Minoxidil in mesotherapy – a review of scientific studies

Minoxidil mesotherapy is a method that involves injecting minoxidil (minoxidil) directly into the scalp to stimulate hair growth. It is an alternative to the traditional use of minoxidil in liquid, foam or tablet form. Below is what is known about its effectiveness, especially in the context of scientific research.

Effectiveness in women

Studies show that mesotherapy with minoxidil is effective in women with androgenetic alopecia. For example, a study by Uzel et al. (2021) found that injections of 0.5%minoxidil were more effective than placebo in improving hair density and growth in women(Intradermal injections with 0.5% minoxidil for the treatment of female androgenetic alopecia). An interesting aspect is that mesotherapy reduces systemic side effects by delivering minoxidil directly to the scalp, which may be beneficial for some patients.

Detailed analysis of scientific studies on mesotherapy with minoxidil in the treatment of alopecia

Mesotherapy, also known as intradermotherapy, is a technique that involves injecting active substances, such as minoxidil (minoxidil), directly into the middle layer of the skin (mesoderm). Minoxidil is a commonly used drug to treat androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in both men and women, usually in liquid, foam or tablet form. The goal of mesotherapy is to increase the local bioavailability of the drug, potentially improving efficacy and reducing side effects associated with systemic effects. This report analyzes available scientific studies on the efficacy and safety of minoxidil mesotherapy for hair growth stimulation, taking into account gender differences and methodological limitations.

Analysis methodology

The analysis is based on search results in scientific databases such as PMC and PubMed, as well as a systematic review available on platforms such as Cureus. We also used website reviews to identify key studies, such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews. Particular attention was paid to studies that directly compared mesotherapy with minoxidil to placebo or other methods, such as the traditional use of minoxidil.

Key studies and their results – minoxidil in mesotherapy

Uzel et al. study (2021)

One of the key studies is the work of Uzel et al. (2021), published in Dermatologic Therapy(Intradermal injections with 0.5% minoxidil for the treatment of female androgenetic alopecia). The study was a randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 54 women with androgenetic alopecia. The treatment group received injections of 0.5% minoxidil, while the control group received saline (0.9%). The results showed:

• Significant increase in the ratio of terminal to vellus hair (P < 0.001).
• Increased percentage of hair in anagen (growth phase) (P = 0.048).
• Improvement in hair loss and volume scores according to female patients (P = 0.021 and P = 0.028, respectively).
• The safety profile was good, with minimal side effects, mainly slight discomfort after the mesotherapy procedure itself.

This study proved that mesotherapy with minoxidil is effective in women, especially compared to placebo.

Systematic review (2024)

Another important source is asystematic review published in Cureus in 2024(Mesotherapy as a Promising Alternative to Minoxidil for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review). This review, based on PRISMA criteria, analyzed 11 relevant studies from an initial pool of 18 articles. Key findings include:

• Mesotherapy, including minoxidil, showed excellent statistical significance and high levels of patient satisfaction, with the exception of two publications that reported rare side effects.
• Recent studies suggest that mesotherapy for the treatment of baldness is effective with a low risk of side effects.
• The review highlights potential benefits, such as reduced systemic side effects due to direct delivery of the drug to the hair follicle.

However, the review does not specify whether all of the studies involved only minoxidil or other substances used in mesotherapy.

A comparative study in men (Gajjar et al., 2019)

A studyby Gajjar et al. (2019), published in the International Journal of Trichology(Comparative Study between Mesotherapy and Topical 5% Minoxidil by Dermoscopic Evaluation for Androgenic Alopecia in Male), compared mesotherapy with a 5%minoxidil solution in 49 men with AGA. However, it is important to note that the solution used in the mesotherapy did not contain minoxidil, but consisted of a mixture of amino acids, vitamins and peptides (the composition included 56 ingredients, including 24 amino acids, 13 vitamins, 4 coenzymes, etc.). The results showed:

• Significant increase in hair diameter variation in the mesotherapy group compared to the control group (P = 0.01 vs P = 0.61).
• Other dermoscopic parameters, such as the number of hair follicles with single or multiple hairs, showed no significant differences between the groups.
• Conclusion: no significant improvement after mesotherapy compared with minoxidil liquid in men, suggesting that mesotherapy without minoxidil is not superior to the traditional method.

Discussion and conclusions

Mesotherapy with minoxidil seems to be a promising method in the treatment of androgen alopecia, especially in women, where research such as UMEL et al. (2021), showed significant effectiveness compared to placebo. The mechanism of action, consisting in direct supply of minoxidile to the hair follicle, can potentially reduce systemic side effects, such as skin irritation, skin drying or excessive body hair, which is more common when using fluid or tablets.

However, the data is limited for men. Gajjar study et al. (2019) suggests that vitamin-peptide mesotherapy without minoxidil does not exceed 5%minoxidium fluid, but because minoxidile was not used in mesotherapy, conclusions cannot be drawn regarding the effectiveness of mesotherapy with minoxidil in men. The systematic review from 2024 emphasizes the need for further research to determine the optimal dosage, long -term effects and comparisons with traditional methods.

Recommendations for patients

Patients interested in mesotherapy with minoxidil should consult a dermatologist to discuss potential benefits and risks, especially in the context of individual predisposition.

Why are women afraid to use minoxidil? Side effects under the magnifying glass

Minoxidil (in. minoxidil) is a popular drug used to treat baldness in both men and women. Available in liquid or foam form (usually in concentrations of 2% or 5%), it is one of the few agents approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) to stimulate hair growth. Although its effectiveness against hair loss is well-documented, many women approach it with caution. Why? Fears of side effects, including unwanted body hair, play a key role.

What is minoxidil and how does it work?

Minoxidil was originally a drug for hypertension, but it has been noted that one of its “side effects” is to stimulate hair growth. It works by dilating blood vessels in the scalp, which improves blood supply to the hair follicles and prolongs the hair growth phase (anagen). For women struggling with androgenetic alopecia or thinning hair, it can be an effective solution. However, its use requires patience – the effects are visible only after 3-6 months of regular use, and after quitting, hair often falls out again, as before treatment.

Why are women afraid of minoxidil?

Women are more likely than men to hesitate to use minoxidil for several reasons:

• Appearance-related side effects – especially the risk of excessive hair in unwanted areas, such as the face.
• Lack of full knowledge – many women do not know the details of how the drug works and fear unpredictable effects.
• Daily application – having to apply the product regularly can be a nuisance, and accidental applications to other parts of the body are a cause for concern.
• Health effects – although rare, potential systemic effects, such as irritation or allergic reactions, deter some patients.

The biggest fear, however, remains the possibility of body hair, which many women find difficult to accept.

Minoxidil side effects – body hair and other problems

Minoxidil is generally safe, but like any drug it can cause side effects. Here are the most common side effects of concern to women:

1. Excessive hairiness (hirsutism)
   One of the most well-known and feared side effects is the appearance of hair in places other than the scalp – such as the face (mustache, sideburns), neck, arms or back. Why does this happen? Minoxidil acts topically, but if it is accidentally transferred to other areas of the skin (e.g., by touching with dirty hands or running down the product), it can stimulate the hair follicles there. In women whose bodies are more sensitive to androgens, this risk is higher, although it affects only a small percentage of patients (about 3-5% at a concentration of 2% minoxidil). To minimize this problem, it is advisable to wash hands thoroughly after application and avoid contact of the product with the pillow during sleep.
2. Irritation of the scalp
   Many women complain of itching, redness or flaking of the skin at the application site. This is a result of the alcohol content of minoxidil formulations, which can dry out the skin. Women with sensitive skin or atopic dermatitis may experience these discomforts more intensely, discouraging further use.
3. Initial severity of hair loss
   At the beginning of the treatment (usually in the first month), some users notice increased hair loss. This is a normal stage called “shedding” – old hair falls out to make way for new hair. However, for women who are struggling with thinning hair anyway, this effect can be psychologically difficult to bear and lead them to abandon the therapy.
4. Allergic reactions
   Although rare, minoxidil causes allergy in some people – manifesting as a rash, burning or swelling. Women with a history of skin allergies may be concerned about this risk, even if it involves a small group.
5. Effects on blood pressure
   Topical minoxidil rarely affects the body systemically, but in people with low blood pressure or cardiac problems it can cause dizziness or palpitations – especially with excessive use. This is another reason why women prefer to avoid the experiment.

How to minimize the risk of hairiness and other side effects?

In order for women to use minoxidil without fear, it is worth following a few rules:

• Precise application – use a pipette or applicator to apply the product only to the scalp, avoiding runoff on the face or neck.
• Hygiene – wash hands immediately after use and apply minoxidil to dry skin, preferably in the evening to avoid transfer to other areas.
• Consult a doctor – a dermatologist can assess whether minoxidil is suitable for your type of baldness and skin sensitivity.

Is it worth being afraid of?

Women’s fear of minoxidil stems mainly from concerns about aesthetics – especially body hair – and uncertainty about the effects. However, with proper use and adherence to the recommendations, the risk of side effects is minimal, and the benefits – such as thicker, healthier hair – can tip the scales. For many women, success in the fight against baldness proves to be worth the minor inconveniences. The key is education and a conscious approach – then minoxidil ceases to be a “bogeyman” and becomes an ally in taking care of your hair.

You can read more about minoxidil in this article. Need a dermatologist’s advice on baldness or increased hair loss? Make an appointment by phone at 579645819 or online.