Rogaine - 1 month in. If I were to stop Rogaine altogether, will I get back the hair that originally shedded?

Question

Hello, so I've been using Rogaine 5% for the last 30-35 days and have noticed the shed that was to be expected. I am also taking 1mg Fin-astride as well and have been for years... My concern is I've read a ton of stuff online about shedding and not seeing growth after 4-12 months of use... My question is, if I were to stop Rogaine all together, will i get back the hair that originally shedded? Or do I have to continue using it to get that hair back? Thank you for your time.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Hairs do not usually grow back after stopping a medication (Rogaine) that was intended to grow hair.  Anything is possible.  Internet may be a good resource for general information but it may also be a source of confusion and misinformation.

Ryan Welter, MD · Answer

Some initial shedding can be expected and this should improve as you continue to use the minoxidil.  Generally speaking, minoxidil will only recruit new hair growth while you are using it, so a return to base line is expected if you stop it.  Cellular therapy such as PRP can cause improvements similar to minoxidil or superior and last longer with the added benefit of slowing hair loss.  I usually recommend a combination of all therapies for the best non surgical approach.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

As you've pointed out, shedding is common with minoxidil (Rogaine) in the first 1-2 months. Will you get the hair back if you stop?It's not possible to say definitively yes or no. But those on finasteride are "more likely" to have a short term shed and resumption of density than those not on finasteride. If you have ongoing concerns, be sure to have a hair specialist review all your details.

Rogaine - 1 month in. If I were to stop Rogaine altogether, will I get back the hair that originally shedded?

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Answers (3)

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