Hypertrichosis in a Child with Alopecia Areata

4 citations , January 2017 in “Indian Dermatology Online Journal”

A child used a hair growth lotion for hair loss, but it caused excessive hair growth on his face and neck instead.

research Treatment of Permanent Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia with Low Dose Oral Minoxidil

36 citations , November 2016 in “Australasian Journal of Dermatology”

Low dose oral minoxidil helps regrow hair in permanent chemotherapy-induced alopecia.

research All Hairstyles Are Not Created Equal: What the Dermatologist Needs to Know About Black Hairstyling Practices and the Risk of Traction Alopecia

52 citations , September 2016 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Certain black hairstyling practices increase the risk of traction alopecia, requiring better management and education.

research Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia: Challenges and Solutions

37 citations , August 2016 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

The document concludes that better treatments for CCCA are needed and more research is required to understand its causes related to hairstyling and genetics.

research Prognosis and Management of Congenital Hair Shaft Disorders with Fragility—Part I

33 citations , June 2016 in “Pediatric Dermatology”

Some congenital hair disorders improve in childhood or with treatments like minoxidil and retinoids, while others like Netherton syndrome and trichothiodystrophy have a poor prognosis.

research Treatment of Monilethrix with Oral Minoxidil

37 citations , May 2016 in “JAAD case reports”

Oral minoxidil shows promise in treating monilethrix-related hair loss.

research Infantile Generalized Hypertrichosis Caused by Topical Minoxidil

10 citations , February 2016 in “Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia”

Topical minoxidil can cause excessive hair growth in children, so use it carefully.

research Black Women's Hair: The Main Scalp Dermatoses and Aesthetic Practices in Women of African Ethnicity

32 citations , August 2015 in “Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia”

Black women's unique hair characteristics and styling practices can lead to specific scalp conditions, which require early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

research Updates in the Understanding and Treatments of Skin and Hair Disorders in Women of Color

10 citations , June 2015 in “International Journal of Women's Dermatology”

New treatments for skin and hair disorders in women of color address unique biological differences and include specific acne medications, sunscreens, skin lighteners, and hair care adjustments.

research Drug Discovery for Alopecia: Gone Today, Hair Tomorrow

70 citations , February 2015 in “Expert Opinion on Drug Discovery”

Topical drugs and near-infrared light therapy show potential for treating alopecia.

research Monilethrix: A Typical Case Report with Microscopic and Dermatoscopic Findings

20 citations , February 2015 in “Anais brasileiros de dermatologia/Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia”

A 6-year-old girl was diagnosed with a rare hair disorder and started treatment with topical minoxidil.

research Prevention of Alopecia in Medical and Interventional Chemotherapy Patients

10 citations , January 2015 in “Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

Cold caps and certain drugs may help prevent or reduce hair loss from chemotherapy, but more research is needed.

research Pathologic Diagnosis of Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia on Horizontal Sections

29 citations , November 2014 in “American Journal of Dermatopathology”

Horizontal sections of scalp biopsies are good for diagnosing Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia and help customize treatment.

research Efficacy of Interventions for Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

110 citations , August 2014 in “International journal of cancer”

Scalp cooling significantly reduces chemotherapy-induced hair loss.

research Alopecia Areata: An Evidence-Based Treatment Update

72 citations , July 2014 in “American journal of clinical dermatology”

Some treatments, like corticosteroids and sensitizing agents, can help with alopecia areata, but more high-quality research is needed.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: An Evidence-Based Treatment Update

151 citations , May 2014 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

Effective treatments for male pattern baldness include oral finasteride and topical minoxidil, while topical minoxidil is best for female pattern baldness.

research Minoxidil-Induced Hypertrichosis in Children

12 citations , May 2014 in “The Pan African medical journal”

Minoxidil caused unwanted hair growth in a child, but stopped after stopping treatment.

research Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Multicenter Review of 355 Patients

339 citations , April 2014 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Most patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia are postmenopausal women, and treatments like finasteride and dutasteride can improve or stabilize the condition.

research Application of Bimatoprost Ophthalmic Solution 0.03% for the Treatment of Eyebrow Hypotrichosis: Series of Ten Cases

9 citations , January 2014 in “Dermatology online journal”

Bimatoprost 0.03% helps grow eyebrow hair.

research Minoxidil 2% Lotion for Eyebrow Enhancement: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Split-Face Comparative Study

13 citations , November 2013 in “The Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil 2% lotion is safe and effective for making eyebrows thicker and fuller.

research Treatment of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia and Lichen Planopilaris: A Systematic Review

117 citations , March 2013 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

No effective treatment for frontal fibrosing alopecia was found, but oral 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors had the best response; for lichen planopilaris, topical corticosteroids were commonly used but had a high relapse rate.

research Permanent Scalp Alopecia Related to Breast Cancer Chemotherapy by Sequential Fluorouracil/Epirubicin/Cyclophosphamide (FEC) and Docetaxel: A Prospective Study of 20 Patients

68 citations , November 2012 in “Annals of Oncology”

Some breast cancer chemotherapy can cause permanent hair loss.

research Efficacy and Safety of Bimatoprost 0.03% Versus Minoxidil 3% in Enhancement of Eyebrows: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Split-Face Comparative Study

17 citations , May 2012 in “Journal of dermatology”

Bimatoprost is slightly more effective than minoxidil for eyebrow growth, and both are safe.

research Single Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation to Restore Eyebrows

17 citations , August 2011 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Hair transplantation is an effective way to restore eyebrows.

research Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

64 citations , July 2011 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Scalp cooling can prevent chemotherapy-induced hair loss, and certain treatments can speed up hair regrowth, but more research is needed for better treatments.

research Monilethrix Treated with Minoxidil

23 citations , January 2011 in “International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology”

Minoxidil 2% effectively treats Monilethrix without side effects.

research Hair Transplantation for Therapy-Resistant Alopecia Areata of the Eyebrows: Is It the Right Choice?

11 citations , August 2010 in “Journal of Dermatology”

Hair transplantation can effectively treat stable eyebrow hair loss in alopecia areata patients.

research Permanent Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia: Case Report and Review of the Literature

67 citations , August 2010 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Some chemotherapy can cause permanent hair loss.

research Irreversible And Severe Alopecia Following Docetaxel Or Paclitaxel Cytotoxic Therapy For Breast Cancer

61 citations , April 2009 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

Docetaxel and paclitaxel for breast cancer can cause permanent, severe hair loss.

research Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia: Past, Present, and Future

75 citations , April 2009 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

CCCA is a hair loss type affecting African women, possibly caused by grooming and chemicals, with various treatments and needing more research.

research Traction Alopecia: 2% Topical Minoxidil Shows Promise. Report of Two Cases

40 citations , March 2007 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Minoxidil helps hair regrowth in traction alopecia.

research Topical Use of Minoxidil in Children and Systemic Side Effects

58 citations , January 2007 in “Dermatology”

Minoxidil use in children may cause heart issues.

research Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Survey in 16 Patients

123 citations , August 2005 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

The study found that Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia affects a broader age range of women and early treatment can help stop hair loss.

research Congenital alopecia areata

32 citations , February 2005 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Some babies are born with alopecia areata, and a treatment with clobetasol propionate can regrow hair in half of the cases.

research Frontal fibrosing alopecia in postmenopausal women

179 citations , January 2005 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Some postmenopausal women with frontal fibrosing alopecia stopped losing hair with finasteride treatment, hinting at a possible hormonal cause.

research Minoxidil: mechanisms of action on hair growth

397 citations , February 2004 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil boosts hair growth by opening potassium channels and increasing cell activity.

research Topical minoxidil counteracts stress-induced hair growth inhibition in mice

30 citations , October 2003 in “Experimental Dermatology”

Minoxidil helps prevent stress-caused hair loss in mice.

research Ethnic hair update: Past and present

73 citations , June 2003 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Dermatologists need to understand African American hair-care practices to better treat their hair and scalp disorders.

research Permanent alopecia following chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation

63 citations , May 2000 in “Australasian Journal of Dermatology”

Chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant can cause permanent hair loss.

research Chronic Telogen Effluvium: Incidence, Clinical and Biochemical Features, and Treatment

23 citations , September 1999 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Chronic telogen effluvium is a common hair loss condition with specific characteristics and treatment options.

research A randomized trial of minoxidil in chemotherapy-induced alopecia

127 citations , July 1996 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil shortens baldness from chemotherapy by 50.2 days without significant side effects.

research Minoxidil (Mx) as a prophylaxis of doxorubicin – induced alopecia

49 citations , October 1994 in “Annals of Oncology”

Minoxidil not effective in preventing chemotherapy-induced hair loss.

research Treatment of chronic severe alopecia areata with topical diphenylcyclopropenone and 5% minoxidil: A clinical and immunopathologic evaluation

41 citations , November 1993 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

DPCP helps treat severe hair loss, but 5% minoxidil doesn't add benefits.

research Systemic Steroids With or Without 2% Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

101 citations , November 1992 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Steroids help hair regrowth, and minoxidil slows post-steroid hair loss, but effects are temporary.

research Topical Minoxidil Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia

20 citations , November 1987 in “Archives of Dermatology”

The document concludes that topical minoxidil therapy is safe and effective in promoting hair growth for male pattern baldness.

research Topical minoxidil (3%) in extensive alopecia areata, including long-term efficacy

54 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

3% topical minoxidil effectively treats extensive alopecia areata with few side effects.

research Safety and efficacy of topical minoxidil in the management of androgenetic alopecia

67 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil helps hair growth and prevents hair loss in androgenetic alopecia. It's safe and effective.

research Minoxidil Stimulates Cutaneous Blood Flow in Human Balding Scalps: Pharmacodynamics Measured by Laser Doppler Velocimetry and Photopulse Plethysmography

137 citations , May 1984 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil increases blood flow in balding scalps, possibly reversing hair loss.

research Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

80 citations , October 1983 in “BMJ”

Minoxidil helps hair regrowth in alopecia patients, with 16 having good results and no side effects.

research Minoxidil for Severe Hypertension After Failure of Other Hypotensive Drugs

86 citations , September 1977 in “BMJ”

Minoxidil effectively controls blood pressure in severe cases, but has serious side effects and causes hair growth in women.

8 / 8 results

research Disorders of Hair

July 2013 in “DeckerMed Medicine”

The document's conclusion cannot be provided because the document is not readable or understandable.