Minoxidil extends the follicle’s growth (anagen) phase and increases follicle size and blood flow. Topical 2–5% is FDA-approved over the counter for pattern hair loss; low-dose oral minoxidil is used off-label under medical supervision. Results take 3–6 months and fade within months of stopping. Early shedding can occur before regrowth.
Related terms
- DHT
- A potent androgen made from testosterone that miniaturizes scalp follicles in pattern hair loss.
- Finasteride
- A 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that lowers scalp DHT to slow hair loss; FDA-approved for male pattern loss.
- Androgenetic alopecia
- The most common cause of hair thinning, driven by genetics and DHT sensitivity.