Minoxidil: Fact or Fiction?

By the time someone comes to me for help with thinning hair, they’ve usually consulted online with Dr. Google, read an article in a magazine, or talked with a friend about their hair loss problem. Unfortunately, not all of the information they see or hear is true. And, some of the advice they get can lead to even greater hair loss. I want to separate fact from fiction and put to rest some myths so everyone can enjoy a thicker, healthier head of hair!

Let’s talk about Minoxidil, which goes under the brand name Rogaine®. One of the questions I’m most frequently asked is:

If I go off of Minoxidil/Rogaine® will I lose more hair?

The answer is no. I find it somewhat odd that people believe the manufacturer has a secret built-in mechanism that forces you to stay on it, otherwise your hair will fall out even more! That simply isn’t true. There is no secret ingredient to “hook you!” So, how did this rumor begin? Let’s talk little bit about what Minoxidil is and how it works. This should help dispel the myth.

Minoxidil comes in several forms. The most common is a topical foam or liquid that is applied directly to the scalp. Some people are prescribed tablets. It can be used by both men and women. Minoxidil was first used to treat high blood pressure, and some patients noticed an increase in hair growth. While it’s not completely understood how Minoxidil works on hair, it’s a vasodilator, which means it widens blood vessels and improves blood flow. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the cells and stimulates hair growth. Minoxidil is most effective for people under 40 years of age who have recent hair loss. It can take four to six months of use to start seeing results. It has no effect on receding hairlines and it is NOT a cure for baldness.

So let’s say you start using Minoxidil and for whatever reason, six months later you stop. Will your hair fall out and be thinner than before? You may experience some “hair fall,” (aka shedding) in about three to four months and any thickness you gained will most likely go away.

But, your hair should return to what it was like prior to using Minoxidil, unless there are other underlying causes.

Here is where I believe the falsehood lies. Let’s say you started using Minoxidil in your 40’s and you go off of it ten years later when you’re in your 50’s. You’re not going to return to the same hair you had as a 40 year old. You will now have the hair of your 50 year old self. Will it be thinner? Will you have larger bald spot? Quite possibly. You are ten years older!

I repeat, there is no built-in mechanism that punishes you for going off of Minoxidil! It just stops working when you stop using it. And remember: you are older when you go off of it than you were when you went on it.

Minoxidil doesn’t work for everyone. However, when paired with other treatments (depending on the cause of hair loss), it can be part of an effective treatment plan. If you are a man or woman suffering from thinning hair, I recommend seeing a Certified Trichologist to accurately determine what’s causing your hair loss. 

For an in-person or virtual consultation, please fill out the form here or call (773) 576-7500 to schedule a Hair and Scalp Analysis. I’m here you help you have the hair you’ve always desired!