What happens after stopping Minoxidil? I have been using it for 2 months now. Will my hair be worse than what I started with?

Question

I have been using minoxidil for 2 months now. I want to stop ,fearing there might be healthy problems in the future. As of now I don't have any problems . Is it okay to stop now . Will my hair be worse than what I started with ?

David Deutsch, MD · Answer

Minoxidil is a relatively safe medication.The main side effect is local irritation to the scalp.The function of Minoxidil is to prevent ongoing hair loss and help maintain what you have.If you stop using it you will continue to the lose hair at the rate determined by your genetics-it will not cause you to lose additional hair.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

If one stops minoxidil after two months, there might be a bit of shedding. Shedding can always speed up underlying genetic hair loss (if present) but after two months this effect should be minimal. If you are not comfortable with a medication it should be stopped. If however, you are not sure of a medication or how it works or what the long term and short term side effects are - this would be a reason to seek the advice of a physician who is knowledgeable and experienced in the area of hair loss.

Jay Goldstein, MD · Answer

Minoxidil works for 45-55% of patients. 2 months is not long enough to know if it is not working. You should stay on it for 4 months or longer to be sure.  If it is not working, then stopping will have no effect. If it was working, you will lose whatever hair it saved. Since folks usually take it for life, it is quite safe. The safest hair loss treatment program is PRP. It has no side effects.

What happens after stopping Minoxidil? I have been using it for 2 months now. Will my hair be worse than what I started with?

Answers (3)

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