Efficacy and safety of topical 3% minoxidil for facial hair enhancement in transmen: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Issued Date
2026-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
09546634
eISSN
14711753
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105031801436
Pubmed ID
41778417
Journal Title
Journal of Dermatological Treatment
Volume
37
Issue
1
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Dermatological Treatment Vol.37 No.1 (2026)
Suggested Citation
Wattanawinitchai K., Pomsoong C., Ratanapokasatit Y., Suchonwanit P. Efficacy and safety of topical 3% minoxidil for facial hair enhancement in transmen: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Dermatological Treatment Vol.37 No.1 (2026). doi:10.1080/09546634.2026.2638637 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/115677
Title
Efficacy and safety of topical 3% minoxidil for facial hair enhancement in transmen: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
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Abstract
Objectives: Facial hair development is a crucial aspect of gender affirmation for transgender men. Despite testosterone therapy, incomplete facial hair growth remains a common concern. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated topical 3% minoxidil for facial hair enhancement in 69 transgender men on stable gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 69 transgender men on stable GAHT, registered on the Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR20220205004). Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive topical 3% minoxidil or vehicle placebo twice daily for 12 weeks. Primary outcomes were changes in hair density and diameter assessed via videodermoscopy. Secondary outcomes included modified Ferriman-Gallwey Score (mFGS), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and patient satisfaction. Results: The minoxidil group (n = 34) demonstrated significant improvements versus placebo (n = 35) in beard density (11.16 vs. 0.08 hairs/cm<sup>2</sup>, p = 0.01), beard diameter (5.37 vs. −0.33 μm, p = 0.01), mustache density (18.45 vs. 1.74 hairs/cm<sup>2</sup>, p = 0.003), and mustache diameter (4.83 vs. 1.31 μm, p = 0.008). Physician and patient-assessed mFGS showed significant improvements with minoxidil (p < 0.05). Quality of life improved markedly (median DLQI: 5 to 1.5 vs. 4 to 3, p < 0.05), with higher patient satisfaction scores (8.16 vs. 5.36, p < 0.001). Adverse events were minimal and comparable between groups. Conclusions: Topical 3% minoxidil represents an effective, safe, and well-tolerated adjunctive treatment for facial hair enhancement in transgender men receiving GAHT.