Compositions and methods are disclosed herein for inducing (up-regulating) the expression of sulfotransferases in the hair follicles, e.g., the scalp. Increasing sulfotransferase is beneficial for metabolizing pro-drugs that require sulfonation to be activated, e.g., minoxidil sulfate is the active metabolite of minoxidil. A method for combining the compositions described herein with topical minoxidil to enhance minoxidil treatment for androgenetic alopecia is described. Additional methods and compositions include the use of retinoid X receptor agonists, retinoic acid receptor agonists, and nuclear receptor agonists in an RXR−NR heterodimer. Additional methods and compositions include the use of a topical solution containing an alkalinizing agent or an alkalinizing agent used with a penetration enhancer for up-regulating the sulfonating capacity of hair bearing skin, hair follicles, and/or keratinocyte cells. In addition, compositions and methods for increasing or decreasing the growth rate of hair follicles is disclosed by altering the intracellular pH.