Can Minoxidil worsen hair loss? (Photo)

Question

Some users who stop, even if only using for a short time claim it leaves them thinner than before without any regrowth to their density and/or hairline. Basically, it irreversibly sped up hair loss. The same claims have been made by those who continued usage. Therefore my question is would a percentage of hair loss victims possibly be better off not starting treatments of this product? Side question: Is minoxidil defence a thing? Can you lose health hair from this drug?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, there is initial hair shedding with Minoxidil and you will need to keep using it to maintain your results. I suggest seeing a hair loss expert now to go over your condition and provide you information about your best treatment options. There are great non-invasive options like prp/progesterone which can help with hair regrowth and/or hair transplantation. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Emrah Cinik, MD · Answer

In some cases, if there are dermatitis or dryness on the skin than there is a risk of shedding during minoxidil use.

David Deutsch, MD · Answer

Oftentimes Minoxidil will cause increased shedding in the first few weeks or months after it is started.This is actually a sign that it is working and pushing out some of the "weaker" hairs.Minoxidil,like Finasteride is a maintenance medication-it only achieves its effect while being used.If you stop using it you will gradually lose the hairs that it protected and you would have lost had you not used Minoxidil at all.

Bradford S. Patt, MD · Answer

Treatment with Minoxidil can initially cause some increased shedding of hair follicles but long term has not been shown to cause or "speed up" hair loss. That being said there are other options to increasing hair density and regrowth without the use of Minoxidil.  Would recommend a consultation with a board certified physician experienced in alopecia and treatment.  Good luck and hope you achieve your goal of improved hair growth.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

If you. Have been on minoxidil and stop it, then the hairs that are dependent on the drug will be lost. Those new hairs from the drug are those that are dependent upon it. Th,e drug itself, is not harmful to the hair but there are know side effects of the drug

Can Minoxidil worsen hair loss? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Hair loss from Minoxidil(Rogaine)

Answer: Hair loss from Minoxidil(Rogaine)

Answer: Minoxidil

Answer: Minoxidil

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

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Can Minoxidil worsen hair loss? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Hair loss from Minoxidil(Rogaine)

Answer: Hair loss from Minoxidil(Rogaine)

Answer: Minoxidil

Answer: Minoxidil

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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.