What Happens When You Stop Using Minoxidil? Trichologist Explains

If you’ve considered using minoxidil as a treatment for hair loss, you’ve likely heard that it’s a commitment, and consistency is key. Once you start using it, you have to keep using it in order to maintain the hair-thickening results. But what happens when you stop using minoxidil? Does the new hair growth that it caused go away too? And is it ever OK to take a break from using the treatment known for slowing hair loss or preventing hair loss in the first place? To get the answers to these questions and more, we turned to hair loss practitioner and certified trichologist Mandy Buechner . Read on to learn how hair can be affected when/if you stop using minoxidil.

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What happens when you stop using minoxidil?

“If you stop using minoxidil, any new hair growth may be lost, and you may return to the state of hair loss that would have occurred without treatment,” says Buechner. “This is because minoxidil is not a cure for hair loss, it is a tool to manipulate the chemistry in and on your body causing the hair loss. If you stop manipulating that chemistry, your hair loss will revert back.”

TikToker @lorraineannvelasco showcases what happened when she stopped using minoxidil in the video below.

And as far as why some people stop using minoxidil, TikToker and dermatologist @drnomzzy points to some reasons in his video below.

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Is it OK to take a break from using minoxidil?

Instead of taking a complete break, it is best to move to applying every other day and work your way down to one to two times a week, says Buechner. “This can help maintain results while ‘taking a break.’’”

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If you’re dealing with side effects from minoxidil…

For those using a 5% minoxidil treatment, this higher concentration can be irritating to some. So before stopping use of minoxidil altogether, try switching to a lower 2 percent formula first. And, if you’re still experiencing irritation, it’s best to consult a doctor or certified trichologist.

Buechner also notes that unwanted facial hair growth is an adverse effect of using minoxidil for hair thinning. Making sure you’re only placing the treatment where you’d like hair to grow is key to preventing this. But if it still occurs even when you’re taking the proper precautions, again, seek guidance from a professional.

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What can be used instead of minoxidil to treat hair loss?

While there are a number of products that work like minoxidil for female pattern hair loss, there is one hair care line that Buechner recommends to all of her clients. “I highly recommend the Nutri-Ox Thinning Hair System for anyone experiencing thinning hair or seeking to improve their hair's overall health and appearance,” she says. “This comprehensive system is expertly designed to target the unique needs of thinning hair, combining advanced formulations and effective ingredients to deliver fuller-looking hair in as little as one week.”

Buechner goes on to say that this system “includes a well-curated selection of products that work synergistically to nourish and strengthen hair from the roots. The system features a shampoo, conditioner, and a densifying tonic (non-minoxidil), each formulated with ingredients aimed at promoting healthier, fuller-looking hair.” Plus, she adds that the products in this kit are gentle on both the scalp and hair follicles, making them suitable for daily use to stop hair loss “This balanced approach ensures that your hair care routine supports both immediate and long-term benefits.”

See more expert-backed tips and tricks for thickening thin hair:

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