Topical Minoxidil for Androgenetic Alopecia: Optimizing the Chance for Success by Appropriate Patient Selection

The study found that 2% topical minoxidil was effective in achieving cosmetically acceptable hair growth in 56% of male subjects with androgenetic alopecia who met certain criteria. Patients who responded to the medication had a significantly shorter duration of baldness compared to non-responding patients, and a larger number of initial indeterminate hairs in the center of the balding area. The paper emphasizes the need for careful patient selection based on factors such as age, extent of hair loss, and duration of hair loss to achieve the best results with topical minoxidil therapy.