Work

Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil Improves Hairline and Eyebrow Coverage in Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Prospective Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a primary lymphocytic scarring alopecia that commonly presents with frontotemporal hairline recession and eyebrow loss. While most treatments aim to control inflammation and stop disease progression, low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) has been proposed to enhance coverage of remaining hairs and improve cosmetic outcomes. METHODS: In this prospective study, adult women with biopsy-proven FFA received oral minoxidil 1 mg/day for 6 months. Standardized photographs and trichoscopy images were obtained at baseline and after treatment and blindly evaluated by two independent experts using a 5-point scale (-2 to +2). Safety was monitored through clinical and laboratory assessments. All patients gave consent for use of their photographs. RESULTS: A total of 11 women were included (mean age 58.2 years); one discontinued treatment due to a transient ischemic attack. Among 10 completers, all showed improvement in at least one area, with increased anterior hairline coverage in nine and eyebrow improvement in four of eight evaluated patients. Mild hypertrichosis occurred in five cases. CONCLUSIONS: LDOM improved anterior hairline and eyebrow coverage in women with FFA and was generally well-tolerated. Protocol Number: HSPM58444422.0.0000.5442.

Source: Dermatology and Therapy

DOI: 10.1007/s13555-026-01730-0

Authors: Diego Henrique Morais Silva, Mercedes Cristina Mongelli Martin Paro, Gustavo Baptista de Almeida Faro, Aline Donati

Institution: Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal

Language: English

Topic: Hair Growth and Disorders

Subfield: Urology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $7,400