How Long Before I Know if Minoxidil (Rogaine) is Working?

This question comes from a member of our hair loss social community and discussion forums: 

I recently starting taking minoxidil (Rogaine) for my hair loss. It’s been a few months now, and all I notice is an increase in the amount of shedding hair (which I know happens at first). I’m wondering, however, how long do I wait before determining whether or not minoxidil is working?

It generally takes 6 months to determine whether or not you are a responder. This represents the time it takes for the now “resting” or telogen phase follicles to transition into an anagen – or “growth” – state (this is where the initial 3-4 month increased shedding comes into play) and produce visible hairs. However, most hair restoration experts recommend taking the medication for a full 12 months before determining whether or not it works for you. This obviously does not take intolerance from side effects into account.
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Blake Bloxham – formerly “Future_HT_Doc”

Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning

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