Minoxidil : Did it help?

by Aaron
(Malaysia)

I have been on it for 2 years plus and initially the first 3 months I see some regrowth of tiny hair around my temples and some thickening of hair at my crown. However at six months period I had a big shed and at this time also I had tight and itchy scalp, very bad dandruff and a little pain when I comb my hair.

Following on from the six months mark, I had some recovery and regrowth from the shed hair. I noticed some thickening as well but occasionally it will have pretty bad shedding after some thickening. The hairs that fall out are all big black terminal hair with white bulb attached. I had dandruff since.

I went to see 2 dermatologists and told them about the dandruff, tight scalp and more hair loss. Before I started minoxidil I had a thinning spot at the crown area and the rest leading to my hairline all are thick healthy hair. However, after the big shed I’m thin all over the top.

One doctor told me that shouldn’t be as minoxidil helps to rejuvenate hair and ask me to apply twice a day since I’m applying it once at night. Another doctor asked me to try Propecia. I dare not risk Propecia because of the sexual side effects. They both ended up just prescribing me Ketoconazole shampoos.

I had some relieved from the Ketoconazole shampoo but it had turn into a vicious cycle. Bad dandruff, shampoo felt nice then again more bad dandruff. Along the way, I don’t know what to do but to continue using minoxidil every night hoping for more regrowth. During this period I will have some hair thickening then shedding of terminal black hairs with white bulbs in cycles. I suffer dandruff, pain tight scalp and itchiness all this while since minoxidil. Will hair grow under this situation?


I really do not know what to do now. All I can say is the before I start minoxidil I just had a thinning spot at the crown area but now the crown area had some filled up but I’m thin all over the top plus bad dandruff, dry itch and tight scalp with some flaking.

I had thought about cessation of minoxidil but I I’m really afraid of another big shed of the discontinuation and what can I then replace minoxidil for the hope of some regrowth? I heard that you can wean it off to minimise the shedding but anyone have any experience to share?

If I manage to stop minoxidil slowly, what can I replace for topical without all these nightmare? Audace hair tonic? Virgin coconut oil? Spectral RS? (Likely to cause shedding too like minoxidil?), Apple Vinegar Cider?
Please help.

Editor’s Comments,

Hi there. Thanks for sharing. From what I can see, your scalp might be having a slight allergic reaction towards Minoxidil because most formulas contain alcohol. Over application or sensitive skin can cause dryness and redness, which can lead to dandruff and scalp tightening.

Minoxidil is indeed a very good hair loss treatment for genetically related balding so I might not think it’s such a good idea to wean it off as there are not many other treatments that can replace minoxidil mechanism to promote hair growth.

Maybe the brand of minox you are using contain more alcohol than others? You might want to try switching brands to see that helps as some brands use better quality ingredients. You can also try to keep your hair moist by using a moisturizing conditioner that can keep the scalp moistened and fresh. A hot oil treatment does great with your hair and scalp too!