Day: January 1, 2023

I am a 42 year old male and my hairline began to recede about 3 years ago, primarily on the sides. In addition, the hair in the sideburn area began to thin as well.

To combat this I decided to go to a medical hair treatment consultant 8 months ago. They suggested hair transplants of about 1000-1400 grafts, but I could first try the Propecia & Rogaine combo. I opted for the latter.

After about a month I noticed a huge difference in hair loss. I went from seeing dozens of hairs on my pillow and on my hands when washing my hair, to just a few here and there. At the 6 month mark I began to notice small peach fuzz hairs along the hairline which had been smooth before. Now I am beginning to get hair where hair did not grow before in the lower temporal and side burn areas. Instead of a horseshoe area it is shaped more like a triangle.

My question to you is, will this peach fuzz hairs become thicker? Also, is the hair that was never there before an anomaly?

It is a known side effect of Rogaine (minoxidil) that it will grow hair on other parts of the body, possibly from systemic absorption. When the drug was first developed it was used as an antihypertensive and the side effects were not detectable in women treated systemically with abnormal hair growth on the face and elsewhere.

I can not answer your question directly, but you may be unusually sensitive to this drug’s side effect (of hair loss). Wait it out or stop it. If it continues to grow hair, make sure it is in the areas you want to or just stop it.

Doctor..

Had slow diffuse thinning for years. Just turned 60 with what many thought was a full head of hair. Though i knew it was thinning. Thought I was years away from needing a transplant until switched to Rogaine foam which devastated my hairline within a month. Lost years in days. The company told me to stop using it. So the question is, should I consider a transplant now or wait to see if the hairline grows back? Read a lot about minoxidil shed hair grows back (though all I did was switch brands) and am on another brand now, but grow back at the hairline? I highly doubt it. What do you think?

Without an exam, this is a highly subjective question to answer. Moreover, we do not give medical recommendations on BaldingBlog.

Rogaine (minoxidil) can sometime cause initial shedding, but it should generally reverse over time (should wait at least 1 year). You may see the reversal in as early as 3 months.

Dr. Rassman,
I am confused as to why you said it would take 1-2 years to see results with Rogaine 5% Foam versus the 3 to 4 months that is usually mentioned for any results. I thought the cycle of hair growth is generally a four month turnover process and am wondering why you said I would need to wait 1-2 years. Again, I am a 48 year old female with androgenetic alopecia. Thank you.

It takes time for the hair to grow out, so any benefit of minoxidil that is obtained in the 4-6 month hair cycle, needs to grow to styling length to see value. Sure, you might see tiny baby hairs sprouting up, but those aren’t at a length that is manageable. Hair grows at the rate of 1/2 inch a month, so by adding the numbers together, we get to the estimates I gave before —

+	4 months (growth cycle) 6 months (to grow a three-inch hair length)
=	10 months

Then add to this the reality that it may take up to a year for the full benefit of the minoxidil to be realized.

I am a 21 year old male who has recently (6 weeks ago) started using Rogaine foam. I had noticed the hair at my temples thinning but the hair elsewhere on my head I was happy with- it has been the same thickness (I THINK) since I was 16.

I have a couple quick questions which I would be extremely grateful that you answered to put my mind at ease!

Firstly, will 5% minoxidil foam help this type of balding? I have only been applying the foam to my temple area. Secondly, since starting the treatment, my hair has been shedding more ALL OVER. This has lasted the whole 6 weeks (getting slightly better now). I have noticed this is said to be a good sign but should the shedding last this long and is it normal for the minoxidil to affect the hair I haven’t applied it too? Finally, the texture of my hair has changed all over since beginning treatment, feeling more dry and lifeless. Is this normal or should I be worried?

Thank You!

Rogaine Foam is meant for use on the top, crown, or vertex area of the scalp. It is not likely to work on the front temples. I realize many people apply the foam to the front areas, but it will have minimal effect (if any).

Rogaine should not cause hair loss or shedding of hair all over the scalp, though it may cause some initial shedding in the first month, as I have heard some people mention this phenomenon. With continued use it should grow back.

I am not aware of changes in texture of hair being a common side effect, though I suppose the alcohol in the treatment could be the culprit.

hello doctor,

My question is ive been doing both rogaine and propecia for almost ten years. All of a sudden a couple months ago i started to get some dandruff (mild case). i am now using dhs zinc shampoo. the dandruff is still there but im controlling it and its not too bad. should i stop using the rogaine as it may be causing the dandruff? and if i use rogaine having some dandruff will that cause hair loss? (i did see my dermatologist and he didnt seem to concerned about me having the dandruff plus using the rogaine)

Thank you for your time

Rogaine (minoxidil) can cause scalp irritation and give you flaking. The use of zinc shampoos like Head and Shoulders works to control dandruff, so you’re on the right path. You will not develop hair loss from the dandruff.