Minoxidil Shedding: What To Expect | Hair Loss Treatment

We understand that hair shedding is just about the last thing you want when you begin a hair loss treatment, and it may happen when you first start minoxidil.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when they begin using a hair loss product is not giving the product enough time to actually start helping.

In this article, we’ll break down why Minoxidil shedding is happening, what to expect, and when this normal shedding process will stop.

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Why can shedding happen when using Minoxidil?

There is a pretty simple explanation for this common Minoxidil effect.

When you begin using Minoxidil, your hair follicles are “forced” from their slumber and very quickly nudged into the growing phase of the hair cycle.

This nudge can cause a sudden rush of blood flow and oxygen to your hair follicles (stimulating growth) which may cause any non-growing hairs to shed as your follicle begins to transition to the new growth phase.

Hair that is already preparing for the shedding phase, might be pushed into shedding a bit early; which may appear as excess shedding.

It’s important to understand that shedding is a perfectly normal part of the hair growth process, however, when using hair loss treatments like Minoxidil, the hair growth process gets a jump start.

Hair grows in a cyclical pattern: growth, transition, rest, shedding, and back to growth.

Minoxidil gives this cycle a boost and puts your hair follicles on the fast track to the growth phase; which may result in some initial hair shedding.

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‍Read Related: Understanding the 4 stages of hair growth

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How long will this Minoxidil shedding phase last?

The good news here is that Minoxidil shedding typically occurs during the beginning of treatment.

Research shows shedding can begin 2 to 8 weeks after beginning Minoxidil use.

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Why some hairs may shed early

Because Minoxidil can kick start the hair from the resting phase to the growth phase, the hair that sheds, as a result, were destined to be shed as a normal part of the hair growth process.

However, because this treatment is a fast track, it can also fast track the shedding phase as well.

Basically, it's not shedding hairs that were planning on growing for the next few years, it's clearing the ones that were planning their exit and had already started the shedding process by venturing into the "resting phase".

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Also Read: What Is the Minoxidil Mechanism of Action for Hair Growth?

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How long until Minoxidil begins to help reduce shedding?

Minoxidil immediately starts to positively impact your hair growth. However, you may not see noticeable changes in your hair for 2-4 months.

Often, the hair loss you experienced before trying Minoxidil took time to peak; the same will be true for regrowth.

Regrowth takes time and often requires the patience of those who use hair loss products like Minoxidil.

Don’t stop using Minoxidil because of initial shedding without talking to your prescriber first.

If you are experiencing Minoxidil shedding, continue to use your product as directed and contact your prescriber with any concerns.

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Minoxidil Shedding: Key Takeaways

• Minoxidil shedding may happen when you first start this common hair loss treatment.
• This shedding typically occurs during the initial period of beginning treatment: Starting at 2-4 weeks.

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Also Read: Finasteride and Minoxidil: Should You Use Both Together for Hair Loss?

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Strut Health Hair Loss Prescriptions Online

Here at Strut, we are passionate about helping those who are experiencing hair loss gain their confidence back with prescription-only oral and topical hair loss products, including compounded combinations of active ingredients like Finasteride, Dutasteride, and Minoxidil.*

We even offer a gentle, unisex, non-DHT modulating, hair booster formulation with topical caffeine and melatonin (very cool, we know).

If you are ready to get started on a hair loss formulation, simply choose your product and complete a free questionnaire-based telemedicine hair loss consultation with our medical team. If you are a good candidate for treatment, your medication will be made at a U.S. compounding pharmacy and shipped to your front door with our free shipping.

*Compounded drug products are not approved or evaluated for safety, effectiveness, or quality by the FDA. Rx required.