What should I expect if I taper off/stop Rogaine after two years?

Question

I suffer from chronic TE and have been on Rogaine 2% in the am and 5% in the pm for two years. Since the TE became chronic I am not seeing results from the Rogaine as I did the first year. I would like to taper off to see what happens. What should I expect?

Yael Halaas, MD · Answer

Rogaine is only effective as long as it is used. Unfortunately, any benefit gained from its use will disappear if you discontinue using it. I suggest a consultation with a restoration specialist who can examine you and discuss your possible treatment options.

Sara Wasserbauer, MD · Answer

Typically when people stop their use of Rogaine any of the hair they have gained will fall out over time. They amount of loss will also begin to speed up again.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

CTE is unpredictable. If CTE is your “only” diagnosis, you might get a bit of shedding when you stop because that’s what CTE does. If it truly was helping alot you’ll get alot of shedding.  The key thing to keep in mind is that if you have developed androgenetic alopecia as well (or if it was never properly diagnosed) you’ll likely shed alor of hair when stopping.

Ryan Welter, MD · Answer

Like any treatment or medication, if you stop using it, you lose the benefit.  Because Hair Loss is progressive, you would most likely to return to the rate of loss you were experiencing before you started the Rogaine) unless you've addressed every underlying issue).  If you've achieved the maximum result from Rogaine, you may want to consider adding another treatment to your regimen (e.g. Low-Level Laser therapy, PRP, etc.), but tapering off from something that has proven helpful may not be the way to go.

Karl Hekimian, MD · Answer

If you stop using Rogaine, you will lose whatever positive effects you had from its use.  In time it will be like you had never used it.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

If you eventually stop the minoxidil you have been taking over a few years, you will lose whatever value it gave you during that time. Doing it slowly is no different that stoping it now,

What should I expect if I taper off/stop Rogaine after two years?

Answers (6)

More Rogaine Questions

I started Rogaine for chronic telogen effluvium. It's been 3 months and it seems to only be getting worse. Will Rogaine help?

Can I use women's rogaine after having used men's rogaine without hair loss?

Should I switch back from Rogaine to Keranique?

As a woman can I safely use 5% Rogaine foam twice a day?

Questions regarding Minoxidil: what is the best way to apply?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS