There are many treatments for common hair loss, but more trials are needed to decide which are best.
219 citations,
March 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” 5% and 2% minoxidil solutions effectively promote hair growth and reduce hair loss, with 5% being slightly more effective but having more side effects.
138 citations,
August 1985 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Minoxidil promotes hair growth in male pattern baldness.
123 citations,
February 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Minoxidil can cause skin allergy; use alternative solvents or treatments if allergic.
104 citations,
March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Minoxidil helps hair growth in 63.6% of alopecia patients, with 27.3% having excellent results.
101 citations,
November 1992 in “Archives of Dermatology” Steroids help hair regrowth, and minoxidil slows post-steroid hair loss, but effects are temporary.
101 citations,
March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Minoxidil solution helps hair regrowth in alopecia areata, with 5% being more effective.
80 citations,
September 1984 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” 5% minoxidil helps hair regrowth in androgenic alopecia.
80 citations,
October 1983 in “BMJ” Minoxidil helps hair regrowth in alopecia patients, with 16 having good results and no side effects.
78 citations,
March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Minoxidil promotes hair growth but stops working when discontinued.
78 citations,
April 1984 in “Archives of Dermatology” Minoxidil can help regrow hair in alopecia areata patients.
70 citations,
April 1990 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Minoxidil treatment increased hair growth for up to 5 years, requiring twice daily application.
67 citations,
March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Minoxidil helps hair growth and prevents hair loss in androgenetic alopecia. It's safe and effective.
58 citations,
January 2007 in “Dermatology” Minoxidil use in children may cause heart issues.
58 citations,
October 1993 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Minoxidil helps hair growth and reduces shedding in women.
58 citations,
July 1986 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Lowest effective minoxidil concentration is 1%, but 2% works better for male pattern baldness.
57 citations,
July 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Stopping minoxidil treatment resumes balding; continuous use needed for results.
56 citations,
April 2007 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft” Minoxidil works better for female hair loss than alfatradiol, both safe.
56 citations,
August 1981 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Minoxidil helps hair regrowth in alopecia areata safely.
55 citations,
February 1985 in “Archives of Dermatology” Using minoxidil on the scalp can help grow hair for people with hereditary baldness.
55 citations,
February 1985 in “Archives of Dermatology” Minoxidil applied twice daily can help regrow hair in some people with hereditary baldness, with no serious side effects.
54 citations,
March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” 3% topical minoxidil effectively treats extensive alopecia areata with few side effects.
54 citations,
February 1986 in “Archives of Dermatology” Higher minoxidil concentration (5%) works better for severe hair loss, with most patients seeing regrowth in 48-60 weeks.
53 citations,
August 2019 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Oral minoxidil and topical minoxidil 5% both effectively improve female-pattern hair loss with safe side effects.
53 citations,
March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Minoxidil effectively regrows hair in male pattern baldness.
51 citations,
March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Minoxidil keeps most hair growth from first year and twice-daily use is better with few side effects.
48 citations,
January 2017 in “International Journal of Trichology” Microneedling with platelet-rich plasma and minoxidil improves hair growth more than just minoxidil in men with hair loss.
45 citations,
October 1988 in “British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology” Using topical minoxidil for baldness can cause heart problems, especially in those with heart disease.
44 citations,
March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Using minoxidil on balding scalps can stimulate hair regrowth and increase blood flow. It's an effective treatment for early hair loss.
41 citations,
November 1993 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” DPCP helps treat severe hair loss, but 5% minoxidil doesn't add benefits.