Topically Applied Minoxidil in Baldness

In 2007, a study was conducted to examine the effects of topically applied Minoxidil, a drug originally used for hypertension, on baldness. The study involved daily applications of 1%, 3%, or 5% Minoxidil to the scalps of patients with male pattern baldness. Results showed evidence of hair growth stimulation, although it was delayed and varied among patients. Long-term studies of 6-12 months showed hair growth ranging from minimal to significant restoration. However, hair growth stopped when Minoxidil therapy was discontinued. The study also found that Minoxidil was poorly absorbed through the skin, with less than 4% of the applied doses recovered from the urine. Side effects included fluid retention and hypertrichosis. The study concluded that more research was needed to assess the potential of topical Minoxidil as a hair growth stimulant in patients with alopecia areata and alopecia androgenetica.