Efficacy and safety of topical 3% minoxidil for facial hair enhancement in transmen: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Kantarat Wattanawinitchai, Cherrin Pomsoong, Yanisa Ratanapokasatit et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessed topical 3% minoxidil for facial hair enhancement in 69 transgender men receiving stable gender-affirming hormone therapy. Participants used minoxidil or vehicle twice daily for 12 weeks. Compared with placebo, minoxidil improved beard and mustache hair density and diameter, physician- and patient-assessed hair scores, quality of life, and satisfaction. The largest reported density difference was for mustache growth: change of 18.45 vs. 1.74 hairs/cm² (p = 0.003). Adverse events were minimal and comparable between groups.
Key findings
- Beard density increased by 11.16 vs. 0.08 hairs/cm² with minoxidil and placebo, respectively (p = 0.01).
- Mustache density increased by 18.45 vs. 1.74 hairs/cm² (p = 0.003); diameter increased by 4.83 vs. 1.31 μm (p = 0.008).
- Median DLQI changed from 5 to 1.5 with minoxidil and from 4 to 3 with placebo (p < 0.05).
- Patient satisfaction scores were 8.16 vs. 5.36 (p < 0.001); adverse events were minimal and comparable.
Why it matters
Incomplete facial hair growth can remain a concern for transgender men despite hormone therapy. This trial provides controlled evidence that topical minoxidil may improve measured facial hair growth and patient-reported outcomes over 12 weeks, with few adverse events reported. These findings add evidence about an adjunctive option in this population, while the study’s duration and size limit conclusions about longer-term outcomes.
What to keep in mind
The trial included 69 participants and followed them for 12 weeks; longer-term efficacy and safety were not assessed in the abstract.