Tag: Hair growth cycle

Over 18% of minoxidil users experience an initial phase of increased hair shedding, often called the “dread shed”. So, why does hair shed when using minoxidil, and is this temporary side effect a normal part of the process? The shedding is an expected and temporary part of treatment, indicating that the medication is actively working to reset your hair’s growth cycle and make way for new, healthier strands.

According to dermatological studies, pubic hair has a significantly shorter growth phase than scalp hair, which is the primary reason it does not grow to extreme lengths. This genetically programmed growth cycle explains why there is a max length for pubic hair, which is fundamentally different from the hair on your head.

Androgenetic alopecia, or pattern hair loss, affects an estimated 50 million men and 30 million women in the United States [1.6.2]. For many using minoxidil, a critical question arises: **Will I lose all my hair if I stop minoxidil?**

In clinical trials, a temporary increase in hair shedding was noted within the first 2–12 weeks of using 5% minoxidil. Knowing the typical timeline for this initial "dread shed" is crucial for anyone wondering, how long does minoxidil shedding last? This temporary phase is actually a positive sign that the medication is actively resetting the hair growth cycle.

According to clinical studies, many minoxidil users experience a temporary increase in hair shedding within the first few weeks of treatment. This phenomenon is a normal and expected part of the process, and understanding why **does minoxidil create more hair loss** initially is key to staying the course for eventual regrowth.

Clinical studies show finasteride can reduce DHT levels in the bloodstream by about 70% within 24 hours of the first dose, but the first signs of finasteride working often manifest differently and with a delayed, subtle progression. Understanding these early indicators requires patience and knowing that your hair's natural growth cycle is being reset to combat hair loss effectively.

While many people start finasteride to stop hair loss, a significant number experience an initial period of increased hair shedding. This seemingly counterintuitive reaction is a normal and often positive sign that the medication is working by resetting the hair growth cycle and making way for healthier, stronger hair.

For some individuals, observing more hair shedding during the initial months of finasteride treatment is a normal, and often encouraging, part of the process. While it can seem counterintuitive, this temporary phase is an important indicator that the medication is actively working to reset your hair's growth cycle. In this article, we delve into the science behind this phenomenon to answer the question, "Do you shed more on finasteride?"

Though a 10-year study indicated over 99% of men using finasteride saw no further hair loss progression, many still inquire: can finasteride shed hair?. This initial, temporary increase in shedding is a common and expected part of the treatment.

An estimated 83% of men with male pattern baldness taking finasteride successfully halted further hair loss after nearly a year of use. However, many users experience a temporary increase in shedding in the initial months, causing concern about how to stop finasteride shedding.