The Efficacy of Topical Minoxidil for Non-Scarring Alopecia: A Systematic Review

In 2019, a systematic review was conducted on the efficacy of topical minoxidil for non-scarring alopecia. The review included 23 relevant studies. The studies showed that minoxidil, in concentrations ranging from 0.01% to 15%, resulted in hair growth ranging from 17% to 70% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Concentrations from 3% to 5% were used to treat alopecia areata, 2% for traction alopecia, and 1% to 5% for congenital hair disorders, with varying levels of treatment success. The efficacy varied among ethnic groups, but it was found that topical minoxidil significantly improved quality of life even without hair regrowth. The review concluded that topical minoxidil is effective for treating hair loss due to male and female androgenic alopecia, alopecia areata, and in some cases, traction alopecia, hair transplantation, and congenital hair disorders. Combination therapies using minoxidil with systemic, topical, and injectable therapies showed increased effectiveness over monotherapies.