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

Question

I have been using minoxodil 5% 1ml both day and night for 4 months and It is causing my hair along my hair line to all snap, break, and feel rough.I started using it to make my hair thicker I have no hair loss etc im worried now that if I stop I will actually loose hair?? What do I do?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

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.

Bernardino Arocha, MD, FISHRS · Answer

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

William Woessner, MD · Answer

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!

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

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.

Michael Meshkin, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

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.

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

Answers (5)

Answer: Minoxidil - FDA approved for FPHL

Answer: Minoxidil - FDA approved for FPHL

Answer: Possible side effects of Minoxidil used for #hairloss

Answer: Possible side effects of Minoxidil used for #hairloss

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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.

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

Answers (5)

Answer: Minoxidil - FDA approved for FPHL

Answer: Minoxidil - FDA approved for FPHL

Answer: Possible side effects of Minoxidil used for #hairloss

Answer: Possible side effects of Minoxidil used for #hairloss

Browse related questions

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.