You start using Minoxidil, terrified but hopeful. You get through the dreaded initial shed (the one everyone warns you about), and then… things start looking up. Hair’s coming in, your confidence is back, you're finally believing the whole journey was worth it.
And then—bam. Month 8. Hair everywhere. In the drain. On your pillow. In your brush. Again.
Cue panic.
Is this normal? Did I mess something up? Am I going bald all over again? I was deep in Reddit threads, YouTube comment sections, even on obscure dermatology forums at 2 a.m. looking for answers.
Here’s what I found—and what I wish someone had told me before I spiraled.
Yep, a Second Shed Is Real (and No, You’re Not Cursed)
It turns out, a second shed around month 6–9 isn’t unheard of—especially for long-term Minoxidil users. Think of it like this: Minoxidil shortens the “rest” phase (telogen) of your hair cycle and kicks more follicles into the growth phase (anagen). But not all your follicles sync up. So when the first “new” wave of hair finishes its cycle, it might all exit together.
Result? Another mini (or major) shed.
It’s like spring cleaning for your scalp. Unsettling? Yes. Permanent? Usually not.
So… Did Minoxidil Stop Working?
Probably not.
This second shed doesn’t mean your hair is rejecting the treatment. It's just your follicles reorganizing. You might notice thinner hairs falling out again—that’s actually a sign that stronger hairs are pushing them out.
But—and it’s a big but—if your hair density continues to drop significantly past month 9–10 with no regrowth, it might be time to re-evaluate with a derm.
How I Handled It (and What Helped)
I won’t lie—I had a minor breakdown in the shower. But once I calmed down, here’s what I did that helped:
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Stuck to the routine. Consistency matters. Stopping abruptly can actually make shedding worse.
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Upped my nutrition game. Added collagen, vitamin D, iron, and biotin. Turns out, hair health is not just topical.
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Scalp massages + microneedling (once a week). Helped stimulate the follicles and kept blood flow strong.
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Limited heat and tight hairstyles. My hair was fragile—so buns, straighteners, and even hats were off limits.
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Documented everything. Weekly photos kept me sane and let me track regrowth instead of focusing only on loss.
Final Thoughts: The Hair Regrowth Journey Is Not Linear
The hardest part of using Minoxidil isn’t applying it twice a day—it’s the mental game. The doubt. The emotional rollercoaster. The invisible progress. The fear of regression.
But if you're in month 8 and watching your progress seemingly go down the drain—take a breath. The second shed is real, annoying, and scary—but it can also be a sign that your scalp is still doing something.
Be patient with your scalp. Be kind to your nervous system. Trust the process—but also trust your gut. If things feel off, talk to a professional.
And if you’re crying in the bathroom wondering why your shower looks like a crime scene again—you’re not alone. We’ve been there. We’re still here. And you’re gonna be okay.
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