Minoxidil shows promise for reversing gray hair in new study

NCT ID NCT06813963

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This completed Phase 4 trial tested whether applying minoxidil (5%) to the scalp twice daily for 12 months could restore color to gray hair in adults aged 18 to 65 with non-medical graying. Researchers compared 141 participants using minoxidil versus a placebo, measuring changes in a gray hair severity scale. The goal was to see if this common hair-loss drug could also repigment hair, offering a potential alternative to dyes.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

minoxidil (5% topical solution)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a simple over-the-counter treatment to reverse gray hair without dye.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed Phase 4 trial. Results may not be generalizable, and minoxidil is not approved for repigmentation—side effects like scalp irritation are possible.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University

    Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China

  • The First People's Hospital of Zhaoqing

    Zhaoqing, Guangdong, 526060, China