Faced with hair loss, we can resort to certain drugs to stop hair loss and considerably improve the quality of the hair. Among the most used is Minoxidil, which offers visible results in just a few months. But, is it true that the so-called shedding effect can occur from Minoxidil? It is normal?

From Hospital Capilar We tell you everything you need to know about the famous Minoxidil shedding effect, how to reverse it and when to be alarmed. Next!  

What is meant by the shedding effect?

The shedding effect is the diffuse hair loss due to its own hair life cycle in which the hair enters its telogen phase prematurely due to some hair treatment. This is also known as shock loss and is usually a cause for concern, especially in patients who have undergone a hair transplant. However, our doctors They assure that it is totally normal.

When it is due to the shedding effect that the hair falls, unlike a alopecia, it comes out again since there is no follicular damage. Only the stem comes off due to the natural process of hair renewal, sometimes accelerated by certain hair treatments.

What is Minoxidil?

El Minoxidil It is a very widespread drug mainly in the treatment of androgenic alopecia and hair miniaturization. It is an antihypertensive with a vasodilator effect that provides great benefits for the hair.

It is mainly used to thicken the hair in cases where there is miniaturized hair, in addition to strengthening it. This is achieved thanks to its vasodilator action that facilitates the arrival of nutrients to the hair follicles.

Does Minoxidil cause a shedding effect?

Minoxidil is a very widespread drug in the treatment of androgenic alopecia due to its great effects on increasing hair thickness. However, when starting the treatment we can experience what is known as the Minoxidil shedding effect.

Approximately 3 months after starting treatment, the patient experiences the Minoxidil shedding effect, that is, notice unusual hair loss. This is completely normal and occurs because this drug initially creates an imbalance in the hair cycle as weakened hair falls out and new, thicker, stronger, and higher-quality hair grows. That is, the hairs that are in their telogen phase go into the anagen phase almost simultaneously, for this reason we experience somewhat unusual hair loss. This hair loss will give way to the birth of stronger and denser hair..

How to treat the shedding effect by Minoxidil?

There is no treatment as such to stop the shedding effect from Minoxidil. It usually lasts a few weeks and the hair loss subsides without the need to opt for alternative treatments. However, when in doubt it is better to consult with an expert hair doctor to confirm that it is the shedding effect of Minoxidil and not any other adverse situation.