Will hair grow back after stopping steroids? A guide to medication-induced hair loss and recovery

October 6, 2025 •

5 min read

In many cases, hair loss caused by corticosteroids is temporary, while hair loss from anabolic steroids can be permanent, especially for individuals with a genetic predisposition. Understanding the type of steroid and how it affects hair growth is the first step in addressing the question of 'will hair grow back after stopping steroids?'.

Quick Summary

Whether hair grows back after stopping steroids depends on the medication type, dosage, and genetic factors. Anabolic steroids can cause permanent loss linked to DHT, while corticosteroids often cause temporary shedding.

Key Points

Type of Steroid Matters: Hair loss from corticosteroids is often reversible, while loss caused by anabolic steroids may be permanent, especially with a genetic predisposition.
Anabolic Steroids and DHT: Anabolic steroids can accelerate male-pattern baldness in susceptible individuals by increasing DHT levels, which causes hair follicles to miniaturize.
Corticosteroids Cause Temporary Shedding: Corticosteroids like prednisone can disrupt the hair cycle, causing temporary shedding (telogen effluvium) that typically resolves after the medication is stopped.
Timeline for Regrowth: Hair regrowth after stopping corticosteroids usually begins within 6 months, while recovery from anabolic-induced loss is less certain and more complex.
Medical Consultation is Crucial: Never stop a prescribed steroid without consulting a doctor. A medical professional can assess the cause of hair loss and recommend appropriate treatment.
Treatment Options Are Available: For permanent loss, treatments like Finasteride or hair transplants may help. For temporary shedding, Minoxidil and lifestyle adjustments can support recovery.

Understanding Steroid-Induced Hair Loss

The term 'steroids' encompasses a broad class of medications with different mechanisms and effects, including hair loss. The two primary types of steroids relevant to hair health are corticosteroids and anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS). It is crucial to distinguish between these two, as their impact on hair and the potential for regrowth differ significantly.

Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids and Hair Loss

Anabolic-androgenic steroids are synthetic variations of the male hormone testosterone, often misused by some individuals to enhance muscle growth and athletic performance. They have a profound effect on the body's hormonal balance. The main mechanism behind anabolic steroid-induced hair loss involves a potent hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

When anabolic steroids elevate testosterone levels in the body, a portion of this testosterone is converted into DHT by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. For individuals with a genetic predisposition to androgenic alopecia (male-pattern or female-pattern hair loss), DHT binds to receptors in genetically susceptible hair follicles, causing them to shrink and miniaturize over time. This process shortens the hair's growth phase (anagen) and leads to thinner, shorter hair until the follicle eventually becomes dormant. For this reason, hair loss induced by anabolic steroids is often permanent and not fully reversible, even after stopping use. Early cessation can halt the progression, but existing damage is difficult to undo.

Corticosteroids and Hair Thinning

Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are powerful anti-inflammatory medications prescribed for a variety of medical conditions like arthritis, allergies, and autoimmune diseases. Unlike anabolic steroids, corticosteroids do not directly elevate DHT levels. Instead, they can disrupt the natural hair growth cycle, pushing more hair follicles into the resting (telogen) phase prematurely. This condition is known as telogen effluvium, which is characterized by temporary, widespread shedding or thinning. Hair loss from corticosteroids is more likely to be temporary. Once the medication is stopped (under medical supervision), and hormonal balance is restored, the hair cycle can normalize, leading to regrowth within several months.

The Regrowth Timeline: What to Expect

The timeframe for hair regrowth after stopping steroids is highly variable and depends on several factors, including the type of steroid, the duration and dosage of use, and individual genetics.

For hair loss caused by corticosteroids (telogen effluvium), regrowth typically begins within a few months after discontinuing the medication. The shedding will slow down as the hair growth cycle returns to normal, and new growth should become noticeable within six to nine months.

For hair loss resulting from anabolic steroid use, the prognosis for full regrowth is less certain. If the hair follicles have been permanently miniaturized by prolonged exposure to high DHT levels, full regrowth may not be possible. However, ceasing use can prevent further damage and may lead to some recovery of a receding hairline or thinning areas, especially when combined with other treatments. It is critical to stop anabolic steroid misuse as soon as possible to maximize the chances of recovery and prevent irreversible damage.

How to Encourage Hair Regrowth after Stopping Steroids

Medical Treatments

Minoxidil: An over-the-counter topical treatment (or oral prescription) that helps stimulate hair growth and increase blood flow to hair follicles. It is effective for multiple forms of hair loss, including telogen effluvium.
Finasteride: A prescription medication that works by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which in turn reduces DHT levels. This is a key treatment for anabolic steroid-induced androgenetic alopecia in men but is not recommended for hair loss from corticosteroids.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Healthy Diet: Ensure you are getting adequate vitamins and nutrients, especially those essential for hair health like iron, zinc, and biotin.
Stress Management: High stress levels can exacerbate hair loss. Practicing relaxation techniques, exercise, and meditation can help manage stress and promote a healthier environment for hair growth.
Gentle Hair Care: Avoid harsh hair products, tight hairstyles, and excessive heat styling that can further damage fragile hair.

Hair Restoration Procedures

For individuals with significant, permanent hair loss caused by anabolic steroid use, procedures like Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) or Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) may be an option. These surgical procedures involve transplanting hair follicles from a donor area to balding or thinning areas.

Comparison of Hair Loss and Regrowth by Steroid Type


Feature	Anabolic Steroids	Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone)
Mechanism of Hair Loss	Increases DHT levels, causing follicular miniaturization (androgenetic alopecia).	Disrupts the hair growth cycle, leading to temporary shedding (telogen effluvium).
Potential for Regrowth	Less likely to achieve full regrowth, especially after prolonged use and in genetically predisposed individuals; damage can be permanent.	Typically reversible once medication is stopped and hormone levels normalize.
Severity of Hair Loss	Can accelerate male-pattern baldness, resulting in a receding hairline or thinning crown.	Often causes diffuse thinning or temporary shedding across the scalp.
Speed of Onset	May occur within a few weeks to months of use, accelerating a pre-existing genetic condition.	Typically occurs after several months of use or with high doses.
Common Regrowth Timeline	Variable and less predictable; requires medical intervention for best results.	Regrowth usually begins within 6 months of stopping medication.

When to See a Doctor

If you are experiencing hair loss while taking steroids, it is vital to consult a healthcare professional. Never stop taking a prescribed medication abruptly, as this can lead to severe health complications. A doctor can evaluate your specific situation, help determine the cause of the hair loss, and recommend a personalized plan. They may be able to adjust your dosage, switch to an alternative medication, or prescribe treatments to aid in regrowth.

Conclusion: The Path to Recovery

For many, the prospect of hair loss from medication can be distressing. However, understanding the pharmacological differences between steroid types offers a clearer path forward. If hair loss is caused by corticosteroids, stopping the medication (under medical guidance) is typically the most effective solution, with a high likelihood of hair regrowth. For those with anabolic steroid-induced hair loss, early intervention is critical to halt progression, and a combination of cessation, medical treatments like finasteride, and potentially hair restoration procedures may be necessary. In all cases, consulting a medical professional is the essential first step toward a healthy scalp and a full head of hair.

For more information on drug-induced hair loss, visit a trusted health information source like MedlinePlus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hair loss from corticosteroids is typically temporary and a result of telogen effluvium, a temporary shedding condition. Once the medication is stopped and hormonal balance is restored, hair growth often resumes within several months.

After stopping prednisone, your hair should begin to recover within about six months as your hormones return to their normal balance. The full volume may take longer to return.

Anabolic steroids can trigger or accelerate hair loss in those genetically prone to male-pattern baldness by increasing the conversion of testosterone into DHT, a hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink.

Hair loss from anabolic steroids may not be fully reversible, especially if prolonged use has permanently miniaturized hair follicles. However, stopping the steroid can prevent further damage and may lead to some regrowth, especially with additional treatments.

You should consult a healthcare professional. Never stop a prescribed steroid abruptly. Your doctor can evaluate your condition and recommend adjusting your dosage, switching medication, or starting treatments to promote regrowth.

Depending on the cause, treatments can include FDA-approved medications like topical Minoxidil (Rogaine) and oral Finasteride, nutritional supplements, and in cases of permanent loss, hair transplant procedures like FUE or FUT.

Yes, excessive or prolonged use of topical corticosteroids on the scalp can sometimes contribute to hair thinning or suppress hair follicles. However, this is less common than with systemic (oral) steroids.