Is the minoxidil shedding cycle real? It is shedding again, and worse than ever before.

Question

I have been use minoxidil for 6-7 months now, at first I did experience the shedding, and hairs grow back since then. But now it is shedding again, and worst the ever before. I read a lot peoples blog about the second shedding. Some said it will grow back, some said will not. I am still keep using the minoxidil, and I just want to know is the second shedding normal? Will the hair grow back? Is the minoxidil shedding cycle real? Will there be next shedding? Thank you so much!

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

This “second shedding” that people talk about as being due to minoxidil has absolutely no basis. (Of course a first shed in the first 2-3 months does have a basis and is normal and expected). If a second shedding happens again at 6-9 months after a period of minimal shedding either (1) the disease itself is moving the hair forward, or (2) another disease has come on scene, or (3) the minoxidil is not being applied in the same manner or is of same quality. A physician expert can sort through these 4 possibilities. A “second shed” that is delayed 9 months is not really on the list. How this concept and myth came to plaque the hair world is not clear.

Jacquelline Leva, DO · Answer

hello,thank you for the inquiry. So to my knowledge there is no such thing as second pass shedding with minoxdil. It may be you have another thing affecting your hair. Maybe an extreme stressful situation or surgery or medical illness, diet changes leading to excessive weight loss that caused hair shedding called telogen effluvium. Maybe you have another underlying medical condition unrelated to scalp as a result is making hair loss occur ex: vitamin d deficieny, anemia. You need to be examined and have your doctor work you up. Everyone does lose a little bit hair hair daily as you grow through hair cycles 100-150 hairs.

Sara Salas, MD · Answer

Shedding is normal and does not occur often but these hairs will grow back and are not accelerating male pattern baldness. Be patient and this should resole soon.

Miguel Canales, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to experience hair shedding after initiating minoxidil.  Minoxidil may accelerate hair entering the telogen phase to shed sooner (although they were going to shed irregardless of the medicine).  New hair will growth in the oncoming months after starting minoxidil.  Other caveats about minoxidil is that it can irritate the scalp causing itchiness due to a contact dermatitis.  It is best to use the medication under the guidance of a hair loss expert to make sure you are avoiding side-effects and that the efficacy of the medical treatment can be verified.

Ryan Welter, MD · Answer

It is common for people to have some shedding after starting minoxidil.  You not causing new hair loss however and there is usually no reason for concern.  All hair goes through a hair growth cycle and the temporary acceleration of hair loss only pushes hair through this cycle - in other words you would shed them anyway.  After being on treatment for several weeks you should stabilize and hopefully see new hair growth in about 3 months.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

It is probable that the shedding that you are experiencing is the result of the cause of your hair loss, not the drug

Michael Meshkin, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

usually after stopping minoxidil hair strats to shed at an accelerated rate. But the hair that is lost is the hair that was going to be lost anyways. After s few months it should stabilize. However keep in mond hair loss is progressive.

Is the minoxidil shedding cycle real? It is shedding again, and worse than ever before.

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Is it true that minoxidil can have a side effect called “moon face”?

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