Does minoxidil actually cause more hair loss?

Question

i read this yesterday(been using it for around 10 days) and went NUTS. i know all medicine have side effects. some can even kill you. But this is the first time ever,i hear of a side effect that does the exact OPPOSITE of what it treats. so can minoxidil actually worsen alopecia??

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Some people may find that topical minoxidil will not work for them.  But it does not make your hair loss worse.  There are reports that minoxidil can cause initial shedding before it grows new hair.  If you are concerned it is best to see a doctor for a consultation and treatment options.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, there will be an initial shedding of hair with Minoxidil. You will see results in 3-6 months. I suggest seeing a hair loss expert to evaluate and go over your condition and provide you information about your best treatment options. Usually a combination is best. There are great non-invasive options like PRP/progesterone which works well with Minoxidil and/or hair transplantation. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

David Deutsch, MD · Answer

Minoxidil  is used to stop hair loss and maintain your existing hair.What you read probably refers to some loss(shedding) that occur when you first start the Minoxidil.This is actually a sign that it is working.This may last for the first month or two after starting treatment and than should resolve.However,you must continue the Minoxidil daily for it to be effective.

Parsa Mohebi, MD, FISHRS · Answer

Minoxidil
is FDA approved to treat hair loss.  
However, its result may vary from person to person.  What we know is that most people can see
improvement by using it.  The hair you
are losing may just be natural shedding followed by your hair entering a new
growth phase.

Sahar Nadimi, MD · Answer

Some patients may shed hair when they first start Rogaine, but this is temporary. Hair growth is a cyclical process with growth, rest, shedding phases. Rogaine may cause some of the hairs to switch to the shedding phase to allow for a new growth phase, which is a good thing. I would continue Rogaine for at least 6 months. If you have further questions, I recommend consultation with a hair restoration surgeon.

Jayanthy Ravindran, MS, DNB, MRCS · Answer

Minoxidil itself does not cause Allopecia. Minoxidil and Fenesteride are US FDA approved medication for Hair restoration. However you must know that once you start using minoxidil it induces hair restoration by pushing hair from Telogen ( resting) phase to Anogen ( growth) phase. During this process you could encounter aggravated hair loss. If you continue to use the shed shafts would regrow eventually. It is essential that you continue minoxidil for at least couple of years.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

IN THE LONG TERM, MINOXIDIL WILL NOT CAUSE HAIR LOSS ALTHOUGH A FEW PEOPLE GET AN INITIAL SHED OF HAIR WHEN THEY START USING IT

Does minoxidil actually cause more hair loss?

Answers (7)

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