So, you've been using minoxidil religiously and have seen your hairline improve, and bald spots have started to fill in. But now you're wondering - will this last? What happens if you stop using minoxidil?
In this article, we'll break down exactly how minoxidil regrows hair, when you can expect to see results, whether the new growth is permanent, the safety of long-term minoxidil use, and what happens when you discontinue it.
How Does Minoxidil Work?
Originally developed as a med for high blood pressure, doctors and patients soon noticed an interesting side effect of minoxidil: hair growth. 1 This accidental discovery led scientists to investigate how minoxidil could stimulate hair follicles. They found that minoxidil works in four ways:
- Reverses follicle miniaturization
- Stimulates follicles to shift into the active growth phase earlier
- Increases the time hair follicles spend in the growth phase
- Boosts blood flow around the follicles 2
This breakthrough led to the development of topical minoxidil as a hair loss treatment. Today, minoxidil is FDA-approved in both oral tablet form for hypertension and topical formulations for hair loss. In cases where the topical solution is not suitable, oral minoxidil may be prescribed off-label in low doses for hair loss. 3
Now, minoxidil isn't a permanent fix for hair loss. It's designed as an ongoing treatment to spur growth during use. Once discontinued, the new regrowth will fall out as follicles revert to their regular cycles. However, consistent use means consistent hair-boosting effects. 1
When Will I See Results?
While regrowing hair with minoxidil is not an overnight process, diligent use can lead to noticeable results over time. On average, most people start to see initial results within 2 months of continuous use, though the full effects typically take 4 months to become apparent. For the best assessment of minoxidil’s effectiveness for your hair loss, using the treatment consistently for 6 to 12 months is recommended. 4
It’s important to remember that some increased hair shedding is normal when you first start using minoxidil. Don’t be alarmed if you experience more hair fallout during the initial weeks of treatment. This is a temporary phase as weaker hairs are shed to make way for new, stronger hair growth. 5
What Happens if You Stop Using Minoxidil?
While minoxidil can help stimulate hair growth, it doesn't treat the root cause of hair loss. So, what happens if you stop using minoxidil after it has worked to improve your hair?
In short, your hair growth cycle will return to its normal pattern. Minoxidil works by prolonging the active growing phase of hair follicles (known as anagen) while shortening the resting phase (called telogen), where shedding occurs. When you stop using minoxidil, these phases will go back to their usual lengths of time. This means more of your hair will transition into the shedding phase again. 1
However, the effects of stopping minoxidil won't be noticeable right away. It typically takes between 3 to 6 months of being off the treatment before the increased shedding kicks in. 1
Is It Safe to Use Minoxidil Long-Term?
Studies have shown that long-term use of minoxidil is both safe and effective for maintaining hair growth over the years.
In one 30-month study following 59 men, minoxidil led to peak hair regrowth at 12 months, though some continued to gain hair beyond that point. While a few men experienced a small decrease in new hair growth over time, all men maintained significantly more hair than before starting treatment. Impressively, 70% of men had at least 50% more hair than when they began minoxidil. No major side effects were reported over the 30 months. 6
The takeaway is that minoxidil is a safe and effective long-term treatment. Patients can expect it to keep stimulating new growth over months and years, not just short-term. The men in this 30-month study saw no adverse effects from applying minoxidil continually over that timeframe.
Conclusion
While minoxidil is not a permanent cure for hair loss, this med can be an effective treatment as long as you continue using it. The regrowth effects of minoxidil do, unfortunately, go away within a few months after stopping treatment. However, research has shown that minoxidil is safe for long-term use, with no systemic side effects observed in studies. Additionally, minoxidil remains effective even when used continuously over the long term.
So, even though daily application is required to maintain results, minoxidil offers an effective way to regrow hair that is safe for long-term use. If you are looking for a non-surgical hair loss treatment, minoxidil is an accessible option.
The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical conditions, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
