Can I quit using 5% Minoxidil Foam after 3 days safely? Or will I still shed?

Question

I started using Minoxidil Foam 3 days ago and have changed my mind about using it. I am worried I may have activated the process already. Do you think I will still shed or is 3 days not enough time to start doing anything?

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Yes, you can stop Minoxidil after 3 days. It is unlikely to increase hair shedding. I recommend getting a consultation with a cosmetic dermatologist with experience in hair restoration and maintenance. There are some great options for hair restoration and maintenance like prp injections which can stimulate hair growth. Hope this helps.

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

You can start and stop Minoxidil at any time. It will not cause the hair to fall out. The main side effect is dryness that patients will complain about, while using the product.

Sara Salas, MD · Answer

No it will not begin shedding at all in my opinion. This product as well as finasteride takes time to get to a steady therapeutic level.

John Kahen, MD · Answer

You are able to stop the Minoxodil at day 3. If you were using it for 6 months that is a different story. However, 3 days is fine to stop the use of Minoxodil I just wouldn't keep using it and then stop.

Arbella Sarkis, MD · Answer

It takes a couple week for follicles to become dependent. Therefore you should experience very little if any problem.  
Warmly,
Arbella Sarkis, MD

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

You can stop. You’ll have very little shedding but it could be a bit higher than your normal for a few weeks. Most likely you’ll not even notice - especially if you shampoo your hair daily.

Sara Wasserbauer, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Minoxidil will be fine - you should use it!  Just doing surgery will probably activate a shedding cycle anyway ("shock loss") so using the minoxidil won't change anything.  Minoxidil post-op helps regrowth, so go ahead and restart because it will help if you had any native hair remaining there, too.Good Luck!

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

You can stop the minoxidil after three days without worry about hair shedding. It takes a lot more time to build dependency

Can I quit using 5% Minoxidil Foam after 3 days safely? Or will I still shed?

Answers (8)

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