If you use Minoxidil on a regular basis to manage your hair loss or you’re thinking about starting, you’ve probably asked yourself ‘Will all my hair fall out if I stop using Minoxidil?’ and ‘Do I need to use Minoxidil forever?’.
Minoxidil is a clinically proven treatment for hair loss that many men turn to in reversing thinning crowns and receding hair lines, and most men see good results. But if you’re wondering what will happen to your gains if you stop using this treatment, let us clear up any questions you might have.
How does Minoxidil work?
Minoxidil is a vasodilator, which means it widens the blood vessels to send a healthy flow of blood packed with oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. This provides the ideal environment for growth, so the hair follicle can reach its full growth potential. Minoxidil is also believed to keep the hair follicle in the growth (anagen) phase for longer whilst shortening the resting (telogen) phase, which can result in longer, thicker hair over time.
After using your Minoxidil 5% spray twice a day, every day for about 6 months, you’ll likely notice less hair loss and even some regrowth. This is what will happen in 84% of men who use this treatment by itself. So…
Why are you thinking about stopping?
- I’m experiencing side effects
- It’s not working
- It’s too expensive
- Difficulty sticking to the routine
- I’ve achieved the results I wanted
There’s no need to throw the towel in completely and grab your electric razor if Minoxidil Spray isn’t working for you. There are alternatives to Minoxidil Spray if you’re thinking about stopping for any of the above reasons:
Oral Minoxidil
If applying the spray twice a day is a hassle, or you’re experiencing unwanted side effects like itchiness or irritation, you could have a look into Oral Minoxidil instead. Just one daily capsule, a lot of men find this the more convenient option, and find it is easier to keep up with.
Finasteride
If you find Minoxidil Spray isn’t bringing the results you were expecting, consider teaming it up with Finasteride. Finasteride is effective in 90% of men at stopping hair loss. When used alongside Minoxidil, it is effective in 94% of men. It’s hard to argue with statistics like that.
Combination Spray
Containing both Finasteride and Minoxidil, the Combination Spray is a great alternative for those who have experienced a side effect or worried about side effects with oral Finasteride. Thanks to an ingredient called Tretinoin, which studies show help maximise the absorption of Minoxidil, you only need to apply it once a day.
What happens to the hair I’ve regained after stopping?
Minoxidil works wonders for hair loss- but only while you’re using it. If you stop using it, the hair loss will resume. So, if you’ve been using Minoxidil for a while and you’ve seen good progress, it’s best to keep using Minoxidil to maintain these results. Stopping might feel tempting once you’re happy with your results, but keep in mind Minoxidil is a treatment, not a cure. Without it, you’ll eventually lose the progress you’ve made and return to where you started.
One study found that four in ten men lost more hair after discontinuing than they started with. This might sound alarming, but keep in mind hair loss is progressive. This means that without treatment, you will return to the point you started at, and over time hair loss will continue to progress beyond this point. Basically, the study might make you think discontinuing Minoxidil will cause your hair loss to get worse or the rate to accelerate, but this isn’t the case. There is no evidence to suggest Minoxidil can worsen or accelerate the rate of hair loss.
What about restarting after stopping?
If Minoxidil worked the first time around for you, there’s a good chance it will work again. Minoxidil is safe and effective for long term use, so it will keep on working for as long as you’re ready to commit.
Just remember: consistency is key when it comes to managing hair loss.
By Erin Flanagan Heviken - Sons aftercare team
All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.
