How bad is the shed phase really?

Chat 3/31/2026

Oral minoxidil is generally effective for hair loss but may cause side effects like heart palpitations and facial puffiness. Users highlight the importance of monitoring blood pressure due to potential cardiovascular risks.

A user started taking 0.625mg oral minoxidil daily for hair loss, increased the dose to 1.25mg, and experienced a significant shed, losing 70% of scalp density. They cannot tolerate finasteride due to side effects but are hopeful for hair regrowth despite the shedding.

The conversation discusses the emotional struggle of hair shedding while using finasteride and minoxidil, with users sharing encouragement and tips like using hair fibers, cutting hair shorter, and trusting the process for eventual regrowth. Many users emphasize that shedding is temporary and a sign that the treatment is working, suggesting patience and temporary solutions like hats and hair fibers.

A user switched from finasteride to dutasteride to combat hair thinning but noticed overall thinner hair without shedding. Another user suggested that hair can't thin without shedding and recommended adding finasteride pills for peace of mind.

PP405 shows promise in activating dormant hair follicles and increasing hair counts but lacks detailed efficacy data compared to minoxidil and finasteride. Opinions are mixed, with some optimism and skepticism about its effectiveness.