Will hair shed by minoxidil grow back?

Question

I'm worried that minoxidil will make things worse. I'm 21 and my hair loss has been happening for about a year and a half. Will the initial minoxidil shed grow back? Is it worth trying? Diagnosed with chronic te (i know its not approved for te at all, but the trigger is difficult to remove).

Christine M. Shaver, MD · Answer

Yes. Mixoxidil stimulates the growth of new, healthier hair follicles (anagen follicles).  This new anagen hair naturally pushes out the older miniaturized hair. Therefore, when shedding occurs after starting minoxidil, it means the medicine is working. This temporary shedding is generally a good sign and is a reason to continue the medication, rather than stop.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Minoxidil can sometimes cause a small telogen hair loss, this recovers quickly and is never permanent. I recommend getting a formal consultation with a hair loss expert. The best options are PRP and progesterone injections to the scalp and/or hair transplantation.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Benjamin C. Paul, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. The initial shed of minoxidil grows back... for the vast majority. That being said, I have seen cases where the minoxidil shed did not grow back, and sadly, nothing in medicine is ever truly 100%.   In these situations, there are additional treatments (PRP, etc) that can be started to additionally stimulate growth and reduce shedding. I would say based on the numbers, your shed will likely be temporary and your hair  will very likely grow your hair back if you stay on the minoxidil.  Hoping for a full, dense head of hair for you in the coming months. My best,  Dr. P.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Are you a man or a woman?  For men, the most likely diagnosis would be genetic hair loss not CTE, but get a doctor to diagnose you. Minoxidil is the standard treatment for CTE;however, this drug does not stop the cause of the CTER and for that you need to identify a cause if that is what you have.

Will hair shed by minoxidil grow back?

Answers (4)

Answer: CTE and hair loss

Answer: CTE and hair loss

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

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Will hair shed by minoxidil grow back?

Answers (4)

Answer: CTE and hair loss

Answer: CTE and hair loss

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.