Minoxidil is a common treatment for hair loss, particularly for conditions such as androgenetic alopecia. Many individuals who begin using this medication often experience initial hair shedding, which can be unsettling. This leads to questions about whether shedding is an expected part of treatment and what it signifies for hair regrowth. This article explores minoxidil shedding, its biological reasons, and its relation to the hair growth process.
Confirming the Minoxidil Shedding Phase
Minoxidil frequently causes a temporary increase in hair shedding, often referred to as “minoxidil shedding” or the “dread shed.” This temporary increase in daily hair loss, which tends to be diffuse rather than patchy, is a normal and expected part of beginning minoxidil treatment. While counterintuitive for a hair regrowth treatment, this shedding is considered a sign that the medication is beginning to work. It is not actual hair loss, but rather the expulsion of older, weaker hairs to make way for new, stronger growth.
The Hair Growth Cycle and Minoxidil’s Action
Hair growth occurs in a continuous cycle involving four main phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transitional), telogen (resting), and exogen (shedding). The anagen phase is the longest, during which hair actively grows, lasting several years. The catagen phase is a brief transitional period where hair growth stops and the follicle shrinks. The telogen phase is a resting period, lasting a few months, where the hair remains in the follicle but does not grow. The exogen phase is when old hair is shed to allow new hair to begin its growth cycle.
Minoxidil influences the hair growth cycle by primarily affecting the telogen and anagen phases. It shortens the telogen (resting) phase, prematurely pushing hairs into the exogen (shedding) phase. This causes dormant hairs or hairs in an early resting stage to shed more quickly, while simultaneously extending the anagen (growth) phase, allowing new hairs to grow for a longer period and become thicker. The medication also acts as a vasodilator, widening blood vessels in the scalp. This may increase the supply of oxygen, blood, and nutrients to the hair follicles, supporting accelerated growth and transition.
Duration and Management of Initial Shedding
Initial minoxidil shedding typically begins within 2 to 8 weeks of treatment. This increased shedding is usually temporary, subsiding within 2 to 4 months, though for some, it might last up to 4 to 6 months. The amount of shedding varies from person to person, with some experiencing minimal changes and others a more significant increase in hair loss.
During this period, continue minoxidil use consistently. Stopping the treatment will halt potential benefits and prevent new hair growth from emerging. Patience is important, as the shedding indicates the drug is working to reset the hair growth cycle. Individuals may find it helpful to monitor progress by taking photos to track hair density over time. If the shedding seems excessive, persists significantly longer than 4 to 6 months, or if new symptoms develop, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable to rule out other potential causes of hair loss.