Minoxidil
Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to hair follicles to help follicles stay in the growth phase longer. When you start taking Minoxidil, the medication will help to release mature follicles that are no longer growing (and that would have fallen out eventually) to help make room for new healthy hair to come in. This is normal and means the medication is working. Think of this like a “purge” phase that can happen when you introduce a new skincare routine. It might get worse briefly before it gets better. Hang in there to see results.
Typically, the shedding will start after a few weeks and last for a few weeks after that—until it slows down as new hair grows in. It will not release any hair strands that would not have otherwise been impacted by hair loss.
The most common side effects of Oral Minoxidil in low doses used to treat hair thinning and hair loss can be increased hair growth on the face or body (hypertrichosis).
In a clinical study of 1404 patients looking at the safety of Oral Minoxidil, 15% experienced increased hair growth on their face or body, but only 0.5% of participants stopped treatment as a result of that side effect.
Other potential and less common side effects include lightheadedness, palpitations, leg swelling, headaches, swelling around the eyes, and insomnia.
Learn more about potential side effects through your medication overview.
