A Review of the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss

February 2020 in “ Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy ”

Katherine York, Nekma Meah, Bevin Bhoyrul, Rodney Sinclair

finasteride minoxidil platelet-rich plasma micro-needling dutasteride topical finasteride low-level laser therapy bimatoprost-sensitive prostamide receptors Propecia Rogaine PRP LLLT

TLDR Finasteride and minoxidil work best together for hair loss.

This document is a compilation of reviews and studies on treatments for male pattern hair loss. The most effective options are hormonal treatments like finasteride and minoxidil, which can partially regrow hair and stop the progression of the disease. Non-pharmacologic treatments like platelet-rich plasma and micro-needling can also be considered. Combination therapy with both finasteride and minoxidil is recommended for best results. Other potential treatments include dutasteride, topical finasteride, low-level laser therapy, and bimatoprost-sensitive prostamide receptors, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.

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68 / 68 results

research Effectiveness and Safety of Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil in Male Androgenetic Alopecia

52 citations , August 2019 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Low-dose oral minoxidil effectively improves male hair loss with mild side effects.

research A Randomized, Investigator-Blinded, Controlled, Split-Scalp Study of the Efficacy and Safety of a 1550-nm Fractional Erbium-Glass Laser, Used in Combination with Topical 5% Minoxidil Versus 5% Minoxidil Alone, for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

29 citations , April 2019 in “Lasers in Medical Science”

Laser and minoxidil combo promotes better hair growth than minoxidil alone, safely.

research Treatment of Male Pattern Alopecia with Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Double-Blind Controlled Study with Analysis of Platelet Number and Growth Factor Levels

57 citations , March 2019 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Platelet-rich plasma treatment can significantly increase hair count and density in men with pattern baldness, and these improvements can last up to 3 months.

research A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Topical Solution of 0.25% Finasteride Admixed with 3% Minoxidil vs. 3% Minoxidil Solution in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia

43 citations , December 2018 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Finasteride and minoxidil mix works better for hair growth than minoxidil alone, with similar safety.

research Low-Dose Daily Aspirin Reduces Topical Minoxidil Efficacy in Androgenetic Alopecia Patients

12 citations , November 2018 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Daily low-dose aspirin lowers minoxidil's effectiveness for hair loss treatment.

research Efficacy of 1,550-nm Erbium-Glass Fractional Laser Treatment and Its Effect on the Expression of Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 and Wnt/β-Catenin in Androgenetic Alopecia

10 citations , October 2018 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Laser treatment improves hair density and increases growth factors in androgenetic alopecia.

research Identifying Novel Strategies for Treating Human Hair Loss Disorders: Cyclosporine A Suppresses the Wnt Inhibitor, SFRP1, in the Dermal Papilla of Human Scalp Hair Follicles

68 citations , May 2018 in “PLOS Biology”

Cyclosporine A may help treat hair loss by blocking a protein that inhibits hair growth.

research Microneedling for the Treatment of Hair Loss

58 citations , April 2018 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Microneedling can help stimulate hair growth, especially when used with other treatments, but it's not better than existing therapies.

research A Preliminary Study on Topical Cetirizine in the Therapeutic Management of Androgenetic Alopecia

21 citations , February 2018 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

Topical cetirizine improves hair density and thickness in androgenetic alopecia, but more research is needed.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia: Does It Work? Evidence from Meta-Analysis

64 citations , September 2017 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

PRP treatment may increase hair density and reduce hair loss, but more research is needed.

research Efficacy of Fractional Lasers in Treating Alopecia: A Literature Review

25 citations , August 2017 in “Lasers in Medical Science”

Fractional lasers seem effective and safe for treating hair loss, but more research is needed to find the best treatment methods.

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 A Critical Assessment of the Evidence for Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Hair Loss

32 citations , February 2017 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

The evidence for using Low-Level Laser Therapy for hair loss is limited and more thorough research is needed.

research Superiority of Dutasteride Over Finasteride in Hair Regrowth and Reversal of Miniaturization in Men With Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Controlled Open-Label, Evaluator-Blinded Study

33 citations , January 2017 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

Dutasteride is more effective than finasteride at increasing hair count and reversing hair thinning in men with hair loss, but both have similar side effects.

research A Mechanistic Model of Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia

60 citations , December 2016 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

PRP treatment may stimulate hair growth by promoting blood vessel formation, increasing growth factors, and preventing cell death.

research Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Dutasteride in the Treatment of Male Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia

32 citations , September 2016 in “Journal of Dermatology”

Dutasteride safely promotes hair growth and reduces hair loss, with mild side effects.

research Low-Level Laser Therapy and Hair Regrowth: An Evidence-Based Review

60 citations , December 2015 in “Lasers in Medical Science”

Low-level laser therapy is safe and can increase hair growth for male and female pattern hair loss.

research The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Hair Regrowth: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

214 citations , September 2015 in “Stem Cells Translational Medicine”

Platelet-rich plasma injections significantly improved hair regrowth and thickness in patients with hair loss.

research Combined Treatment with Oral Finasteride and Topical Minoxidil in Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized and Comparative Study in Chinese Patients

32 citations , September 2015 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Finasteride and minoxidil together work best for male hair loss.

research Evaluation of DNA Variants Associated with Androgenetic Alopecia and Their Potential to Predict Male Pattern Baldness

48 citations , May 2015 in “PLOS ONE”

DNA variants can predict male pattern baldness, with higher risk scores increasing baldness likelihood.

research Clinical Utility and Validity of Minoxidil Response Testing in Androgenetic Alopecia

43 citations , January 2015 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Minoxidil response testing helps treat hair loss effectively and safely.

research Effect of Dutasteride 0.5 mg/day in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia Recalcitrant to Finasteride

36 citations , November 2014 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Dutasteride helps hair growth in those unresponsive to finasteride, but may cause more sexual dysfunction.

research Sulfotransferase Activity in Plucked Hair Follicles Predicts Response to Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Female Androgenetic Alopecia

20 citations , July 2014 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Sulfotransferase in hair follicles helps predict how well minoxidil works for female hair loss.

research The Efficacy and Safety of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Network Meta-Analysis and Benefit–Risk Assessment of Finasteride and Dutasteride

66 citations , April 2014 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

Finasteride and dutasteride effectively treat hair loss, but may cause side effects like sexual dysfunction and depression.

research Topical Valproic Acid Increases Hair Count in Male Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized, Comparative, Clinical Feasibility Study Using Phototrichogram Analysis

37 citations , April 2014 in “Journal of Dermatology”

Valproic acid increases hair count in men with hair loss.

research Low-Level Laser Therapy for Treatment of Hair Loss

165 citations , August 2013 in “Lasers in Surgery and Medicine”

Low-Level Laser Therapy is effective and safe for hair growth with minimal side effects.

research A Randomized Evaluator Blinded Study of Effect of Microneedling in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Pilot Study

136 citations , January 2013 in “International Journal of Trichology”

research Persistent Sexual Side Effects of Finasteride: Could They Be Permanent?

112 citations , November 2012 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine”

Finasteride may cause long-lasting sexual side effects.

research The Prostamide-Related Glaucoma Therapy, Bimatoprost, Offers a Novel Approach for Treating Scalp Alopecias

53 citations , October 2012 in “The FASEB Journal”

Bimatoprost, a glaucoma medication, may also help treat hair loss.

research Comparative Effectiveness of Finasteride vs Serenoa Repens in Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Two-Year Study

51 citations , October 2012 in “International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology”

Finasteride works better than Serenoa repens for male hair loss.

research Depressive Symptoms and Suicidal Thoughts Among Former Users of Finasteride With Persistent Sexual Side Effects

134 citations , August 2012 in “The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry”

Former finasteride users with persistent sexual side effects have higher rates of depression and suicidal thoughts.

research Characteristics of Androgenetic Alopecia in Asian Populations

51 citations , August 2012 in “Annals of Dermatology”

Asian hair loss differs from Europeans; consider individual needs and psychological well-being for treatment.

research A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study to Assess the Efficacy of a 24-Week Topical Treatment by Latanoprost 0.1% on Hair Growth and Pigmentation in Healthy Volunteers with Androgenetic Alopecia

81 citations , May 2012 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Latanoprost 0.1% may effectively treat hair loss.

research Valproic Acid Induces Hair Regeneration in Murine Model and Activates Alkaline Phosphatase Activity in Human Dermal Papilla Cells

85 citations , April 2012 in “PLOS ONE”

Valproic Acid helps regrow hair in mice and activates a hair growth marker in human cells.

research Prostaglandin D2 Inhibits Hair Growth and Is Elevated in Bald Scalp of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

205 citations , March 2012 in “Science Translational Medicine”

PGD2 stops hair growth and is higher in bald men with AGA.

research The Nuts and Bolts of Low-Level Laser Therapy

1057 citations , November 2011 in “Annals of Biomedical Engineering”

Low-level Laser Therapy may help reduce inflammation, pain, and aid healing, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and establish standard treatment guidelines.

research Evidence-Based Guideline for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women and Men

198 citations , October 2011 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft”

Use minoxidil for hair loss; finasteride and dutasteride for men, dutasteride for women.

research Finasteride, 1 Mg Daily Administration on Male Androgenetic Alopecia in Different Age Groups: 10-Year Follow-Up

44 citations , July 2011 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Finasteride effectively increases hair growth in men with AGA, works better for those over 30, and may cause some side effects.

research Evidence of Increased DNA Methylation of the Androgen Receptor Gene in Occipital Hair Follicles from Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

24 citations , July 2011 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Men with hair loss have more DNA changes in back-of-head hair follicles, possibly protecting them from thinning.

research Persistent Sexual Side Effects of Finasteride for Male Pattern Hair Loss

185 citations , June 2011 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine”

Finasteride for hair loss can cause long-lasting sexual side effects like low libido and erectile dysfunction.

research Fractional Photothermolysis Laser Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss

50 citations , January 2011 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Laser treatment can stimulate hair growth for male pattern hair loss.

research Efficacy and Safety of Finasteride Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia

152 citations , October 2010 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Finasteride helps hair growth but may cause sexual side effects.

research Enhancing the Growth of Natural Eyelashes: The Mechanism of Bimatoprost-Induced Eyelash Growth

69 citations , September 2010 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Bimatoprost is a safe and effective treatment for making eyelashes longer, thicker, and darker.

research A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial of a Novel Formulation of 5% Minoxidil Topical Foam Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

142 citations , November 2007 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

New 5% minoxidil foam effectively promotes hair growth and is safe for use.

research Effect of 1 mg/Day Finasteride on Concentrations of Serum Prostate-Specific Antigen in Men With Androgenic Alopecia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

89 citations , January 2007 in “Lancet Oncology”

Taking 1 mg/day finasteride for hair loss significantly lowers PSA levels in men, which may affect prostate cancer screening.

research Finasteride Induced Depression: A Prospective Study

99 citations , October 2006 in “BMC clinical pharmacology”

Finasteride may cause slight depression and anxiety.

research Potassium Channel Therapeutics at the Bedside

119 citations , July 2005 in “Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology”

Potassium channel openers are effective in treating heart conditions, high blood pressure, pulmonary diseases, bladder issues, and hair loss, but more selective drugs are needed.

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 An Open, Randomized, Comparative Study of Oral Finasteride and 5% Topical Minoxidil in Male Androgenetic Alopecia

71 citations , January 2004 in “Dermatology”

Oral finasteride works better than topical minoxidil for hair growth, both are safe.

research Androgenetic Alopecia in Men Aged 40-69 Years: Prevalence and Risk Factors

155 citations , December 2003 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Hair loss increases with age; alcohol raises risk, more female partners lowers it.

research Minoxidil vs Finasteride in the Treatment of Men With Androgenetic Alopecia

40 citations , September 2003 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Finasteride slightly better long-term, minoxidil faster initial results, but stopping minoxidil may cause hair loss.

research A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

269 citations , September 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

5% minoxidil works better for hair growth and density, with minor irritation.

research Prostaglandin-Induced Hair Growth

162 citations , August 2002 in “Survey of Ophthalmology”

Latanoprost can make eyelashes longer, thicker, and darker.

research Comparative Efficacy of Various Treatment Regimens for Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

80 citations , August 2002 in “Journal of Dermatology”

Best hair growth results from combining finasteride and minoxidil.

research A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial to Determine the Effectiveness of Botanically Derived Inhibitors of 5-Alpha-Reductase in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

68 citations , April 2002 in “Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine”

Natural 5AR inhibitors effectively improve mild to moderate hair loss in men.

research Minoxidil-Induced Hair Growth Is Mediated by Adenosine in Cultured Dermal Papilla Cells: Possible Involvement of Sulfonylurea Receptor 2B as a Target of Minoxidil

83 citations , December 2001 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil boosts hair growth by targeting adenosine and possibly sulfonylurea receptor 2B.

research The Prevalence and Types of Androgenetic Alopecia in Korean Men and Women

157 citations , July 2001 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

AGA more common in men, Koreans have lower rates and unique patterns.

research Treatment of Hair Loss

370 citations , September 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Finasteride and minoxidil are effective for hair loss, but continued research is needed for better treatments.

research Finasteride in the treatment of men with frontal male pattern hair loss

187 citations , June 1999 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Finasteride effectively treats frontal hair loss with few side effects.

research Prevalence of Male Pattern Hair Loss in 18–49 Year Old Men

50 citations , December 1998 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Hair loss is more common in men aged 18-49 and increases with age.

research Finasteride in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia

581 citations , October 1998 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Finasteride safely and effectively treats male pattern hair loss, but may cause reversible sexual issues and harm male fetuses.

research Effects of Self-Perceived Hair Loss in a Community Sample of Men

74 citations , January 1998 in “Dermatology”

Men who think they are losing hair feel worse about themselves, especially if they are younger.

research Allergic contact dermatitis from minoxidil

32 citations , May 1995 in “Contact Dermatitis”

Minoxidil can cause allergic reactions, but testing helps identify the cause.

research The psychological effects of androgenetic alopecia in men

192 citations , June 1992 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Hair loss can cause low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression in men.

research Minoxidil Stimulates Mouse Vibrissae Follicles in Organ Culture

121 citations , March 1989 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil can help grow hair in mice by making cells grow and improving hair quality. More research needed.

research Topical minoxidil in male pattern baldness: Effects of discontinuation of treatment

57 citations , July 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Stopping minoxidil treatment resumes balding; continuous use needed for results.

research Topical Minoxidil Therapy in Hereditary Androgenetic Alopecia

55 citations , February 1985 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Using minoxidil on the scalp can help grow hair for people with hereditary baldness.

research Reversal of Baldness in Patient Receiving Minoxidil for Hypertension

95 citations , December 1980 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Minoxidil helped bald patient regrow hair.

10 / 10 results

research Pharmacological Therapeutics in Androgenetic Alopecia

3 citations , May 2020 in “Journal of The Korean Medical Association”

research A Review of the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss

53 citations , February 2020 in “Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy”

Finasteride and minoxidil work best together for hair loss.

research A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Topical Solution of 0.25% Finasteride Admixed with 3% Minoxidil vs. 3% Minoxidil Solution in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia

43 citations , December 2018 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Finasteride and minoxidil mix works better for hair growth than minoxidil alone, with similar safety.

research Androgenetic Alopecia and Its Remedies: A Review

August 2014 in “Journal of drug discovery and therapeutics”