Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is the most common cause of hair loss in black women. Although it is widely known that CCCA has no cure, there is a common belief that minoxidil may be effective for treating it. To test this theory, a study was done using 5% minoxidil foam to see if it increased hair growth compared with a placebo.
The results? Well....its complicated.
Stick around and you’ll learn what the study found, whether it was significant and how you can use this information to improve your condition.
The Study
To determine whether or not Minoxidil could be an effective treatment for CCCA, researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that took place over 48 weeks. The study involved 48 women with CCCA who were enrolled at 3 universities in the United States.
Twenty-four of the participants received a 5 percent minoxidil foam solution, while the other 24 received a placebo. The women were instructed to apply the medication twice daily for 12 weeks.
How results were measured
The primary outcome measure was hair density change from baseline to week 48. Hair density was measured at five sites on the scalp by using a computerized system.
So, what happened?
The study actually DID find that 5 percent minoxidil foam significantly increased hair count compared with placebo. The women who received the active treatment had an average of 30.6 new hairs per square centimeter, while those in the placebo group showed no significant change from baseline (0.1 new hairs per square centimeter).
Based on these results Minoxidil foam appears to be effective for increasing hair density and growth in black women with CCCA. However, this doesn't paint the full picture.
Minoxidil is no cure, unfortunately
The issue with CCCA is that minoxidil does not regrow hair where scarring has occurred. It only works to stimulate hair growth in areas where the follicles are still intact. So, minoxidil is not a cure for CCCA, but it can be an effective growth treatment if used correctly. The problem is, we already knew minoxidil can grow hair.
When it comes to CCCA, Minoxidil is likely not a long-term answer
The Side Effects of Minoxidil and CCCA
The most common side effect is dry skin and scalp. This is because minoxidil causes the blood vessels in your scalp to dilate, which can cause irritation and discomfort. Now combine that with CCCA which is essentially an inflamed scalp and you're looking at minoxidil likely making things worse when it comes to CCCA.
ADDITIONAL SIDE EFFECTS
Acne at site of application
Burning of scalp
Facial hair growth
Increased hair loss
Inflammation or soreness at roots
Reddened skin
Swelling of face
Signs of an allergic reaction
Chest pain or pressure or a fast heartbeat
Dizziness or passing out
A big weight gain
Swelling in the arms or legs
Conclusion
Although the study found minoxidil will grow hair, we wouldn't recommend it as a true solution. While it does work, the results are nothing to write home about, it can make your scalp worse than ever and there are much better options available today. If you want to know what those options are and how they compare to minoxidil, click here to read our in-depth article on CCCA Alopecia hair loss treatments.