Minoxidil Beyond Hair: A Comprehensive Review of Its Effects on Nail Growth
Víctor Pinos-León, Jorge Vasconez-Gonzalez, Juan S. Izquierdo-Condoy, Belén Pazmiño, Jenny Sánchez, Vianca Torres, Esteban Ortiz-Prado

TL;DR
This review explores how minoxidil, known for treating hair loss, may also help promote nail growth and improve nail health.
Contribution
The paper provides a comprehensive synthesis of minoxidil's effects on nail growth, including clinical outcomes and proposed mechanisms.
Findings
Topical 5% minoxidil increased nail growth rate by 13-19% in 28 days.
Oral minoxidil (2.5 mg) showed a 50% increase in nail growth speed.
Minoxidil improved nail strength and appearance with minimal adverse effects.
Abstract
Minoxidil is a well-established treatment for hair loss, known for its vasodilatory properties and effects on dermal papilla cells. Recently, interest has emerged regarding its potential role in promoting nail growth, both in healthy individuals and in those with nail dystrophies. The objective of this review was to synthesize and critically analyze the available evidence on the effects of topical and oral minoxidil on nail growth, including proposed mechanisms of action, clinical outcomes, and safety. A narrative literature review was conducted using studies published in indexed journals that evaluated the pharmacological effects of minoxidil on the nail unit. Mechanistic data were extracted from in vitro and in vivo models, while clinical results were compiled from pilot studies, case reports, and trials evaluating nail growth in both healthy and pathologic conditions. Proposed…
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Taxonomy
TopicsHair Growth and Disorders · Nail Diseases and Treatments · Breast Implant and Reconstruction
