Is Rogaine (Minoxidil) An Effective Defense Against Future Hair Loss?

I got a satisfying result from my hair transplant surgery. It was 1100 grafts, just the temples and frontal area mainly. No bald spot or any noticeable thinning hair. I am on Rogaine and have been since I got surgery and have noticed no further baldness.

Do you think it’s possible I got an early mature hairline and my hair loss may still occur, but very slowly and maybe nothing major for years down the road? My biggest fear is more recession but I honestly haven’t noticed the slightest bit. Is Rogaine doing the trick and do you recommend it as a defense like I use it?

Anything is possible with hair loss. You can try to make predictions based on family history, etc. But, in the end, only time will tell. It’s certainly possible that your hair loss may continue to progress slowly over time.

Rogaine (minoxidil) is clinically proven to regrow hair and I highly recommend it. But, it’s important to remember that it does nothing to curb the progression of genetic hair loss like its counterpart Propecia (finasteride) does, since it’s not a DHT inhibitor. Rather, it seems to work by increasing blood flow to the follicles and helping hairs that would otherwise miniaturize, remain strong and healthy for a longer period of time than they would without the drug.

Keep doing what you’re doing and keep an eye out for future thinning. If you see any changes, you may want to consider adding Propecia to your regimen down the road.

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David (TakingThePlunge)
Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q & A Blog.
To share ideas with other hair loss sufferers visit the hair loss forum and social community.

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