“I’ve Been Using Minoxidil for 3 Months and My Hair Looks Worse — Should I Stop?”

Reader question:
I've been using 5% minoxidil for just over three months and, if anything, my hair looks thinner than when I started. I'm also noticing more hairs coming out when I wash it. Does this mean minoxidil isn't working for me? Should I stop using it?

Hair Loss Review Centre answers:

Three months can feel like a long time when you're checking your hair every day, but it's still relatively early in a minoxidil treatment.

One of the frustrating things about minoxidil is that some users experience increased shedding during the early stages of treatment. This can make the hair appear thinner and understandably lead people to assume the treatment is making their hair loss worse.

This initial shedding can occur as hairs already approaching the end of their growth cycle are shed and new growth cycles begin. It doesn't happen to everybody, but when it does, it can be alarming.

So, should you stop?

Not necessarily.

For pattern hair loss, minoxidil generally needs several months of consistent use before its effectiveness can be properly assessed. Three months is often too soon to decide whether you're going to respond well.

It's also worth remembering that hair grows slowly. Even if follicles are responding positively, it takes time before new hairs become long and thick enough to make a noticeable cosmetic difference.

Taking photographs every four weeks under the same lighting, angle and hairstyle is usually much more useful than checking your hair in the mirror every day.

What if the shedding continues?

Persistent or particularly heavy shedding shouldn't automatically be blamed on minoxidil.

Hair shedding can have many causes, including stress, illness, rapid weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, thyroid problems and telogen effluvium. It's also possible to have more than one type of hair loss occurring at the same time.

If your shedding is severe, continues to worsen, appears in patches, or you're experiencing scalp irritation, redness, pain or other symptoms, speak to your GP, dermatologist or another suitably qualified healthcare professional.

Conclusion

At three months, worsening appearance doesn't necessarily mean minoxidil has failed. Early shedding can occur, and meaningful results often take longer to become visible.

Unless you're experiencing troublesome side effects or have been advised to stop by a healthcare professional, three months is generally too early to judge the final outcome.

Hair loss treatments are rarely quick fixes. With minoxidil in particular, consistency and patience are a major part of the process.

This article is for general information only and should not replace individual medical advice. Always follow the instructions supplied with your minoxidil product and seek professional advice if you're concerned about excessive shedding or side effects.