Does hair shed when using minoxidil? What to know about the 'dread shed'

October 7, 2025 •

5 min read

For many individuals starting this hair regrowth treatment, a temporary increase in hair fall is a common and expected occurrence. Often called the 'dread shed,' this phenomenon is not a sign of worsening hair loss but an indication that minoxidil is actively working to reset your hair’s growth cycle.

Quick Summary

Initial hair shedding is a temporary side effect of minoxidil, caused by the medication synchronizing the hair growth cycle. This phase typically starts within the first weeks of treatment and precedes the growth of thicker, healthier hair.

Key Points

Shedding is Normal: Initial, temporary hair shedding is a common and expected side effect when starting minoxidil treatment.
It's a Positive Sign: The 'dread shed' indicates the medication is working by stimulating hair follicles to restart the growth cycle.
Temporary Phase: Shedding typically begins within the first few weeks and subsides after a few months, with regrowth starting afterward.
Mechanism of Action: Minoxidil pushes old, resting hairs out to make way for new, stronger growth in the active anagen phase.
Consistency is Crucial: Stopping treatment due to shedding can interrupt the process and lead to renewed hair loss.
Thicker Growth Follows: The hair that regrows after the shedding phase is often thicker and healthier than the hair that was shed.

What is Minoxidil Shedding?

Minoxidil shedding, colloquially known as the "dread shed," is a temporary increase in hair loss that some people experience in the early stages of minoxidil treatment. While it may seem alarming to see more hair falling out when starting a treatment meant to prevent hair loss, this is a normal response that signifies the medication is working. The shedding happens as the drug forces dormant hair follicles to enter a new, more active growth phase, pushing out old, weaker hairs in the process.

Minoxidil, originally developed as an oral medication for high blood pressure, was found to have a side effect of promoting hair growth. When applied topically, it increases blood flow and nutrients to hair follicles. This stimulation revitalizes the follicles, but in doing so, it can accelerate the natural shedding of existing hair to make way for new, healthier strands. This is a crucial, if unsettling, step toward achieving thicker, fuller hair.

The Hair Growth Cycle and Minoxidil's Effect

To understand minoxidil shedding, it's essential to know the four phases of the hair growth cycle:

Anagen (Growth Phase): The active growing stage where hair cells divide rapidly. It lasts for several years, with around 85-90% of hairs typically in this phase. Minoxidil works to prolong this phase.
Catagen (Transition Phase): A brief transitional period of about 10 days where hair growth stops and the follicle shrinks.
Telogen (Resting Phase): A resting period lasting around three months, where the hair follicle is dormant. Minoxidil significantly shortens this phase, forcing follicles to move into the growth phase sooner.
Exogen (Shedding Phase): The final stage where the hair detaches from the follicle and falls out. Minoxidil accelerates this process for hairs that were already preparing to shed, causing the noticeable increase in hair fall.

When minoxidil is applied, it synchronizes the hair cycles of many follicles at once. This means hairs that were already in the resting or about-to-shed phases are all pushed into the shedding phase at the same time, leading to the increased hair fall. This "follicular flushing" creates a clean slate for the follicles to produce new, stronger hair.

The Minoxidil Shedding Timeline

The timeline for minoxidil shedding varies among individuals but generally follows a predictable pattern.

Typical Timeline

Weeks 2-4: Shedding may begin, though it can be minimal and unnoticed by some users.
Weeks 6-12: The shedding phase typically peaks during this period as follicles reset their cycles.
Weeks 12-16: Shedding should gradually slow down and decrease as the hair cycle normalizes and new growth begins.
Months 4-6: Most users will find their shedding has returned to a baseline level, and they will begin to see noticeable regrowth of thicker, healthier hair.

It's important to be patient during this phase and continue with the treatment. The new hair growing in will be thicker and longer, gradually replacing the hair that was shed. If excessive shedding continues past the six-month mark, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist to rule out other causes.

How to Manage Hair Shedding During the Dread Shed

Stay Consistent with Application: The most important step is to continue using minoxidil as directed. Stopping abruptly can worsen the shedding and halt any progress. Inconsistent use can prolong the shedding phase.
Be Patient: Understand that this is a temporary and necessary part of the treatment. Remind yourself that shedding is a sign that the treatment is working, and new hair growth is on its way.
Try to Mask the Thinning: If the temporary thinning causes significant anxiety, you can use cosmetic products like hair thickening sprays with microfibers to add the appearance of volume. Wearing a hat or scarf can also help conceal thinning while you wait for new growth.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Support your hair health with proper nutrition and stress management, as both can impact hair growth.
Consult a Professional: If shedding seems extreme, lasts longer than 4-6 months, or if you develop other concerning side effects, speak with a healthcare provider. They can rule out other underlying health issues.

Minoxidil Shedding vs. Progressive Hair Loss

It can be difficult to distinguish minoxidil shedding from ongoing hair loss, but there are key differences.


Feature	Minoxidil Shedding	Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) Hair Loss
Onset	Abrupt, starting within weeks of treatment.	Gradual, progressive thinning over time.
Duration	Temporary, typically lasting a few months before subsiding.	Chronic and continuous, without intervention.
Type of Hair	Pushes out existing, often miniaturized or resting, hairs.	Gradual miniaturization of hair follicles, leading to thinner, shorter hairs.
Associated Signs	Occurs after starting minoxidil and precedes the growth of thicker hair.	Persistent thinning and noticeable reduction in hair density over a prolonged period.
Reversibility	The hair shed will regrow thicker and stronger as the treatment takes effect.	Reverses to previous state if minoxidil is stopped.

Conclusion

Yes, it is common and normal for hair to shed when using minoxidil. This initial and temporary increase in hair loss is an encouraging sign that the medication is working by resetting your hair's natural growth cycle. While the "dread shed" can be an anxiety-inducing part of the process, it is a crucial step toward achieving the desired results. By understanding the mechanism behind the shedding, being patient, and staying consistent with your treatment, you can navigate this phase and look forward to the thicker, healthier hair that follows. For more detailed information on minoxidil, including its mechanism of action, refer to reputable medical resources.

Understanding the Cycle: Recognizing the natural hair growth cycle can help you understand why shedding is a necessary part of the process when minoxidil is introduced.
Stay the Course: The most important thing to remember is not to stop treatment when you start shedding. Consistency is key to seeing a successful outcome.
Results Take Time: While shedding is temporary, significant regrowth takes time, often appearing 4 to 8 months after consistent use.
Consult Your Doctor: If you have concerns, especially if shedding is prolonged or extreme, consult a healthcare provider or dermatologist.
Focus on the Future: Remember that the hair you are shedding was already weak and likely destined to fall out. You are simply making way for stronger, healthier growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, minoxidil shedding is generally considered a good sign. It indicates that the medication is actively resetting the hair growth cycle and pushing out old, weaker hairs to make room for new, stronger ones.

Minoxidil shedding is temporary and typically lasts between two and eight weeks, sometimes up to four months. Shedding often peaks around the 6- to 12-week mark before gradually subsiding.

After the shedding phase, you can expect to see new, healthier hair growth. The new strands will be thicker and longer, leading to an overall fuller appearance over time with continued use.

Minoxidil causes hair shedding by accelerating the hair growth cycle. It pushes hair follicles from the resting (telogen) phase into the shedding (exogen) phase sooner than they would naturally, preparing them for a new and longer growth (anagen) phase.

No, not all minoxidil users experience shedding. The reaction can vary widely from person to person. Some may notice significant shedding, while others may experience only minimal shedding or none at all.

No, it is important not to stop using minoxidil if you start shedding. Stopping abruptly can interrupt the process and reverse any progress made, potentially leading to further hair loss. Staying consistent is crucial for achieving the desired results.

No, minoxidil shedding is temporary and does not cause permanent hair loss. The hair you lose during this phase was already in the process of shedding naturally and will be replaced by new, healthier growth.