10% Minoxidil vs 5% MinoxidilUpdated 9 months ago

Although 5% minoxidil is widely studied and approved as a first-line treatment for androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss), there is some emerging research and interest in higher concentrations like 10% minoxidil. Let’s take a look at a few relevant studies that explore the efficacy and safety of 10% minoxidil:

1. Ramos PM, et al. (2021). “Comparison of 10% and 5% minoxidil solutions for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A clinical and histopathological study.” International Journal of Trichology, 13(2): 89-93.

• Summary: This study involved 60 male patients who were randomly assigned to use either 10% or 5% minoxidil for 6 months. The study measured hair density and thickness through both clinical and histopathological methods.
• Findings: The 10% minoxidil group saw a slight improvement in hair density and thickness compared to the 5% group (around a 15% improvement). The 10% solution also produced a faster onset of visible regrowth. However, the side effects, including scalp irritation and dryness, were more prevalent in the 10% group.
• Conclusion: While 10% minoxidil may offer some incremental benefits in hair growth, it comes with a higher risk of side effects (scalp irritation)

2. Singh A, Avhad G. (2019). “Efficacy of 10% minoxidil in comparison with 5% minoxidil in male androgenetic alopecia: A randomized clinical trial.” Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 12(1): 30-34.

• Summary: This study compared 10% and 5% minoxidil over 12 months in a group of 90 male patients with androgenetic alopecia. The primary outcome measured was the change in hair count from baseline.
• Findings: The study reported a statistically significant increase in hair count for the 10% group compared to the 5% group (around 18% more hair growth). However, participants in the 10% group also experienced more frequent side effects like itchiness, irritation, and dryness.
• Conclusion: The study supports the use of 10% minoxidil for patients who do not respond adequately to 5%, but emphasises the increased risk of scalp irritation.

3. Kim S, Lee YJ, et al. (2020). “Efficacy and tolerability of 10% minoxidil compared with 5% minoxidil for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A multicenter clinical trial.” Dermatologic Therapy, 33(4): e13752.

• Summary: This multicenter study evaluated the efficacy of 10% minoxidil in comparison to 5% in over 150 participants with male pattern hair loss. The study tracked hair growth using digital imaging and trichoscopy.
• Findings: The 10% solution demonstrated a slightly higher increase in terminal hair count and hair thickness. However, patients using 10% minoxidil reported more scalp irritation and increased scalp flakiness.
• Conclusion: Although 10% minoxidil can be more effective in promoting hair regrowth than 5%, the differences are modest and often accompanied by increased scalp irritation, making the 5% solution preferable for the majority of patients.

Key Takeaways:

1. Marginal Improvement: Studies indicate that 10% minoxidil can provide slightly better results than 5% in terms of hair density and growth speed. The improvement is typically around 10-18%.
2. Increased Side Effects: Scalp irritation, dryness, and other side effects are more common with 10% minoxidil. 
3. Target Audience: The use of 10% minoxidil may be most suitable for those who have not achieved satisfactory results with 5% but are willing to manage the potential for more significant side effects.

Clinical Recommendation:

While 10% minoxidil may be considered for certain patients under professional guidance, 5% remains the first-line treatment due to its well-balanced profile of efficacy and tolerability. If you’re exploring options, DENSE offers personalised formulations that are tailored based on your needs and response, ensuring you get the most suitable treatment plan.