A Pilot Split-Scalp Study of Combined Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedling and 5% Topical Minoxidil in Treating Male Pattern Hair Loss

This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of combining fractional radiofrequency microneedling (FRM) and 5% topical minoxidil in treating male pattern hair loss (MPHL). The study involved 19 Chinese men who received monotherapy with 5% topical minoxidil twice daily to one half of the scalp, while on the other half of the scalp, the treatment with twice-daily 5% topical minoxidil was combined with five sessions of FRM at 4-week intervals. After 5 months of treatment, the combined-therapy side had a higher degree of improvement in both hair count and hair thickness compared to the monotherapy side. The study concluded that combined treatment with fractional radiofrequency microneedle and 5% topical minoxidil could be an effective and safe treatment option for male pattern hair loss.