Minoxidil

Topical minoxidil is licensed for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) in men and women. It keeps hair follicles in the growing phase (anagen) for longer and restarts the growth phase of resting (telogen) follicles. It is not clear exactly how minoxidil causes these effects. The treatment is unlikely to be helpful if the scalp is completely bald. 

Minoxidil is not prescribed for patients with androgenetic alopecia through the NHS. 

Topical minoxidil is sometimes suggested for other types of alopecia ‘off-label’ as an ‘adjuvant’ treatment – meaning something that supports the effect of another treatment. Minoxidil might be offered alongside another treatment to improve hair density.

Oral minoxidil tablets are sometimes prescribed in a low dose to treat severe female pattern hair loss. Minoxidil is a blood pressure tablet and there can be side effects from taking the drug as a tablet. It is also sometimes prescribed as adjuvant therapy (see above) for other types of alopecia.

Minoxidil might be suggested for people with the following alopecia types:

androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss), alopecia areata, lichen planopilaris (LPP), frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), traction alopecia.