Can short-term use of Rogaine have long-term effect on hair?

Question

I am a 33 F. Noticed slight hair loss at hairline and diffuse thinning a few months after a traumatic incident. Dermatologist determined potentially mild FPB and telogen effluvium. Tried Rogaine for about 18 days, then stopped because of side effects (blurry vision, dark circles). After any initial shed--can short-term Rogaine use negatively affect the long-term growth of your hair indefinitely? Or how long can it take to return to base-line? I am almost a year out from using it. Thanks.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

No, you need to continue using Rogaine to keep your results. I suggest seeing a hair loss expert now to go over your condition and provide you information about your best treatment options. There are great non-invasive options like prp/progesterone which can help with hair regrowth and/or hair transplantation. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

The  effects of using Rogaine for a short-term can last six to nine months. Rogaine will take hair in the telogen ( resting phase )and put it into the anagen phase (growth). The negative effects that you are referring to are actually a sign that the Rogaine is active. Find a hair loss expert. They will work with you on treatment.PRP hair MD.com

Scott Reis, MD · Answer

This is a great question. Once the side effects you are experiencing resolve with cessation of rogaine - usually by several weeks - you may also notice an increase in hair shedding as the hairs begin to cycle simultaneously into the telogen (shedding) phase of the hair cycle. Fortunately, there are no known long term adverse effects of Rogaine after stopping use on hair growth or otherwise.

Robert Jones, MD, FISHRS · Answer

Minoxidil should only be effective while you are using it and for a few months after. Initially, after you start applying minoxidil, you may get some shedding. This is caused by the medication causing the hair to cycle. There should be no long term effects of this medication,Dr. Robert Jones

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Side effects from minoxidil usually are gone in a few weeks, but there could be real damage from any drug when side effects continue beyond a year, I would dobuit that but speak with your doctor about it

Can short-term use of Rogaine have long-term effect on hair?

Answers (5)

Answer: Long term effects of Rogaine (Minoxidil)

Answer: Long term effects of Rogaine (Minoxidil)

Answer: Side effects of monoxidil

Answer: Side effects of monoxidil

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Everything you need to know about Rogaine

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Can short-term use of Rogaine have long-term effect on hair?

Answers (5)

Answer: Long term effects of Rogaine (Minoxidil)

Answer: Long term effects of Rogaine (Minoxidil)

Answer: Side effects of monoxidil

Answer: Side effects of monoxidil

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rogaine

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.