How Much Hair Loss Due to Shedding is Common When Starting Rogaine (Minoxidil)?

I am female and my doctor told me to use Rogaine Foam to treat my balding. I am worried about the shedding period in the first 3 weeks. How much hair do you actually lose? I am in a professional program at school so I cannot wear bandanas or hats to cover up my thinning hair.

Unfortunately, there is no way to predict how much hair loss due to shedding you will experience upon starting Rogaine (minoxidil). Some people experience little to no shedding at all while others complain that they appear even balder than they did prior to starting the drug. While the shedding typically occurs in the first two to three weeks, it will take three to four months regrow hair shed during that time. For this reason, we recommend that new minoxidil users continue to apply the product as directed for no less than 6 months before assessing their results.

Shedding is typically seen as a good sign. During the shedding phase, your head is releasing the dying miniaturized hairs that will eventually be replaced with thicker, darker follicles.

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David (TakingThePlunge)
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David aka - TakingthePlunge

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View Comments

David aka - TakingthePlunge says:

April 19, 2012 at 2:03 am

Tony,

Yes, this is perfectly normal as explained in the article above. Miniaturized, dying hairs are being shed during this time and they will eventually be replaced with darker, more robust follicles.

The shedding phase may last from a couple of weeks to a couple of months but it may take six months to one year before you begin to see the benefits of the drug.

Be patient and keep using it as directed.

David
Tony says:

April 18, 2012 at 11:15 pm

Hello, my hair as a little thin so I stated using minoxidil
I notice I'm losing a lot more hair is it normal? How
Long would this shedding will last ?
Please help
Blake aka - FutureHTDoc says:

March 28, 2012 at 12:07 am

Tony,

Yes, you can utilize minoxidil and low level laser therapy (LLLT) together. However, as of now, the jury is still out on LLLT, so I recommend pairing the minoxidil with another proven hair restoration agent like Propecia (finasteride).

I hope this helps!

Blake (Future_HT_Doc)
Editorial Assistant
Tony says:

March 27, 2012 at 10:38 pm

My hair is a bit thinning can I start using monixidil and
Laser comb together to prevent hair loss?? Please help!