What Happens If You Stop Using Minoxidil

So, you’ve been faithfully rubbing Minoxidil into your scalp like a love potion for your hair, and now you’re wondering what happens if you ghost it. Will your hair fall out overnight? Will your scalp file a complaint? Relax. You’re not alone in asking this. 

Minoxidil doesn’t cure hair loss; it just keeps it at bay. Once you stop, your hair may slowly return to its original state. But don’t worry, it doesn’t happen overnight. Let’s break down what really happens when you hit pause.

What Is Minoxidil and How Does It Work?

Minoxidil is an FDA-approved drug that was initially formulated in the 1970s to treat high blood pressure. In the process, it was found to have a side effect of stimulating hair growth. This resulted in its use as a hair loss treatment.

The mechanism of action of Minoxidil is not well understood; however, it promotes hair growth by dilating blood vessels in the scalp. 

This vasodilation boosts blood circulation, bringing additional oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles, which keeps the hair in a growth (anagen) phase longer.

Minoxidil comes in both topical and oral forms, and tends to yield visible effects in 3 to 6 months at 5% topical solution strength. But when it is discontinued, the blood vessels close up again, limiting nutrient supply to the follicles and potentially reversing the gains.

Why Do People Stop Using Minoxidil? 

Minoxidil is a well-known and effective treatment for hair loss, but many people may consider stopping it for different reasons.

• Lack of Desired Hair Growth Results
• Side Effects and Discomfort
• Cost of Continuous Use
• Concerns About Medication Interactions
• Achievement of Hair Goals

What Happens When You Stop Using Minoxidil?

These are changes you may experience when you discontinue using Minoxidil:

Increased Shedding: Shedding of the hair follicles may be experienced after discontinuation, since the hair follicles that were stimulated by the medication lose their effect. Minoxidil extends the anagen (growth) period; discontinuation means hairs go into the telogen (shedding) phase, and fall out. This occurs typically between 2 – 8weeks of stopping.

Regrowth Reversal: The hair gained when using Minoxidil tends to thin out and shed in the days to months that follow.

Return to Baseline: After roughly 3 – 6 months, hair usually returns to its previous state and may even deteriorate further.

Timeline: What Happens After You Stop Using Minoxidil?

Here’s a general timeline to help you anticipate the changes:

Time After Stopping	What to Expect
1 – 2 weeks	No significant changes yet. You may also notice some dryness on the scalp.
3 – 4 weeks	Onset of gentle shedding of hair.
1- 2 months	There is noticeable shedding, and hair that was previously gained when using minoxidil may begin to fall out.
3 – 6 months	Regrowth is reversed. The baldness or thinning spots are more noticeable. Hair regains its pre-treatment state.

Does Everyone Experience Hair Loss After Stopping Minoxidil?

Not always. Some people will experience noticeable shedding after stopping Minoxidil, but others may not. It all depends on a few factors:

• Genetics: If hair loss runs in your family, you’re more likely to shed once you stop.
• Type of hair loss: If you used Minoxidil for temporary issues like postpartum or stress-related shedding, the regrowth might stay even after stopping.
• Age and duration of use: Older people and those who’ve been on it longer often notice more shedding when they quit.
• Hair health: If you had naturally thick hair to begin with, any loss might not be pronounced.

So, while not everyone loses hair after stopping, many people do.

Can You Prevent Hair Loss After Stopping Minoxidil?

It’s possible,  but there is no guaranteed way to do that.

When you stop using Minoxidil, your hair may slowly return to its pre-treatment state. This doesn’t happen to everyone, and some people can maintain results for a while, especially if their hair loss was temporary. But for those with ongoing conditions like male or female pattern baldness, shedding is likely without continued treatment.

Is there a safer way to stop?

Some people usually try to gradually taper off Minoxidil instead of stopping suddenly. While there’s no solid scientific proof that this helps to prevent hair loss, some people say it helps reduce shedding.

What are the alternatives?

If you’re planning to stop Minoxidil, you might consider switching or combining it with other hair treatments like:

• Finasteride: A prescription pill that helps reduce hormone-related hair loss in men.
• PRP therapy (Platelet-Rich Plasma): A treatment that uses your own blood to stimulate hair growth.
• Microneedling: Tiny needles boost scalp circulation and may help hair regrow.
• Low-level laser therapy: Devices that use light to stimulate follicles.
• Supplements and good hair habits: Biotin, iron, zinc, a balanced diet, and gentle hair care can support overall hair health.

If you’re thinking about stopping Minoxidil, talk to a dermatologist. You can book a consultation with us at The Treatment Rooms London. With the right plan and possible alternatives, you can keep more of your hair.

Should You Ever Stop Using Minoxidil?

Yes, stopping Minoxidil may be the right decision. While Minoxidil is generally safe, there are certain situations where stopping is medically recommended, such as:

Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Minoxidil isn’t considered safe during pregnancy or while nursing. 

Allergic reactions or side effects: If you develop scalp irritation, chest pain, dizziness, or swelling, your doctor may recommend discontinuing it.

No visible improvement after consistent use: If you’ve used Minoxidil as directed for over 6–12 months with little to no improvement, a specialist might suggest stopping and exploring other options.

Beyond Minoxidil: Hair Transplant Transformations from Our Clinic

Seek specialist advice at The Treatment Rooms London

Stopping taking Minoxidil is a big decision that requires careful thought and planning. As such, understanding the potential effects, changes in hair growth, and associated risks of stopping it is imperative, especially when trying to manage expectations. 

Here at The Treatment Rooms London, our team is composed of highly experienced healthcare professionals who are always on hand to offer specialist advice. 

We understand that each individual’s hair loss journey is incredibly unique, so we will work with you to find the best solution for your needs, taking into account factors like cost, your medical history and the long-term results you are hoping to achieve. 

To get started, book a consultation with us and we’d be more than happy to help.   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens to my hair if I stop using Minoxidil?

When you stop Minoxidil, any hair growth you gained typically starts to reverse. Your hair may return to its original pattern or be thinner than before.

2. How soon after stopping Minoxidil does hair loss resume?

Hair shedding generally starts 2 to 8 weeks after stopping. The full return to pre-treatment hair loss can take around 3 to 6 months.

3. Will all the hair I gained with Minoxidil fall out?

Yes, most of the hair regrowth gained through Minoxidil is dependent on continued use. Without it, the new hairs often thin and shed.

4. Are there any side effects from stopping Minoxidil?

No, there aren’t. While side effects like scalp irritation usually improve quickly after stopping.

5. Can I stop Minoxidil suddenly, or should I taper off?

It is better to taper it off gradually, reducing usage over several weeks or months, which can help minimise sudden hair shedding. Abruptly stopping tends to cause more intense shedding.

6. Is hair loss after stopping Minoxidil permanent?

Yes, your hair will likely return to its pre-treatment state.

7. What alternatives are there if I stop using Minoxidil?

Other treatments include finasteride, laser therapy, or hair transplant.

8. Should I talk to a doctor before stopping Minoxidil?

Yes, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider or hair specialist before stopping. They can guide you on the best approach and alternative options to prevent unexpected shedding or loss.

References

1. do Nascimento IJB, Harries M, Rocha VB, Thompson JY, Wong CH, Varkaneh HK, Guimarães NS, Rocha Arantes AJ, Marcolino MS. Effect of Oral Minoxidil for Alopecia: Systematic Review. Int J Trichology. 2020 Jul-Aug;12(4):147-155. doi: 10.4103/ijt.ijt_19_20. Epub 2020 Sep 19. PMID: 33376283; PMCID: PMC7759057.
2. Shadi Z. Compliance to Topical Minoxidil and Reasons for Discontinuation among Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2023 May;13(5):1157-1169. doi: 10.1007/s13555-023-00919-x. Epub 2023 Apr 3. PMID: 37012528; PMCID: PMC10149432. Available at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10149432/ 
3. Suchonwanit P, Thammarucha S, Leerunyakul K. Minoxidil and its use in hair disorders: a review. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2019 Aug 9;13:2777-2786. doi: 10.2147/DDDT.S214907. Erratum in: Drug Des Devel Ther. 2020 Feb 10;14:575. doi: 10.2147/DDDT.S247601. PMID: 31496654; PMCID: PMC6691938. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6691938/