A method of inducing hair growth by topical administration of minoxidil is described, including topically applying minoxidil to a skin region susceptible to induction of hair growth, wherein the applied minoxidil is administered to the skin region (i) in a formulation comprising a release composition that mediates a dermal flux of minoxidil of at least 1.5 μg minoxidil/cm2 skin area/hour for a time of from 17 to 27 hours, at an applied dose of from 2 to 20 mg minoxidil to said skin region, and with a period of from 16 to 30 hours before any subsequent reapplication of the formulation, or (ii) subsequent to administration to the skin region of said release composition so that the sequentially applied minoxidil and release composition together mediate the dermal flux of minoxidil of at least 1.5 μg minoxidil/cm2 skin area/hour for a time of from 17 to 27 hours, at an applied dose of from 2 to 20 mg minoxidil to said skin region, and with a period of from 16 to 30 hours before any subsequent sequential reapplication of the minoxidil and release composition.