Popular Drugs and Therapies That Reverse Hair Loss—And Their Caveats

In the 1970s, an unusual side effect was observed among hypertensive patients taking minoxidil—excessive hair growth across different parts of their bodies.Two dermatologists were invited to investigate the phenomenon. They applied the drug topically to patients’ arms and found that the treated areas grew noticeably thicker hair.

Most doctors dismissed the finding at the time, reasoning that hair growth on the arms did not necessarily mean the drug could treat baldness. However, the turning point came when a severely hypertensive patient who also happened to be bald was prescribed minoxidil. A month after starting the medication, the bald patches on his scalp began filling in.



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