Research shows 50–60% of people don’t have enough of the enzyme required to absorb topical minoxidil adequately through the scalp. That means for most women, foams, droppers, and sprays are a dead end—and that’s exactly why you might not be seeing real improvement.
The efficacy of topical minoxidil for AGA varies widely (Table 1). For men, the 5% topical solution has been shown to be more effective than the 2% solution when applied twice daily.18 In females, studies show that 5% solution is superior or equivalent to the 2% solution.19,20 Goren et al reported that after 16 weeks of continuous topical application of minoxidil, less than 40% of patients responded.21 The earliest effects of minoxidil on hair growth begin at 6–8 weeks and reached maximal effect by 12–16 weeks without significant further improvement with additional time.22 Olsen et al evaluated men using daily topical minoxidil for 5 years and found that hair growth peaked at 1 year followed by a slow, steady decline afterward.23 It has been estimated that 60% of male patients may not respond to topical minoxidil therapy due to decreased baseline levels of the sulfotransferase required to activate minoxidil to its active metabolite.24 Furthermore, analyzing sulfotransferase activity in plucked hair follicles was found to be an accurate predictor of female response to topical minoxidil treatment.25 In summary, daily application of topical 5% minoxidil monotherapy appears to be more effective than 2% minoxidil; its effectiveness is dependent on the concentration of sulfotransferase available within the hair follicle, and results take at least 6–8 weeks to appear.
Hair regrowth is dose-dependent, meaning the higher the dose, the greater the measurable result. Locklab’s minoxidil dose is 250% stronger than most topicals and 50% stronger than most generic pills. This extra power is the reason we’ve taken so many women from no regrowth—or little regrowth—to significant regrowth.
Your chances of regrowth vary based on several factors: how much hair you have, how long you’ve been losing it, and most of all your sensitivity to the medication.
It’s a common misconception that since dead follicles can’t produce hair, bald spots cannot be filled in. The truth is follicles can still be alive below the surface or so thin and wispy they look bald—but can still be regrown.
Hair regrowth is dose-dependent, meaning the higher the dose, the greater the measurable result. Locklab’s minoxidil dose is 250% stronger than most topicals and 50% stronger than most generic pills. This extra power is the reason we’ve taken so many women from no regrowth—or little regrowth—to significant regrowth.
