Alterations in Scalp Blood Flow After the Epicutaneous Application of 3% Minoxidil and 0.1% Hexyl Nicotinate in Alopecia

November 1987 in “ British Journal of Dermatology ”

C.B. Bunker, Pauline M. Dowd

minoxidil hexyl nicotinate androgenic alopecia Laser Doppler Velocimetry vasodilation scalp blood flow Rogaine

Studysummary This study observed increases in scalp blood flow following the application of 3% minoxidil and 0.1% hexyl nicotinate in individuals with alopecia. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

In a study conducted 36 years ago, researchers investigated the effect of 3% minoxidil and 0.1% hexyl nicotinate on scalp blood flow in ten male subjects with androgenic alopecia. The study aimed to explore the mechanism behind minoxidil's ability to promote hair regrowth, hypothesizing that it might be due to increased scalp blood flow. Using Laser Doppler Velocimetry, the researchers found that 3% minoxidil did not increase scalp blood flow in any of the subjects, while 0.1% hexyl nicotinate did lead to an increase in all but one subject. The onset of the effect of hexyl nicotinate was around 7 minutes, with the effect lasting for an average of 52 minutes. These findings suggest that vasodilation may not be the mechanism by which minoxidil promotes hair growth in the treatment of alopecia, indicating that further research is needed to understand the drug's properties and its relationship with hair growth.

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research Topical Minoxidil Dose-Response Effect in Alopecia Areata

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This study found that 5% topical minoxidil solution led to better hair regrowth response and quality in severe alopecia areata compared to 1% solution, despite regrowth often being cosmetically unacceptable.

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research Topical Minoxidil for Hair Regrowth

80 citations , September 1984 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, 5% topical minoxidil was observed to promote hair regrowth in some patients with androgenic alopecia, while no regrowth was noted in patients with alopecia areata.

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

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 Alopecia Areata Treated With Topical Minoxidil

16 citations , April 1984 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study found that 1% minoxidil topical solution led to terminal hair regrowth in 25 out of 48 patients with alopecia areata, but only 11 patients achieved cosmetically acceptable results.

research Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

80 citations , October 1983 in “BMJ”

This study found that 1% topical minoxidil induced significant hair regrowth in patients with alopecia areata, though it was less effective for those with extensive hair loss such as alopecia totalis and universalis.

research Hypertrichosis Due to Minoxidil

73 citations , November 1979 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil can cause excessive hair growth.