If minoxidil sheds telogen hair and replacement hairs are different texture/color, are the same follicles now minox. dependent?

Question

I'm a 50yr old male, started minoxidil in Nov 2019 as a preventative measure. My hair density before starting was 85-90% versus when I was 25yrs old. Since starting I have lost more density than anytime in my life and only where I've applied it. Overall I'm down 25-30% density since starting 7 months ago. I want to stop as I'm definitely losing more hair with it. I've had some grey straw like hairs grow in place of my old thick shaft hair. Are these same follicles now likely minoxidil dependent?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

i suggest you start topical growth factors, and oral medications like vitamins for now (see link to emeragecosmetics.com where we do free skincare consults daily). start prp.acell in the office and at home LLLT therapy like a laser cap.  minoxidil should be used daily and if you are losing Its likely not that its likely your own hair loss that can be evaluated.
I suggest a formal consultation as there are a combination of treatments that can be done to improve har loss.  Oral finesteride has very little to no side effects in the majority of people; PRP/platelet-rich plasma + stem cells like A Cell help regrow hair and slow down the thinning process; rogaine and restorsea spray should be used daily; oral viviscal helps keep nutrients high in the follices as well.  Transplantation is a last resort but works early in the aging process as well.  A formal consultation and combination treatment is needed.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Maybe and maybe not. If you have telogen effluvium or chronic telogen effluvium that answer is no. Your hair shedding in those cases will continue until you stop. If you have another reason for hair loss like a subclinical scarring alopecia that minoxidil is just making more irritated and worse then hair loss won’t slow until the underlying condition is treated. If you have male balding, then minoxidil dependence is a feature. Every single treatment for male balding is life long so it’s not unique to minoxidil. Be sure to see a dermatologist to review.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

minoxidil induced hair growth always produces minoxidil dependent hairs which means that if you stop taking minoxidil, the hairs will fall out

If minoxidil sheds telogen hair and replacement hairs are different texture/color, are the same follicles now minox. dependent?

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If minoxidil sheds telogen hair and replacement hairs are different texture/color, are the same follicles now minox. dependent?

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

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