Does minoxidil work?

Hello, I'm curious about the effectiveness of minoxidil for hair growth. Can you explain to me how it works and what kind of results one can expect from using it? Is it SAFE for long-term use? Are there any side effects that I should be aware of? I've heard mixed reviews about its efficacy, so I'm hoping to get a clearer understanding from a professional practitioner like yourself. Thank you for your time.