Minoxidil for Hair Loss: What the Research Really Says

Let’s talk about a topic that’s surrounded by a lot of hype, questionable products, and “snake oil” solutions — hair loss.

Hair loss is one of those issues where people will try just about anything to see results, which has led to a market filled with all kinds of remedies, many of which don’t have solid science behind them. Before we explore some of those, I want to start with something that is backed by research and has stood the test of time: minoxidil.

What is Minoxidil?

You probably know minoxidil by its brand name, Rogaine. It’s one of the most commonly used treatments for hair loss, and it’s — it’s FDA-approved. That means it has been studied for safety and effectiveness, and it remains a cornerstone in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (the most common cause of hair loss in men).

A Closer Look: Oral vs. Topical Minoxidil

Recently, a study published in JAMA Dermatology looked at how oral minoxidil compares to the more familiar topical version in men with androgenetic alopecia.

This was a 24-week, randomized, placebo-controlled trial — which means it was designed to be a high-quality study. The participants were split into two groups:

Group 1: took oral minoxidil and applied a placebo topical solution.
Group 2: used topical minoxidil (Rogaine) and took a placebo pill.

Neither group knew which treatment they were actually getting. To ensure results weren’t influenced by changes in appearance, participants had to keep their hairstyle, color, length, and haircut the same throughout the study.

What Did They Find?

Both groups showed an increase in hair density over the course of the study. So, what does this mean? Both oral and topical minoxidil were effective — though it’s important to note that side effects can occur with either form.

Final Thoughts

Hair loss isn’t just a cosmetic concern. It can have a real impact on self-esteem and quality of life. While there’s no magical cure, minoxidil remains a tried-and-true option worth discussing with your healthcare provider.

As always, talk to your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, medication, or diet.

Oral Minoxidil vs Topical Minoxidil for Male Androgenetic Alopecia