Is Minoxidil for Short-term or Long-term Use?

Minoxidil is for long-term use, and will only be effective for as long as you’re using it. Though many people find their results with Minoxidil to be disappointing (it is most effective when application begins at the early onset of hair loss and does not work on the hairline, only the vertex), physicians recommend a person use it for at least one year before deciding whether or not it is the right treatment.

Years ago there was nothing anyone could do to stop hair loss.  Today we have modalities like Rogaine (minoxidil), Propecia and Luce when one is trying to preserve hair.

So the good news is you can slow it down or stop it. However some patients feel "let down" when they realize this is something they have to do for the rest of there lives.  For If you use it now and stop it, say 5 years from now, any hair that was destined to fall out will do so at that point. 

In summary, it needs to be used long term 2 times per day or you are wasting you time and investment.

Hello,Minoxidil is effective in protecting the non-transplanted hairs by keeping them in anagen phase for longer.  Patients often times need a blueprint for maintaining native hairs so that future procedures are not necessary.  Transplanted hairs have been reported to grow faster with minoxidil. Evidence has been reported by several studies with limited numbers including at a Consensus Report at the 9th Annual Meeting in 2002.  The main downside of minoxidil is irritation which is often mitigated by the use of foam.
Best,
Dr. Anil Shah

Minoxidil only works when it is on use. Usually it's been used for long term treatments. İt will start showing results after 3-4 weeks, however when you stop using it the effects will go away as well.

Minoxidil will not cure hair loss.  It only works as long as you keep using it.  It is not a temporary use medication.

Minoxidil is a very effective treatment for hair loss, but it has to be used indefinitely. Once you stop using it, the hair loss returns.

Minoxidil is a very useful treatment for hair loss, but is something that works only while being used. Most patients will see regression of their improvements if they stop using minoxidil. Many patients will use minoxidil for decades as long as they are able to tolerate it. I recommend that most patients at least try it for 6-9 months, regardless of any other treatment options they pursue in the mean time. Minoxidil can still be used with hair transplant patients, PRP injections, and other therapies.
All the best,

The improvement that you may get with Minoxidil is only temporary and its effects will reverse when the treatment has stopped.  I do put patients on it before transplant because it seems to protect any native hair that the patient has while the transplant is put in.  It has few side effects and generally thought to be helpful.  The down side-- you have to remember to use it.  Some patients are complient with the regimine and some are not.  Good Luck!

When used topically to promote hair growth, it can be likely used indefinitely in the doses prescribed. In fact, if it is stopped, the hair growth will likely cease.

Minoxidil is mainly a long term medication.  It works as long as one uses it.  It helps to prevent future hair loss as well as occasionally help to thicken already fine and thinning hairs.
Minoxidil can also be used temporarily after a hair transplant to help speed up the regrowth of the new follicles.