This article was reviewed by Knox Beasley, MD.
If you’re experiencing male pattern baldness, you may be one of the millions of people who turn to hair loss medications like minoxidil, which is sold as a generic or under the brand name Rogaine. Unlike many medications, you don’t take minoxidil for a certain amount of time and see results. You need to use the medication continuously in order to reap the benefits.
Maybe you didn’t realize the medication was a long-term commitment, or you’ve decided to embrace the bald look, and now you’re wondering about the side effects of stopping minoxidil. We’re here to answer questions about what happens if you stop using minoxidil so you can make informed decisions about your hair.
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Are There Side Effects After Stopping Minoxidil?
Minoxidil works well to promote hair regrowth for as long as you use it. When your scalp is no longer receiving the medication, the growth you’ve been experiencing will also cease.
No, your hair won’t start falling out the day you stop using topical minoxidil (or oral minoxidil is available off-label in some cases). But over time, the effects will wear off, and you’ll likely return to the hair loss you were experiencing before.
You may also notice an increase in hair shedding, which is slightly different from full-blown hair loss. Minoxidil prolongs the anagen or growth phase of the hair growth cycle and shortens the telogen phase (when hair sheds). When you stop using it and the hair growth cycle goes back to its normal cadence, you may notice an increase in hair shedding.
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Reasons for Stopping Minoxidil
While minoxidil is effective for reversing hair loss related to androgenic alopecia (AGA), it’s not a perfect solution for everyone.
There are plenty of reasons you might decide to stop using minoxidil. For instance:
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You could be experiencing side effects (like itching, redness, or irritation at the application site).
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You might’ve achieved the hair growth results you were seeking and are okay with stopping it.
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It’s not working after four to six months of consistent, prescribed use.
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The twice-daily topical application has become too inconvenient.
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The treatment may no longer fit your budget.
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How to Treat Side Effects After Stopping Minoxidil
You don’t necessarily have to treat side effects of stopping minoxidil (mainly, hair loss) unless you want to. However, if you discontinue minoxidil because you are experiencing side effects or have trouble with the upkeep of a twice-daily topical product, you can consider switching to another hair loss treatment (which we’ll cover in a bit).
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Side Effects of Minoxidil
Like any medication, minoxidil comes with potential side effects, including:
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Scalp itchiness, dryness, or irritation
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Unexplained weight gain
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Trouble breathing
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Chest pain
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Rapid heartbeat
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Swelling of the face, ankles, stomach, or hands
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Feeling lightheaded
You must use minoxidil consistently for at least four months — sometimes up to one year — before seeing noticeable hair growth effects. Having said that, don’t push through if your body is telling you to stop.
The best way to minimize your risk of side effects is to ensure you’re properly using the form of minoxidil you’ve chosen. If you have any of the symptoms above or notice anything that concerns you, always get in touch with your healthcare provider.
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Do You Have to Use Minoxidil Forever?
Minoxidil works as long as you use it, and it works well.
In a 2004 observational study of nearly 1,000 men with AGA, researchers evaluated the efficacy of a twice-daily dose of 5% minoxidil topical solution used consistently for one year. The medication was applied to the area of the scalp where hair loss was prominent.
At the end of the study, minoxidil treatment appeared to be an effective method for reducing hair shedding and promoting hair growth among men with androgenetic alopecia.
Minoxidil acts as a vasodilator, expanding the arteries that supply nutrients and oxygen to your hair follicles.
It’s thought to stimulate hair growth by shortening the telogen (resting) phase of the hair growth cycle — when hair isn’t growing or falling out — and extending the anagen phase when hair follicles push new hairs out. This leads to an increase in hair length and diameter.
Remember, minoxidil doesn’t train your hair to behave like you want it. To put it simply: Your hair won’t continue in this optimized growth cycle after you stop using it.
So, do you have to use minoxidil forever? Of course not. At some point, you may decide to take notes from Michael Jordan or John Travolta and embrace the bald look.
There’s no single right or wrong reason to stop using minoxidil. It comes down to whether you feel it’s been a worthwhile investment (of both time and money), if you’re seeing the results you hoped for, and if you have the willingness to commit to long-term use.
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Alternatives to Minoxidil for Hair Growth
If you decide minoxidil isn’t right for you, there are other hair loss medications you can try.
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Finasteride
The most linear alternative to minoxidil is another proven hair loss drug called finasteride (generic for Propecia). While minoxidil helps promote stronger, thicker hair growth, finasteride works by stopping hair loss first.
Male pattern baldness, which is also called androgenetic alopecia, is caused by a combination of genetics and a male steroid hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a byproduct of testosterone and a key player in the physiological components that make men, well…men.
It also affects hair. DHT binds to receptors on the scalp and prevents new hair growth. This eventually causes bald patches or a receding hairline.
Unlike minoxidil (which has no effect on DHT), finasteride promotes new hair growth by preventing DHT from binding to receptors on your scalp.
Before it was used to treat AGA, finasteride was prescribed to treat benign prostate hyperplasia in the early ‘90s. A few years later, an oral dose of 1 milligram daily was also FDA-approved for treating male pattern hair loss.
In a year-long trial, 1,500 men with male pattern baldness were given 1 milligram per day of oral finasteride or a placebo. After that,1,200 men continued for another year on extended blind trials. The goal was to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment based on hair count assessments.
At the end of the study, the researchers concluded that the men who received finasteride experienced significant improvements in hair count and hair appearance and showed slowed hair loss. Men in the placebo group experienced continued hair loss.
While finasteride is effective, some men have reported effects like loss of drive, decreased volume of discharge, and ED.
Other potential side effects include depression, pain in the privates, itching, swelling of the lips and face, and difficulty breathing or swallowing. If you experience significant or concerning side effects, seek medical attention from a healthcare provider right away.
It takes most men at least three months to see a noticeable effect in their hair growth when taking finasteride. Expect visible improvements within the first year of consistent and prescribed use. Also, note that finasteride is best for treating hair loss on the scalp and not the temples.
If you’re looking for a non-pill option and aren’t totally against using minoxidil, you might consider topical finasteride & minoxidil spray. This two-in-one option can treat existing hair loss and help you regrow new hair.
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Biotin
Biotin (vitamin B7) is a common ingredient in hair care products. Some research suggests that getting enough biotin can help prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. More significant improvements are most likely to occur for people who get enough of the nutrients through food.
This B vitamin is found in foods like eggs, fish, meat, nuts, and sweet potatoes — and biotin gummies are an easy way to add more.
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Hair Care Products
Many everyday hair care products are designed to support hair health, thickness, and volume. For instance, a combo of volumizing shampoo and volumizing conditioner can help bring out your hair’s natural fullness.
Another option is thickening shampoo with saw palmetto, which was formulated with dermatologists who understand men’s hair loss. If you struggle with dandruff, consider a dandruff shampoo. Ours is made with pyrithione zinc and salicylic acid to gently cleanse and fight flakes.
The results and effectiveness of alternative hair growth treatments can vary significantly. The best option for you depends on your goals, budget, and personal preferences.
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The Bottom Line on Stopping Minoxidil
Hair loss is a common issue impacting many guys in their 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond.
While everyone has a different experience with male pattern baldness, a common denominator is that it generally happens earlier than one would like.
So, if you’ve found yourself in this boat or are predicting your future based on your dad’s head of hair, here are some things to keep in mind:
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Watch for signs. The earlier you recognize signs of baldness or a receding hairline, the more equipped you’ll be to help prevent further hair loss.
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Choose an effective treatment. Currently, minoxidil is among the best hair loss treatment methods. If you prefer other hair loss treatments, you might look into finasteride, volumizing hair care products, or biotin supplements.
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Know the side effects. Minoxidil may cause side effects during use and shortly after stopping it, so watch for things like itching or swelling. When you stop using minoxidil, the main side effect is that your hair loss will gradually return.
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Embrace the change. Eventually, you may stop using minoxidil. While long-term use is effective, there may come a time when it makes more sense to go with the natural order of things.
This article originally appeared on Hims.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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