I'm really concerned because I've been using minoxidil for about 8 months now, and lately I've noticed that my hair is falling out quite a bit. It's like every time I comb my hair, apply the minoxidil, or even just touch my scalp, I see 7 or 8 strands coming out. What could be causing this, and what should I do about it?

Dr Anshul Maheshwari

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 5+ Yrs

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Excessive hair fall after using minoxidil for 8 months is concerning.

Possible Causes

1. Minoxidil side effect: Hair fall is a rare but possible side effect of minoxidil.
2. Over-stimulation: Long-term use of minoxidil can cause over-stimulation of hair growth, leading to hair fall.
3. Underlying condition: An underlying condition, such as androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, or scalp inflammation, might be contributing to hair fall.

Recommendations

1. Consult a dermatologist: Stop using minoxidil and consult a dermatologist to determine the underlying cause of hair fall.
2. Reduce minoxidil frequency: If the dermatologist recommends continuing minoxidil, try reducing the frequency of application to once a day or every other day.
3. Add a scalp serum: Use a scalp serum containing ingredients like saw palmetto, biotin, or keratin to help strengthen hair follicles and reduce hair fall.
4. Maintain a gentle hair care routine: Avoid excessive heat styling, use a gentle shampoo, and minimize combing or brushing to reduce hair fall.

Answered 04/07/2025