Can Minoxidil increase hair loss?

Can Minoxidil increase hair loss? 

As a clinically proven hair loss treatment, Minoxidil is widely used by men to treat male pattern baldness. In spite of its efficacy, lots of people wonder if Minoxidil can actually increase hair loss. So, in this article, we explain how Minoxidil can lead to initial hair shedding and what you need to bear in mind in the long term when using this medication. 

Hair shedding & Minoxidil use 

When you start using Minoxidil, it is perfectly normal for your hair to shed. Minoxidil affects two of the four phases of hair growth, namely the anagen (growth) and telogen (resting) phases. Minoxidil shortens the resting period of your hair, which may cause hair follicles to fall out more quickly during the first eight weeks of treatment, which occurs in about 10% of people. But at the same time, it extends the growing period, which means that those hair follicles have more time to grow back. 

What’s more, Minoxidil is a vasodilator. Its primary job is to open your blood vessels, which improves blood and oxygen flow to the affected areas of your scalp. As a result, Minoxidil provides your hair follicles with the nutrients they need to grow and thrive during the anagen phase. When used consistently over a period of at least four months, Minoxidil should improve the thickness of your hair follicles. So, while your hair might shed initially, you can be confident that it will regrow in a matter of months. 

Is hair loss a side effect of Minoxidil? 

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that increased hair loss is a side effect of Minoxidil. Typical side effects include burning or redness at application, but in some isolated instances, Minoxidil could lead to dizziness, swelling, irregular heartbeat, or even chest pain. If you experience any of these side effects, you should stop using Minoxidil immediately and seek a consultation with your doctor before proceeding with your hair loss treatment. 

It’s also important to note that Minoxidil doesn’t work 100% of the time. This is true for all medications, as every person is different. If you have been using Minoxidil for more than four months and are yet to see any improvements, it could be that the medication is not working for you. As such, while it might not increase your hair loss, it may not reduce it, either. If Minoxidil isn’t working, you might consider Finasteride, which is a hair loss medication taken in tablet form. Our Duo Plan combines Finasteride and Minoxidil and is effective in nine out of ten men. 

Start your hair loss treatment today 

Noticing your hair thinning is anxiety-inducing for most men. But the good news is that you can do something about it. Minoxidil is one of two clinically-proven hair loss treatments - alongside Finasteride - and is the ideal way to begin your treatment. Alongside our Duo Plan, our Full Works treatment is super popular with men and allows you to take back control of your hair loss. 

Ultimately, while you might notice an increase in hair shedding at the start of your treatment, Minoxidil does not cause your hair to fall out in the long term and is an effective hair loss treatment for men. 

All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.