Extreme shedding in a week after using topical minoxidil 10%, will the hair grow back if I stop?

Shedding after starting topical minoxidil, especially at 10%, can be a normal part of the process, even though it can feel alarming. Minoxidil works by pushing hair follicles into the anagen (growth) phase, which means that hairs in the resting or shedding phase may fall out more quickly to make way for new growth. This shedding phase can happen in the first few weeks of use and might seem intense, but it’s typically temporary.
What’s unusual in your case is the shedding you're seeing in other parts of your body, like your beard, especially since you're not applying minoxidil there. While some people may be more sensitive to minoxidil and experience systemic side effects, it's rare for it to cause widespread shedding on untreated areas. If this continues, it may be worth considering stopping the treatment and speaking with a healthcare professional.