Minoxidil

Last Updated: September 28 2022

Commonly known as Rogaine (brand name), Minoxidil is a topical application that enhances hair growth. Less effective in Male Pattern Baldness than 'Bald patches', Minoxidil is the most commonly used topical hair growth compound.

Minoxidil is most often used for

What else is Minoxidil known as?
Note that Minoxidil is also known as:
  • Rogaine
Dosage information

Usage of minoxidil as a topical formulation in the concentration range of 2-5%, with 5% being slightly better than 2% at promoting hair growth. Although oral supplementation technically aids hair growth, it is not advised due to possible complications with blood pressure.

Join our supplement information course

Examine Database: Minoxidil
What works and what doesn't?

Unlock the full potential of Examine

Get started

Don't miss out on the latest research

References
2.^KLIGMAN AMThe human hair cycleJ Invest Dermatol.(1959 Dec)
3.^Stough D, Stenn K, Haber R, Parsley WM, Vogel JE, Whiting DA, Washenik KPsychological effect, pathophysiology, and management of androgenetic alopecia in menMayo Clin Proc.(2005 Oct)
9.^Wolf R, Matz H, Zalish M, Pollack A, Orion EProstaglandin analogs for hair growth: great expectationsDermatol Online J.(2003 Aug)
12.^Olsen EA, Weiner MS, Amara IA, DeLong ERFive-year follow-up of men with androgenetic alopecia treated with topical minoxidilJ Am Acad Dermatol.(1990 Apr)
13.^Olsen EA, DeLong ER, Weiner MSLong-term follow-up of men with male pattern baldness treated with topical minoxidilJ Am Acad Dermatol.(1987 Mar)
18.^Lucky AW, Piacquadio DJ, Ditre CM, Dunlap F, Kantor I, Pandya AG, Savin RC, Tharp MDA randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 5% and 2% topical minoxidil solutions in the treatment of female pattern hair lossJ Am Acad Dermatol.(2004 Apr)
19.^Olsen EA, Dunlap FE, Funicella T, Koperski JA, Swinehart JM, Tschen EH, Trancik RJA randomized clinical trial of 5% topical minoxidil versus 2% topical minoxidil and placebo in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in menJ Am Acad Dermatol.(2002 Sep)
22.^Tosti A, Camacho-Martinez F, Dawber RManagement of androgenetic alopeciaJ Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol.(1999 May)
23.^Ferry JJ, Forbes KK, VanderLugt JT, Szpunar GJInfluence of tretinoin on the percutaneous absorption of minoxidil from an aqueous topical solutionClin Pharmacol Ther.(1990 Apr)
24.^Bazzano GS, Terezakis N, Galen WTopical tretinoin for hair growth promotionJ Am Acad Dermatol.(1986 Oct)
26.^Berger RS, Fu JL, Smiles KA, Turner CB, Schnell BM, Werchowski KM, Lammers KMThe effects of minoxidil, 1% pyrithione zinc and a combination of both on hair density: a randomized controlled trialBr J Dermatol.(2003 Aug)
29.^Piérard-Franchimont C, De Doncker P, Cauwenbergh G, Piérard GEKetoconazole shampoo: effect of long-term use in androgenic alopeciaDermatology.(1998)
30.^van Zuuren EJ, Fedorowicz Z, Carter B, Andriolo RB, Schoones JInterventions for female pattern hair lossCochrane Database Syst Rev.(2012 May 16)
31.^van Zuuren EJ, Fedorowicz Z, Carter BEvidence-based treatments for female pattern hair loss: a summary of a Cochrane systematic reviewBr J Dermatol.(2012 Oct 5)