Why is minoxodil 5% causing my hair to snap and break??? (photos)

This is not from the minoxidil there are other reasons and you should have your hair revaluated to determine what is the cause.  Best, Dr. Emer.

bettycles,Thank you for the question. Hair styling itself can cause weathering and hair shaft damage. Individuals may blow dry the hair, tease the hair to increase fullness, and repeated hair combing if excessive can dry the hair and create split ends and other hair shaft abnormalities. These changes themselves increase the hair breakage. So we would need to know your hair styling history, as well as the products that you use. Additionally, a thorough history including dietary information is useful. Of course, the alcohol and propylene glycol present in the foam and regular minoxidil can have a drying effect on the hair shaft that increases the fragility. All the best.Bernardino A. Arocha, MD

Hello bettyles,In my opinion, it's probably something else instead of the Minoxidil. It could be a shampoo with sulfates in it, or a hot comb, etc, that could be causing your problems. You may opt to stop the minoxidil for a month to see if the minoxidil was the culprit. I personally doubt it though. You can also try the liquid vs the foam or vice versa to see if there are changes.It's ok to stop minoxidil for a few weeks without losing hair as long as you restart minoxidil in the 4th or close soon after the 4th week. Please keep us posted on your finding!

Minoxidil is FDA approved for those with genetic hair loss. Individuals who wish to use for other reasons should do so only in consultation with an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of hair loss.Minoxidil liquid generally has propylene glycol, alcohol (ethanol) and water. The exact amounts differ from company to company and pharmacy to pharmacy. It may contain up to 60 % ethanol which is drying. Such drying may contribute to hair breakage.Propylene glycol can cause itching which too can lead to hair breakage.Your situation is best handled in consultation with a dermatologist specializing in hair loss issues.

There are two products in the market that are FDA approved.  These work to help with slowing down hair loss. these products have many side effects and should be used under physician supervision.  If you are experiencing increased shedding or any of the side effects,myou need to stop using the products and follow up with your physician.